Scholars’ Reflections: The Power of a Thankful Heart

SCHOLARS’ REFLECTIONS

THE POWER OF A THANKFUL HEART

Matthew Chua

Class of 2027 Lasallian Scholarship Recipient “SJII is a very supportive community where the students’ wellbeing is a crucial part of its teaching. Its service-oriented nature encourages and empowers the students to serve the less fortunate. When I received the scholarship, I was ecstatic and my family was very proud and happy for me. This scholarship has given me opportunities that I would otherwise never have. It is a once-in-alifetime experience and I feel extremely honoured to be one of the inaugural recipients of this scholarship. I hope I can inspire others to help the less fortunate in my time in this school.”

Rachel Handoko Singapore Class of 2020

“Many times, I find myself in complete awe at the sheer amount of blessings I have received from this scholarship. The experience of studying in SJI International has truly given me breadth and depth in perspective, and allowed me to develop as an individual who strives to ‘Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve’. Through the support of my teachers and peers, I am able to lead my own CCAs, start my own local and regional advocacy projects, and even take part in multiple regional conferences. I hope to create the same opportunities for others through my CCAs and projects.”

Tuan Dung Nguyen

Vietnam Class of 2020

“I would compare my journey in SJII with being on a cruise, on which I was able to marvel at the vast ocean of experiences that was once too far out of reach. Being on this voyage has allowed me to immerse in an international environment, where I explore the hidden crevices of my character, through activities such as Challenge Week in Indonesia and Peer Mentoring Program. This journey, with its various highs and lows, has taught me to become a passionate, sympathetic, and well-equipped person who is ready to contribute for the betterment of the world.”

Janssen Tanuwijaya

Indonesia Class of 2020

“Enter to learn, leave to serve. This very motto echoes ever increasingly in my head as I am in my graduation year. Given this scholarship opportunity, I am introduced to the importance of service and significance of human connections. I have been exposed to a diverse variety of people where I am able to learn a lot of things from each and every individual. SJI International truly inspires me to never stop learning and always serving others.”

Some of our current scholars reflect on what the scholarship means to them, what they have learned on their journey so far, and how they plan to give back to the world and their communities in the future.

Class of 2027 Lasallian Scholarship Recipient “The scholarship has definitely impacted me and my family in many positive ways. It has lightened our financial burden and also made me and my family proud of my achievement. It also has shown me that I’m capable of accomplishing something this big and that I shouldn’t stop working hard to reach my dreams. It has also encouraged me to not give up and keep going on.

My experience in this school has been great so far. Most of the teachers are friendly and approachable. My classmates and friends are also helpful and caring. From my perspective, the time schedule for school is planned out well and so there’s enough time for me to communicate with my peers and have fun while we learn. The facilities are also very well maintained and it’s all thanks to the amazing cleaners who I see work hard day to day. Overall, I feel that SJI International is a place that you can seek comfort, safety and a great place to learn.

Darius Kawasoe

I definitely look forward to making more friends from all over the world so that we could talk about our differences and similarities as well as have fun talking about other things. I also definitely look forward to expanding my knowledge by going in-depth into the different subjects taught. I would also like to get to know more about the school and its history/story.”

Anh Duc Nguyen Vietnam Class of 2020

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” When talking about the scholarship, I do not resonate with this proverbial phrase in any sense. Materialistically speaking, the scholarship that SJI International gave me is not equivalent to only “lemons,” but it is rather tequila salt with lemons. Figuratively speaking, my scholarship offered me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and more importantly the valuable freedom to use that opportunity. As I am not restricted to only “make lemonade,” I am capable of doing so much more: using the lemons for my Chemistry IA for academic values, using the lemons to hold a fundraising competition “who can withstand most sourness” for service values, or using the lemons to hold a healthy party with people who are given the watermelons or pineapples for recreational values. The list of possibilities can go on forever, but no matter what I did, do or will do, I am tremendously grateful for the

Joaquin Torres

Philippines Class of 2020

“I believe that education has the power to change lives, so being given the opportunity to be part of the SJI International community has made a big difference in my life. Their holistic education has allowed me to not only explore subjects that I love through both classroom and experiential learning, but also develop my passions in theatre, create lifelong friendships, and serve communities such as underprivileged kids in Cambodia and South Sudan. Most especially, through this scholarship, I was able to give back to my mother and show her my gratitude for supporting me throughout my entire life. Moving forward, I will use this lifechanging education to continue to change lives, to use the lessons, values, and skills I’ve learned to inspire many people who, like me, believe in the power of education.”