My journey in DIA began as far back as in KG2 and quickly became a part of my own narrative and growth as a person. Throughout my time here, I’ve forged lifelong friendships, learnt valuable lessons, and become more and more myself. My identity felt nurtured from the start, and I saw this become more pronounced in my transition to secondary.

 

DIA allowed me to extend myself in different directions and truly explore various sides of myself through the formative years of my life. In Year 7 alone, I embarked on a trip in China, participated in my first of many MUN conferences, and engaged in a range of volunteering services like food drives and fundraising walks. I believe I was given so many opportunities to go beyond the classroom and learn who I was and what truly mattered to me. To this day, I feel comfortable exploring different hobbies and pushing myself with the myriad of activities DIA has to offer. Whether it’s taking part in a dance for International Day or going to plant 20 million trees for Innoventures’ environmental initiative, I get to engage in ventures that not only contribute positively to a wider cause and community, but that I can genuinely enjoy with my close friends.

 

Even when it comes to academics, I feel healthily challenged and yet provided with support when I require it. This was something I found especially crucial as a neurodivergent student and is something I try to carry forward in my duties to this school myself. As an Inclusion Ambassador, I strive to give a voice to all students and support the needs of our student body. DIA saw my desire to make inclusion a prominent part of the student experience and, acknowledging this, created the role of Inclusion and Diversity Leader specifically for me. I think it's evident to see this school’s effort in making this goal one of their own core motivations and furthering the agenda of our country to become an environment of open-mindedness and tolerance to all backgrounds. I can firmly say that I feel safe in this school, and to know that I’m in a zone where I can vocalize my opinions to the right authorities without judgement is something I deeply appreciate and hope to see echoed in future generations here. 

 

This school instilled in me some of the values and lessons I hold closest to me, including teaching me how to give back to my community in a meaningful way. As I’m preparing for graduation soon, I’m earnestly saddened to think about the life I’d be leaving behind here. It may sound cliche, but this school has honestly given me too many fond memories to count and has been instrumental in turning me into the person I am. I’m grateful to have gone to DIA, and I hope that, in my time here, I’ve left a positive impact.