Iñaki Hew

I'm headed to Queen's University, Canada.

Keen to play competitive soccer at the university level, I am pretty excited to be playing for the Gaels at Queen's University in Canada. Going to Queen's is very special to me because it's where my father and uncles went; and the Smith School of Business at Queen's has an acceptance rate of four percent.

Even as I look forward to starting this new journey, I know that I will miss IASAS events the most. Being an SAS Eagle at IASAS is truly an opportunity and privilege I treasured during my time at SAS.

In my three years at SAS it is the students and teachers who have had the strongest impact on me. When I first moved to Singapore, making friends was a huge challenge. However, the diversity at SAS offers a fantastic mix, giving me an opportunity to overcome shyness. A special shout out to Mr. Mackinnon from my junior year – an amazing mentor, a great friend, and a reliable advisor, who inspired me to push my mental and physical limits, and achieve what I had set out to do.

Learning time management skills – juggling school work, club work, and soccer, has prepared me for college life...or so I like to think!

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Gabriella Zhao

I will be taking a gap year to dedicate myself to United Singapore, addressing integration through campaigns in effort to combat the National Identity Crisis.

Having attended seven different schools, with four different curricula, I can pretty confidently say that the environment at SAS exemplifies what it is like to be among the best of the best. An opportunity to pursue passions, and the amazing support from the school administration is what sets this school apart. It upholds the American value in that it's truly a land of opportunity.

Building United Singapore from scratch, seeing everything I once spoke about manifested in front of me, is my proudest accomplishment so far. My ultimate goal is to ride the tide of revolution against discrimination and hatred between culturally diverse groups of people by adapting United Singapore's ideology of integration and unity on a global scale. Taking a gap year was never part of the plan, but this organization fuels my passion and I would like to take it a step further.

In the future, I plan to study international affairs or political science, and be an ambassador for global issues like integration and poverty alleviation

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Roopal Kondepudi

I'm headed to University of Southern California, USA.

Moving to SAS as an eighth grader was tough! I hadn't attended an American school since second grade and it took me over a year and a half to find friends, and figure out how I wanted to make the most of my experience at SAS.

Five years down the line, I am on my way to USC on a full-ride scholarship as a Trustee Scholar and a Viterbi Fellow. SAS does a great job of identifying and fostering students' strengths. I was encouraged to pursue my interests, whether it was starting a club, or meeting with Dr. Fahrney to approve a GIN conference. The variety of classes, clubs, and the diversity of interests at SAS allows nearly every student to find their niche.

SAS is a place I can call my own. What I'll miss most is the privilege of being a student to some of the best teachers. Walking into my counselor's room for a quick chat, heading over to the communications office to pitch a story idea, Ms. Goode's classes and mentorship, and Ms. Zuber Meehan, my biggest advocate and an inspiration in herself – these are the people and moments I will miss most.

At USC, I'm looking forward to the sheer opportunities that exist in college. I was accepted to every school I applied to, including Caltech, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Harvey Mudd, and Northwestern University. At nearly every University of California I was offered the Dean's or Regent's Scholarship. I ended up choosing USC because compared to other schools, I'll have more freedom to figure out exactly what I want to do, and because I'll graduate from college debt-free.

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Jessica Zhu

I'm headed to New York University, USA.

As with everything in life, once I'd overcome an obstacle, I'd discover another waiting in the wings. SAS has taught me to give it my all and strive for the best. Attending a large school with so many capable, talented students means that each student really has to push hard and try their best if they want to stand out. Running for officer positions or trying out for sports teams is extremely competitive and inspires you to put your best foot forward. After high school, the world only gets bigger and the number of capable individuals surrounding you only increases – the only way to succeed and achieve what you want is by being competitive.

Looking back, every badminton season was especially tough for me. Every player was constantly improving and there were always several other girls fighting for the same position that I wanted. It required a lot of mental and physical strength to keep going and striving for my goal. I struggled, and at times, I just wanted to break down and give up. But, I pushed on and made it. Getting the coveted spot was only half the battle. Playing for first doubles was hard. The games at IASAS were harder than any other I had played. I am really proud of who I've become as a person. Over the years, I've become very determined, ambitious and, I like to think, strong.

As I study game design at NYU it will combine two of my predominant passions – art and video games. Ever since I can remember, I've been glued to my colored pencils and video game consoles, so this seems like a dream career.

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Grady Olson

I'm headed to Santa Clara University, USA.

For the last seven years, SAS has been this melting pot of people and cultures I have come to love and appreciate. The diversity is amazing and opportunities abundant. Whether you like sports, drama, music, or even something as specific as robotics or stage design, there is a club or an activity for you.

SAS is made special by all of the passionate and hardworking faculty and staff here. Every teacher I have had at SAS genuinely cares about the learning of their students and is more than knowledgeablein their subject(s) of expertise. I always know exactly who to go to in our community when I face a problem, personal or academic.

At SAS, I played soccer all four years of high school. My participation in the Migrant Workers Outreach Program, and in Peer Support, along with Interim Semester trips ranging from service in the Kalahari to biking across Western Australia, offered new and varied perspectives on many issues.

Whether I become a neuroscientist or a pharmaceutical sales professional, I am excited to be in Santa Clara for the next four years with all the opportunities that Silicon Valley presents.

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Janvi Kalra

I'm headed to Darthmouth College, USA.

I like to understand how things work and hope to pursue a career in engineering. I look forward to exploring the resources offered in college, ranging from brilliant professors to cutting-edge research opportunities. As much as I am fascinated by science, I also plan to pursue a minor in some form of humanities.

At SAS, I participated in a variety of activities from Debate and Model United Nations to service clubs and the Catalyst Fellowship. However, what I will miss most, is SAS's warm community. From my peers to teachers to alumni — everyone I have reached out to has enthusiastically guided me in my journey.

SAS taught me that in every area there are always people more skilled than oneself, and so there is always someone to learn from. By observing and seeking guidance from the more experienced, we in turn improve our own abilities. This culture of excellence motivated me during my four years at SAS.

I am ever thankful to the teachers at SAS who make this school special. Common among all SAS teachers is a desire to help their students to succeed.They go the extra mile to help us outside class hours and care about our personal well being. They're more like friends –– making every classroom come alive with their banter and jokes.

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Brandon Zitur

Keen to study business in college, I am currently enlisted for National Service in Singapore. At NS, I look forward to forging new friendships with people who all share an identity but come from different backgrounds. I am also looking forward to growing as a person: socially, physically, and mentally.

An avid sports fan, I will definitely miss the environment that SAS provided for its students. The academic atmosphere, the social landscape, and the athletic opportunities that are given to students are amazing.

Every athletics team member at SAS has inspired me. If I were to state just one lesson that SAS has taught me, it would be the value of friendships. These relationships have helped me overcome tough situations and shed light on new perspectives on a wide range of topics.

My favorite memory would be the first days of school every year. Seeing everyone after months apart always brings a smile to my face, no matter the year. A shout out to all the wonderful teachers, faculty, staff, and students that make SAS an amazing school.

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