Sabrena Natalia Ong (Class of 2017)
Studies Law at the London School Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards June 2017:
‘Top in Malaysia’ is awarded to learners who have achieved the highest standard mark in their country for a single subject. Ms. Sabrena Natalia Ong from Garden International School was one of the recipients for Top in Malaysia, Cambridge International A Level for Business subject. Also the recipient of ‘Top in Malaysia Award for English Literature under CIE as well for AS level’.
How did you start with GIS and why GIS?
I started school at GIS when I was just 5 years old. Obviously, at first, the decision wasn’t mine to make and was solely my parents’ choice who chose the school for its academic excellence. But over the 13 years of being at GIS, what made me choose GIS over and over again was the emphasis on community and well being alongside the consistent focus on academia.
Tell us about the award and how GIS prepared you for this exam?
Both the awards were given to the top scorer in each subject in Malaysia. However, it is more than just a trophy of success to me but a physical embodiment for my love for Business and English Literature. GIS and its emphasis on well being and community helped me reduce any stress I’ve experienced. The environment allowed me to still maintain a healthy social life for one part. In particular, the advice and attention given by the teachers were key in my exam preparation. I would not have been able to track my process of improvement in grasping my material if my Business and English Literature teachers refused to mark the timed essay I handed it. In fact, I am shocked and eternally grateful at how many essays my teachers agreed to accept and mark for me. Their ongoing aid was central to my learning and revision.
I prepared myself for both exams to really indulge in my passion for the subjects. Not only did I make sure that I was very familiar with the course outline and the theory needed to understand each topic, I delved into the intricacies of each topic by, for example, reading external materials to widen my understanding. On top of that, I made sure to plan my revision to ensure a well-balanced timetable that incorporated intense working hours with sufficient breaks in between to maximise productivity and avoid viewing revision as a tiresome chore. What I also found really helpful was to ask myself ‘why is that?’ every time I read through a difficult part of my notes, and this has really helped me ensure I wasn’t just memorizing my material but engaging with it. And of course, what really allowed me to interact with my revision was to practice writing essays under timed conditions as much as I could because this was a good indicator of how well I could apply my revision.
What are the challenges that you faced and what motivates you to move on?
The biggest challenge I faced during the exam period was staying motivated and focused on doing my best to prepare for the exam. At times, it may be difficult to avoid getting distracted, however, what really motivated me to stay committed to my revision was reminding myself of how disappointed I would be if I walked into an exam hall and opened the question paper only to realise I couldn’t answer a question because I hadn’t revised the topic. It is one thing to not know how to answer a question at first because it is a difficult question, but it is another to not be able to do so because you don’t know any contextual material surrounding that question. Hence, in summary, what motivated me to keep revising was the reality that it would be a shame if I didn’t try my best. Although I would like to stress that I did not strive for perfection but instead aimed to do as much as I could in order to allow me to feel like I had done enough. This was very important in ensuring that I wasn’t weighed down by overbearing stress.
What was the best part of studying in GIS?
The best part of studying in GIS is essentially the genuine relationships you are able to make throughout the arduous course of exams and learning. I was able to form memorable friendships with not only my fellow peers but with my teachers. Every member of the GIS community made an imprint on my life through their nurturing actions, and for that my experience at GIS will fondly be remembered eternally.
What would be the one advice you give to a current student in GIS?
Don’t lose yourself in the misconception that overworking yourself will lead to academic success! Try and deliver the best you possibly can without locking out happiness and camaraderie and family. Ultimately, learning how to achieve balance is paramount and is a skill that will serve you tremendously forever.