Duces & Scholars Assembly

Our first assembly for the year was the Scholars and Duces assembly, attended by nine of our award recipients from the Class of 2021. The award recipients are as follows:

Olivia Khouw, one of the IB Diploma Walter Powell Scholars for 2021, spoke on behalf of the returning students and gave an insightful speech to our current students. Her speech is as follows:

I must admit, when I was asked to give a speech at this assembly, I was a bit stumped as to what I would say. The truth is, most of what I achieved cannot be accredited to my own efforts, but rather those of my peers and mentors. So, before I go on, I need to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported the students throughout the past few years and continue to do so tirelessly. Thank you to my teachers especially for being beacons of encouragement during a time otherwise filled with cynicism and uncertainty.

As I reflected on Year 12, I could hardly remember my own study strategies or secrets of memorisation; what came to mind instead were memories of dancing at Formal and Jazz Night, rehearsing a Star Wars medley at music camp, and taking walks with my friends during lockdown. I realise now that all these experiences involve spending time with other people, so as much as I will stress the importance of working and studying hard, there really is no point to a lifetime of achievement if you have nobody with whom to share it.

Like many of you, I have found the past two years to be particularly difficult, and admittedly, I have not always come back better after my lowest points. I am not necessarily stronger than I was two years ago. I also don’t agree with the notion that disappointment, failure and pain make someone tough. Maybe there is no overriding purpose to any of these negative experiences, and maybe there does not have to be one. To the students that feel lost, doubtful, or disillusioned, know that you are not alone. My hope is that, in spite of, or even because of, unexpected challenges like the pandemic, you all become more sympathetic towards each other. I know this is possible, because I have felt this sympathy myself in the words of wisdom from my friends and teachers and have seen it in many of you as you care for the health of the people in this community.

I should also remind you that your time in high school is finite. Take advantage of new and exciting opportunities while you can and try to strike a balance between schoolwork and extracurriculars like music, drama or sport. Pursue what inspires and drives you. Don’t work to please other people; instead, ask yourself what you hope to achieve in the long term, the legacy you intend on leaving behind, and the change you want to affect. From then on, every decision that you make should be in service of these goals. There is so much pressure for young adults to achieve greatness. Sometimes what is most required of us, however, is not to transform the world but to simply find our own paths. Your commitment and passion will sustain you far longer than any natural talent.

Throughout 2021, I was constantly impressed by how my peers showed courage in the face of adversity, wisdom under pressure and empathy despite isolation. Qualities such as these define success more so than any academic achievement. Remember that your intelligence is not currency and you cannot get very far in life solely with a perfect ATAR; take it from someone who received a score of 99.95 yet continues to be humbled by people who are more compassionate and generous than I am. Regardless of the failures or setbacks you may face in the coming years, I implore you all to take pride in your own character above all else.

Olivia Khouw, Dux of IB DP