12 January 2009 is a date which many 17 year olds in Singapore have been anticipating and waiting upon with bated breath, ever since their O Level Examinations ended. It’s the date they get their results, the date which defines what’s next for them.

Sure, in the intervening two months between the end of the examinations and the release of their results, the majority of 17 year olds have been enjoying a well-earned break. More or less, 17 year olds have put the release of results at the back of their minds, concentrating on relaxing and enjoying themselves. But today, today is the day that their next path is more or less made clearer to them.

But with the release of the results, comes a different set of things to consider. This reporter, having just received his results a year ago, is all too aware of the different permutations that plague the mind after the release of the results. Should I go to a JC or a Polytechnic? What course should I enter if I go into a Polytechnic? Do I apply to Arts stream or Science stream? Which JC should I register for?

Hence, NYConneXions sends this reporter back to his alma mater and more, to get the lowdown on the inner preferences of the few graduates interviewed.

When asked if he would consider NYJC as an option, an interviewee who declined to be named commented, “I have to say Nanyang JC is very high up on the list. The college has left a good impression on me, and I’m particularly interested in the LEP programme that NYJC provides.”

Sim Jia Xian of Nan Chiau High School, one of Nan Chiau’s top scorers in the Normal Academic stream with 13 points, said that while he’d heard many good things about NYJC, especially the vibrant school culture, his ranking points ultimately would fall short of NYJC’s cut off points of 10. Nevertheless, he’s still willing to strive for a place in a JC, purely because of his belief that JC education would put him on the fast track to success.

Yet, with every interested student, comes those that are doubtful of their ability to cope with the rigours of JC life. Foo Meiqi of Nan Chiau High School told this reporter, that while NYJC was appealing to her, the stress of promotional exams and having to balance CCA and studies would prompt her to think twice.

Another interviewee, who was a participant in NYJC’s Immersion Camp, had this to say. “I’m definitely putting NYJC high up on the list of choices, but I think what prompted me to choose JC over Poly, was the Immersion Camp, cos I had the chance to gain an insight into life as a JC student.”

And with that, NYConneXions signs off, wishing all secondary school graduates all the best in their future endeavours!

Article by Daniel Keng