Shaping Confidence, Responsibility, and Belonging: Reflections from Our Boarding Student

The start of a new school year is always a unique experience for every student, full of excitement, new experiences, and opportunities to grow. To give you a glimpse into life at ISSH from a student’s perspective, we would like to share some reflections from one of our boarding students, Lukemei. Originally from Thailand, she joined us last year in Grade 9 and has since been part of our Boarding Programme, where she has grown both academically and personally.

“Independence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you grow into and the ISSH boarding programme has been and is my garden. Many people think boarding school is a punishment, where children are sent to be disciplined, but in my experience, not only did the school shape me academically, but has also helped me grow as a person and find out who I am. When I first arrived, I was terrified and nervous of having to do everything alone in a country I’ve never lived in. My mind was racing thinking I was going to feel alone and lost, but it was the opposite. The boarding programme and ISSH introduced me to people I never knew I needed, that I can’t imagine living without today. The staff always make sure that I’m happy and healthy and the students at the house make me feel at home. From managing my own schedule to making sure I’m balancing my study, sports and free time, I’ve learned to stand on my own two feet and that I truly appreciate. It has also taught me the meaning of a community. Everyone helps each other, whether it’s tutoring or just being a shoulder to cry on, in the end we have each other, and it’s more than enough. Most importantly, the boarding has given me confidence. I no longer hesitate to make my own decisions or wait for someone to solve my problem, but I’ve learned that other people, like staff, will give me a shovel, but it’s me that has to do the digging myself. To put it into short terms, boarding has not just prepared me for my future studies, but for life. It’s taught me to grow independently while making me aware of the importance of responsibility and connection. While it was frightening and intimidating at first, I will never regret moving away and building a home away from home”. Napathree, Grade 10 Boarding student