Nicole Tedja – Class of 2024

As President of the 7th Student Council, Nicole Tedja is not just a familiar face to many – her story of perseverance, friendships and personal growth charts the path of a Leader with Courage and a Youth with Purpose. She shares her journey as a learner and a leader, revealing the grit and inspiration which contributed to making her Valedictorian (Science) for the Class of 2024:

“My academic journey in Eunoia Junior College was marked by struggle, revelation, and quiet resilience. Initially, the daunting language barrier coupled with my weaker linguistic skills found me doubting my ability to navigate the complexities of China Studies in Chinese (CSC). Yet, this fear was met with immense support from those around me. My teachers, Sun laoshi and Cao laoshi, patiently broke down challenging concepts outside of class. My classmates readily translated lecture materials during our first few lectures. Their unwavering encouragement became a lifeline, helping me bridge the chasm between doubt and understanding. This journey not only deepened my understanding of China in her own tongue but also revealed that true comprehension requires engaging with the complexities of a subject and acknowledging the nuances that often elude surface-level analysis. Through this process, my initial doubts transformed into a profound appreciation for both the subject matter and my own capacity for growth!

As Singapore’s youngest junior college, we had no centuries-old legacy to inherit, no established reputation to lean on — only a relentless hunger to prove, to push, to create. Yet, beyond ambition, there was something more precious: the way we came together as a college. This took place in the deafening cheers at NSG, not just in victory but in defeat; in the standing ovations at performing arts showcases, celebrating the culmination of friends’ dedication and efforts; in the conviction that Open House was never just an event, but a declaration of who we were, what we stood for, and why we mattered. These are the moments which have stayed with me from my journey in EJ. They showed how excellence was never a solitary pursuit but a collective journey. And I believe that this spirit will endure – not only within EJ’s walls but also in each of us who have been transformed by our time here.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my class, 23-U5! We began our journey as The NPC Combi Class, an eclectic mix of PFME, PFMCsc, and PCMCsc. Yet, what truly defined us were the cherished memories we created along the way: our laughter-filled planning sessions for a class trip to JB, our lunchtime strategies to beat the queues, the joy we shared during our time in Taiwan on the Eunoia GO (BSP) trip, and the delightful chaos of J1 PW!

I will deeply miss being surrounded by such passionate individuals who dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to various aspects of JC life, who celebrated each other’s successes and supported each other through challenges. Thank you for being a class that was both inspiring and uplifting – simply put, one I can’t imagine having to go through JC without!”