Farewell to the Class of 2020
By Nick Daniel, IB Diploma Coordinator, TOK / English
This week and next week, as we say farewell to the Class of 2020, we will be interviewing some of our graduates about their time at Branksome Hall Asia.
This week we feature Soyoon Moon. Soyoon joined Branksome Hall Asia towards the end of Grade 10, and in her two and a half years has had a significant and lasting impact on school life. Soyoon was also this year’s recipient of multiple academic and non-academic awards, including the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the School Award’.
This prestigious award is given to the student who best exemplifies the IB Learner Profile and exercises substantial creativity, resourcefulness, initiative and leadership towards the betterment of the school.
Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been at Branksome Hall Asia? Where did you go to school before that? Where did you grow up? What are you passionate about in life?
I have studied at Branksome Hall Asia for slightly over two years. Before that I went to a foreign language high school. I grew up in both Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, which is where I live right now. I am a student who is passionate about learning new things, trying out new things, exploring new places, meeting new people and hearing their stories (which is not easy to do right now).
What have been your most memorable experiences at Branksome Hall Asia?
The most memorable experience has been working with my council, the Sustainability Council. We tried to make the school sustainable by holding fundraising events and writing proposals to change the school system. Everyone was so busy all the time, and it was really tiring, but I can never forget the gleam in younger members’ eyes. I started off trying to teach them about sustainability, but towards the end, I was the one who was motivated by them.
How do you think Branksome Hall Asia has helped you grow both academically and personally?
With passionate, supportive teachers, I definitely learned a lot academically. There is no doubt about this part. With all the opportunities regarding experiments and activities, I could do hands-on experiments that I have only seen in textbooks before. While doing this, teachers helped me see the world from more diverse perspectives. Personally, I became a more thoughtful, independent thinker who knows why I am doing something. Before, I really didn’t think much about who I was and what I wanted. However, at Branksome Hall Asia, I could easily explore new areas with support from almost anyone. I now know much more about myself than I did two years ago.
What was the college application process like for you?
Tough. People had warned me before, but it was still tough. I remember using my whole summer vacation to write the college essays - because I could write better at night, I even completely switched my circadian rhythm. I still remember the purple sky when the dawn came. It was a really good experience though. I could really think about who I am and what I really want to do for my life.
What were some of the most challenging aspects of the DP program, and how did you overcome them?
I would say that the most challenging aspect of the DP program is having to handle several different things at once. The DP program is not only about memorizing something or doing creative work - it’s both. This was the reason why it was hard for me, at least. I had to be a multi-skilled person for different subjects and activities such as CAS. I don't think it's something I tried hard to overcome. For two years, being a multi-skilled person came more naturally as I continuously trained myself.
How do you feel the CORE aspects of the DP program have benefited you, personally, academically and emotionally (CAS, TOK, Extended Essay)?
The CORE aspects of the DP program really pushed me the furthest. CAS wasn't as complicated as the other two, but it encouraged me to become more creative. As for TOK, it drove me to think in perspectives that I wouldn’t have thought of by myself. For the Extended Essay, it gave me a chance to dive deeply into a topic that I was interested in (which was algae, in my case). I think all of them helped me prepare for my college studies, but also shaped my way of seeing the world.
What advice would you give to the Grade 10s and 11s, to help them thrive in the IB Diploma?
I would suggest that they not only think about what they like but also what they are good at. I think I personally enjoyed and thrived in the IB program because I liked every single subject that I chose - Business, Biology and Chemistry with Korean and English. However, I doubt that I would have been as successful if I only liked them. I also knew that I was pretty strong in some of the subjects that I chose. Since the IB curriculum becomes complicated from Grade 10, I would suggest everyone really think about themselves and the areas that they are willing to pour their time, effort, and passion into.
What are your immediate goals, and where do you see yourself in five years' time?
I am planning on taking a gap year before I go to The University of Chicago next year. During this year, I am planning on reading classics and really reflecting on myself for the first time in twenty years. I will also study computer and physics, which I didn’t have a chance to study so far. In five years' time, I see myself (hopefully) as a university graduate with the same hopes, dreams, and passions towards the world, just as I have right now.