COVID-19 pandemic brought the education sector and many other annual programs across the world to a stand still. With time, we have had to learn to adapt to the changes and embrace technology to achieve our daily work and educational expectations.
Throughout this period, our students have demonstrated to be true Leaders and Innovators by embracing virtual learning, engaging in virtual competitions and participating in annual programs.
In this respect, we wish to celebrate one of our Form 3 students, Serena Rolloh, who has been participating in Yale Young Global Scholars Program, 2020, YYGS Connect. Last year we had three of our students participate in the program.
This year’s program was held virtually, running from July 5 – July 17, 2020. Serena is one of 1,235 high school juniors from 131 countries and 47 US states and territories able to join the first ever session of YYGS Connect. During the two weeks program, Serena engaged in an intensive and interactive sessions that covered the following areas:
- Applied Science & Engineering/Biological & Biomedical Science (ASE/BBS)
- Literature, Philosophy & Culture (LPC)
- Politics, Law & Economics (PLE)
- Solving Global Challenges (SGC)
Despite the huge time difference, Serena braced the challenge and had to adapt to attending the session in the night and having to rest during the day. She took the challenge with a growth mindset focused on the value of experience to push through the program. Serena was delighted to have participated in this year program and shared with us her reflections:
The YYGS Virtual Connect Experience
“Being a part of the program this year has been an eye opening experience for me. Engaging with peers in a culturally diverse environment has allowed me to witness realities that are different from mine. This experience has really pushed me to question my perspectives and has given me the hunger to discover and learn from others. The exposure to a new environment has driven me to adapt new values and become more self-aware. I think all in all this experience enabled me to evolve as a member of the global community.”
Key Takeaway from YYGS Connect, 2020
“Attending the session has helped me think critically about issues that affect not only those in my community but all around the world. I have been able to empathize with others and really understand that everyone goes through struggles.
The experience has greatly shaped the way I look at political, social and economic influences in our daily lives, and how they interconnect.
Constant self-reflection has helped me find a way to respond appropriately in times of unavoidable challenges such as this pandemic; to be flexible and open to evolution.”
We are proud of the efforts our students are putting to propel themselves to international standards by taking opportunities to apply for such great programs. Yale Young Global Scholars Program is an annual program aimed at providing opportunities to students in high school to make global connections and explore their interest in their global issues.
We encourage our students to apply to such programs to ensure that they enhance their progress towards becoming locally rooted global citizens, who will shape the African Century.
