‘Family’ is key to the Nanyang Experience
This is what Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) is all about: It is one big and unique family where everyone can feel a sense of belonging and familiarity. As emphasized by the Principal, Mr. Kwek Hiok Chuang, “Students must find [NYJC] a place to learn important and critical life skills and we want the students to be happy and proud” of their college.
For 29th Student Council President, Lester Chee, his most memorable experience is his transformation to a student leader. He had come from a uniformed group, where orders are obeyed with no questions asked. But when he came to NYJC, he realized it was not so in the Student Council, where the concept of ‘leadership’ was more open and inclusive.
For the vice-captain of the NYJC Dragonboat team, Lam Yi He, the biggest change was his initial culture shock. He had come from an all boys secondary school, but he had found it easy to adapt to the co-ed environment and was happy to have been given leadership opportunities.
Some current Provisional Admission Exercise (PAE) JC1s, also have something to say about their experience during their first month at NYJC. Jasper Zhao Wen Wei, feels that the deepest impression left upon him was, “the extraordinary school spirit, the high enthusiasm and liveliness of the students.” Serena Ng Wen Ting was inspired by her Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs), who comprised of volunteers from the second-year students, and she hopes to be an OGL herself during Orientation 2.
The Nanyang experience is not exclusive to the student population. Miss Nirmala K Balakrishnan, who has taught in NYJC for almost 4 years, finds the management supportive. She pointed out the high appreciation she got for leading her Overseas Community Involvement Project (CIP). She also recalled the bond she shared with her students during their time together in Kerala, India.
As can be seen, many of us have had our own memorable experience of NYJC. It’s all thanks to the diverse but united population – everyone plays their part to make life more enjoyable. So what’s your own Nanyang experience been like? Comment below…
By Huang Xue Wei
Photo courtesy of NYJC Photographic Society