Nicholas Cheng – Class of 2025

Nicholas Cheng (24-A6) bounced back from adversity, staying the endearingly witty yet mature individual all through his challenges. During his time in college, he displayed commendable commitment to his CCA, EJC Media, and persevered on his way to achieving steady, stellar results throughout.

“My time in EJ has, without doubt, been a unique one. At the end of JC1, I had to go from enjoying the rigour of school and the company of my classmates and CCA mates (Shout out to Video mod!) to facing intense medical treatments. A year-long hiatus followed. But knowing I had friends and teachers in EJ waiting for my return gave me something to hold on to. When I returned to a different class, I held many worries about coping with school. However, these fears instead turned into reminders of why I fought so hard to come back. Being surrounded by friends who made me laugh while learning subjects I am genuinely interested in from amazing teachers sum up why I pushed through tough times. That’s something I’ll always be grateful to EJ for.

The people around me were without a doubt my greatest source of motivation. Upon news of my abrupt hiatus, my classmates wrote me cards that meant much more to me than they might realise. I remember growing particularly exhausted with the constant treatments during Christmas that year but my CCA mates surprised me with a video which gave me immense comfort during a difficult time. When I returned, it was the care and concern from my teachers, new and old, which gave me the strength to keep going. Ultimately, these constant reminders that I was supported and never alone that motivated me to not only find my old self but to also grow into a better, stronger version of myself.

The casual, everyday moment of enjoying a meal with my classmates in the canteen, with the constant layering of banter — each line creating more uncontrollable laughter — is a feeling I’ll absolutely treasure.  It’s one of those moments which sounds simple yet often slips our notice. Instances like these kept me going during stressful periods. Laughing to the point of nausea is, oddly, one of the feelings I’ll always associate with my time in EJ.”