Bernita Bernard – Class of 2024

A vibrant and dedicated member of the EJC community, Bernita has embodied integrity, love, service, and courage in all that she does. Whether championing Indian culture during Racial Harmony Day, rallying support for the Mediacorp Tamil Debate finals, or stepping up as a calm and composed stage manager for Lit Fest, she has been a source of positivity and inspiration to her peers. Beyond these defining moments, she cherishes the everyday friendships and lessons that have shaped her journey. As she reflects on her time in Eunoia Junior College, she shares how taking chances, embracing resilience, and leaning on the support of her community have made these two years truly unforgettable:

“My time at EJ can only be described as unforgettable. In the past two years, I have been moulded by incredible people and friends that I hold so near and dear. Coming to EJ I felt determined to make my last official 2 years in school memorable - and so I did. Everything from LitFest to trying to share my Indian culture with EJ in various ways have all allowed me to learn something valuable. From running frantically across the stage during a time crunch with stagehands, for Litfest I learnt the importance of effective  teamwork. Doing - backbreaking- rangoli on the floor with my friends and planning for RHD until the sunset, I learnt about pursuits led by passion and determination. These were truly the times I felt the indelible spirit of EJ.

If EJ has taught me anything, it is to take chances. Seizing opportunities no matter how scared or worried you are. I learnt that even if I fail, there’s always something else right around the corner- a new opportunity.  Not letting my fear, doubts and judgments hold me back was the biggest gift I could have ever given myself in EJ.  Be it taking that leap of faith to make a new friend or trying out for something I thought I'd never get, EJ  was where I  renewed my spirit of adventure and resilience. This is what allowed me to experience the incredible events, and camaraderie  that ej has so graciously blessed me with! Learning to deal with the disappointments of my failures was a learning curve. Trying to understand that one terrible moment does not define my worth or reflect my journey in EJ was difficult. But with the support of my classmates and friends in my moments of upset have been a precious gift. 

Overall my time here has allowed me to expand my vision. So ultimately I’ve learnt that when in doubt take that chance, what could go wrong?

I truly believe I would have never survived the hectic two years without the support from my extraordinary friends and teachers! Every comforting hug during my ugly crying sessions to quick squeezes on my hand during difficult lessons have made all the difference for me. I am immensely grateful to Mdm Ela for always having my back, my math teachers for never once giving up on me, my CT Ms Renuka for making all the difference by supporting me throughout my time here in EJ and every teacher that has taught me with such dedication- thank you! 

But most importantly, to my parents for absolutely everything. Whose love for me I have witnessed through their cheers and constant motivation have served as my source of strength through it all. My gratitude has to be conveyed also to my friends from secondary school who have stuck by me these two crazy years, lending me their shoulders to share my burdens- I couldn’t have done it without them!”