Summer – A memorable season 

Summer, the season for another school year has ended, but it is also the season of nostalgia. And for students in ADP 12, this is the season of breakups.

The happiness of having completed an important journey in life and the worry that they will not be pupils, is probably the common feeling of ADP 12 students at this time.

“I cannot believe I am graduating and will be completing 12 WHOLE years of formal education. I still remember when I transferred to the American Diploma Program (ADP), I was only in grade 10. Like any other class, the first few weeks were awkward, but I will never forget how we have bonded as a class from having supportive, energetic, and open-minded classmates, and teachers.” 

Ha Boi An – ADP 12 

Happy and sad experiences, future plans being prepared for implementation, created many emotions for Boi An, an introverted girl in ADP12.

“As an introvert, I am grateful to have spent my years having a blast and learning from these folks, and growing to have more confidence in myself. Having been bombarded with essays and scolded by teachers was absolutely not fun though. As I am recounting my high school memories, it is a bittersweet experience as I am not ready to bid farewell to my friends and teachers. However, the reality is that I am entering a new chapter in my life, a fresh beginning, into higher education. As such, this year has made me take my future decisions with great consideration. I planned to enroll in a business management, finance, or human resources major.” 

To adapt with the new environment at university, Boi An – ADP 12 has also prepared her mentality to cope with what will be waiting for them.

“University is a 360° spin and I want to adapt quickly, be more time-efficient and inquisitive. This will take time and dedication in order to be a routine. I believe that adaptation requires familiarity with your surroundings, thus, I have to expand my social circle by taking the initiative to talk to people first. This will help me know my professors and friends and understand them better, a skill needed for a project. As for time efficiency, I will read the lesson materials beforehand to understand a professor’s lectures better. Not only that, I will review the materials at home, saving time for tests. 

Growing up, I’ve never asked many questions in class but I realized that it needs to be changed. Being inquisitive is not a shame and should be encouraged in school. By asking questions, I can identify mistakes easier and learn from them, helping in my growth as I have clarity in the understanding of lesson materials. I look forward to this next stop in my journey and hope I follow through with my mentioned goals.”

When graduating at PennSchool is an important step that affirms that students have “grown up”. They are now mature enough to decide on their own life, mature enough to be independent, learn and develop themselves actively.