Sem Shanya – Class of 2024

Sem Shanya (23-E1), captain of the Tennis Girls’ Team, is known for her kindness, activism, and leadership. She inspires through her account of her time spent at EJC.

“My journey in EJ has been nothing short of a roller coaster- filled with exhilarating highs and moments that pushed me to grow. One thing for sure, is that there was never a dull moment. I came in through JAE, and to be honest, I was definitely intimidated at first. Stepping into a new environment where many had already built their connections was daunting, but I soon, and very quickly realized that EJ was a place where people truly welcomed and supported one another.  

I threw myself into school life, as the captain of the tennis girls' team and a member of cross country, sports became a huge part of my life here. Whether it was the intensity of training, the thrill of awaiting a competition or simply the camaraderie of my teammates, these experiences shaped my time in EJ. Beyond the courts and the track, it was the daily moments—late night dinners with friends, laughing in the canteen, the small yet meaningful interactions—that made this journey unforgettable.  

Like any roller coaster, there were lows, feeling overwhelmed and stressed were but a few of those challenges. But they only made the highs feel even more rewarding. Now that this ride has come to an end, it’s bittersweet. There’s a sense of exhilaration, knowing we’ve made it through, but also the lingering feeling of wanting to chase that next high. EJ has given me memories, friendships, and experiences that I’ll carry with me long after this chapter closes, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.  

The everyday experiences. Little nods and waves across the auditorium, being able to catch up through small talk in the canteen or running to make it for a lecture.  I’m sure many of my peers know this feeling of comfort and familiarity that is accompanied by our daily life in school. Now that we’ve graduated and are J3s, I find myself missing these everyday experiences the most. 

It can be said that these experiences can be shared across any school, however these moments in EJ are special. And that is due to the people you can only find here. I may be biased, very clearly, but I truly believe that the friendships and memories I've made here are unlike any other. Our strong school and house culture that brings us together beyond just academics have shaped so much of my life the past 2 years, from screaming my heart out to songs to hysterical panic sessions leading up to A Levels. Filled with so much laughter and support, I'll take away from EJ the deep sense of belonging I felt constantly through my 2 years here. 

I think it’s safe to say the list of people I'm grateful to is endless. From my family, closest friends, teachers, classmates. The sheer amount of help, guidance and support I've received is overwhelming in the best way possible. Likewise, my gratitude to each individual who positively impacted my EJ journey is immeasurable. In particular, I’d like to specially thank my life coach, who always reached out when times got stressful and constantly offered sound and assuring advice which helped me keep my cool throughout J2.”