Elisa Mohamad Izhan (Class of 2017)
Reading Geography at the University of Cambridge
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. Elisa Mohamad Izhan from Garden International School was one of the recipients for Top in Malaysia, Cambridge International A Level for Geography.
How did you start with GIS and why GIS?
I started GIS at the beginning of Year 4, after being in a government school for three years. My parents felt that the education I was getting there was insufficient and thus chose to transfer me to GIS. I remember looking at, and applying to, a few other schools at the same time, but GIS seemed the nicest, for whatever reason.
Tell us about the award and how GIS prepared you for this exam?
The award is meant to recognise individuals who have performed extremely well in their examinations. This award is of personal significance to me, because Geography has always been my favourite subject, so to get recognised for it in this way is truly meaningful. Exam preparation was a long and arduous journey, involving a lot of hard work, many past paper questions and tonnes of essay writing. For the most part, I used past paper questions to structure my studies, to ensure that I was familiar with the types of questions that could come up.
What are the challenges that you faced and what motivates you to move on?
Studying for geography was difficult for two main reasons. Firstly, I think I put a lot of pressure on myself, wanting to do well because this subject is the one that I would be doing in university — there’s kind of an unspoken need to do well, I think. That was a mental challenge that was overcome by the sheer fact that I enjoy geography so much. I actually really enjoyed studying for the exams. The second challenge, I think, was the sheer volume of content to know. So many dates and place names and statistics to remember, in order to enhance my answers. In the end, the more past questions I did, the more I started to realise which facts were of most use to me. I can no longer tell you how much the Three Gorges Dam cost to build, but it served me well whilst the fact was still in my head!
How did GIS shape or prepare you for the exam?
The geography department was incredibly supportive in terms of exam preparation; they put on a lot of after-school drop-in sessions for students to come in and seek help. My teachers were absolutely fabulous, and were willing to mark all of the extra essays I did in preparation for my exams — and give me very useful feedback, as well. Importantly, my teachers not only prepared me for my exams in the lead-up to exam season, but were doing exam prep throughout the year, which made those final few weeks of preparation less intimidating, in my opinion.
What was the best part of studying in GIS?
I think the best part of studying in GIS is the environment that is created for the students. Being completely honest, it felt like my second home. I was truly happy there because the teachers were amazing, the students were friendly, and the overall atmosphere was a positive one. I’m happy I got to conduct my learning in such a wonderful place.
What would be the one advice you give to current student in GIS?
Make the most out of your time there — push yourself out of your comfort zone, seize every opportunity that comes your way. I miss being in GIS so much, and a large part of me wishes that I’d taken more time to appreciate what I had when I had it.