I have spent the last 15 years at CIS, starting from Pre-Nursery. Throughout this journey, the school has played a significant role in shaping my character and aspirations.
CIS became more than just a school; it was a place where I grew, discovered my potential, and built the foundation for my future.
Along the way, I learned many lessons, some subtle and some more defining, that have stayed with me as I advanced in my academic path.
The college admissions process was a challenging chapter. Every step felt like a test of my determination. There were moments of doubt, especially when the pressure seemed overwhelming.
Every day, I found myself in the school career counsellor’s office asking, “Will I get into college?” Without hesitation, she would reply, “You’ll get into Cambridge 100%.”
Her confidence in my potential became a source of comfort and motivation.
With her unwavering support, I secured a place at Cambridge University for a BA in Economics, a dream I had worked toward for years.
One of the most transformative experiences I had at CIS was in my 10th-grade Economics class. I vividly remember when we first started discussed policies. As soon as we began exploring different policies, the class filled with passionate debate. Each of us had an opinion, and the conversations quickly heated up. I will never forget how intensely we debated the merits of each policy. We analysed their potential to succeed or fail, weighing the consequences of every decision.
We didn’t just learn about policies; we learned to think critically, challenge assumptions, and form our own conclusions. In those vibrant discussions, I realized how powerful independent thought could be.
One class stood out in particular. We were discussing policy trade-offs, and the arguments became more animated. I remember raising a point that I hadn’t fully thought out, but as I spoke, my ideas started to come together. My teacher, paused and listened closely. She asked me to expand on my point. That moment, where I was encouraged to speak up and refine my thoughts, marked a turning point.
It wasn’t just about learning economics; it was about learning how to think, how to defend an idea, and how to embrace intellectual challenges.
That experience prepared me for my Cambridge interview, where I had to think quickly, form arguments, and respond to unexpected questions.
What made CIS truly special was its approach to teaching and learning. The atmosphere was open and dynamic, encouraging us to think critically and independently. Teachers were more than instructors – they were mentors; approachable, supportive, and always ready to guide us, always encouraging exploration over rote learning. CIS taught me not just to memorize facts but to understand, analyse, and question everything I learned.
Reflecting on my time at CIS, I realize that it wasn’t just the academic lessons that prepared me for the future, but the way the school shaped my understanding of the world.
I’ve come away with resilience, a sense of curiosity, and the confidence to navigate the world with optimism and purpose.
As I prepare to begin my journey at Cambridge, I do so with gratitude for the experiences that have brought me here—and with excitement for all that lies ahead.