Yetta Tan – Class of 2024

A dedicated and talented student in the Music Elective Programme (MEP) and author of award-winning pieces in competitions such as the Xin Kong Xia (新空下) National Schools Xinyao Festival 2023 (Open Category), and the National Secondary Schools Chinese Mini Fiction Creative Writing Competition 2024, Yetta Tan inspires with the passion and purpose she devotes to her various pursuits. She reveals the sources of motivation and strength behind her endeavours as she makes her JC life a fulfilling one:

“I used to view JC as nothing more than two years of rigorous “academic grinding”. However, stepping into EJ immediately changed my perspective. Just from the very first moments in Orientation, I was captivated by the school's vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere that far exceeded my expectations. Over the past two years, I was exposed to many opportunities I never imagined, and blessed with an amazing environment that added meaning and enjoyment to every learning experience along the way. I had friends who stood by me through every hardship, finding joy and laughing at the most mundane and simplest moments, celebrating both our shared and individual achievements. With the space and support from my friends and teachers to explore and deepen my interests such as music and writing, I slowly gained the confidence and encouragement to step out of my comfort zone more often, showcasing myself and my work beyond the classroom walls. In EJ, I found purpose, open-minded and inspiring people, and found myself genuinely looking forward to lessons, CCA, and every moment and aspect that shaped my fulfilling EJC journey, a journey I will never regret embarking on.

The strong sense of belonging I experienced in EJ is a feeling that has stayed with me. Before EJ, I never believed school could feel like a second home. As someone with a unique timetable and part of a CG (23-A1) with a diverse range of subject combinations, I was initially unsure if I would find my place. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised to look forward to every tutorial, each with different groups of friends who made even the toughest content of the syllabus or projects more bearable. Despite most of us sharing only one or two subjects, there was always something that connected us— our “love” for homework such as essays, common games, struggles, a shared goal, the different parts of the school we experienced, or simply the jokes from lectures or other activities. Surrounded by such an amazing, humorous and supportive community, there was never a dull day in EJ, and I never once felt alone.

My JC journey is definitely not a solitary one. I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering support in every way possible—going out of their way to drive me to and from school on early mornings and late nights, attending all my performances no matter the location, and making countless sacrifices to allow me to fully embrace my JC life without any worries. I also want to express my appreciation to my teachers, who have guided me through this journey, recognised my passions, and gone the extra mile to help me grow. Thank you for your dedication, for investing your time and effort to engage us in every lesson/ programme, and for making learning both meaningful and enjoyable. Your blood, sweat, and tears have shaped us into better versions of ourselves, giving us a truly enriching JC experience. Finally, to all my closest friends (in CG, MEP, Choir), you guys are the highlight of my JC life. Thank you for all the amazing memories, laughter and tears, and all the memorable moments that I will cherish deeply for the rest of my life. It has also been an honour to meet everyone I have crossed paths with in EJ. You guys made coming to EJ a decision I will forever be grateful for.”