This year, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, and for high school seniors, these students experienced a senior year unlike any we’ve ever seen before. But life goes on, and despite the chaos COVID-19 has caused, students at international schools all over Beijing are graduating in good spirits and high hopes for the future. Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Meet Jessica F from Singapore, a recent graduate from the British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi.

“BSB helped shape me become who I am today.”

I got accepted by a few universities and am currently deciding between going to New York University or Yale-NUS College. I’ll major in Economics.

Some of my favorite memories from my time in high school must be serving as BSB’s Head Girl this past year, attending the Prom, and Vienna Ball.

“The progressive nature of the IB course that BSB offers constantly requires me to walk out of my comfort zone.”

BSB helped shape me to become who I am today. I transferred to BSB 5 years ago from a local Chinese school which had a different teaching style and environment. Not only in terms of the curriculum, but the whole atmosphere here at BSB is much more open and free, which contributes to my well-rounded personal development.

Also, the progressive nature of the IB course that BSB offers continually requires me to walk out of my comfort zone, which has made me a better person.

I think I have found the style of learning that suits me the most here at BSB – self-orientated but with close interaction with our teachers; being able to choose subjects within a broad range but based on our interests. These have contributed to my academic success.

Jessica with friends on a hike

My favorite teacher was Mr. Brigstock, both his lessons and who he is as a teacher and a person that has inspired me to pursue a future in economics. His lessons were always well-prepared, fun, and informative. Every class had something I could take away. Apart from preparing us for exams, he taught us how to think like economists.

My parting shot to the great BSB community would have to be; we have a relatively small community at BSB. This means we interact much more closely with our peers and teachers, which gives me lots of warmth. Thank you, BSB!

KEEP READING: “You Know What Is Best for You, Trust Yourself, You Will Go Far.”

Photos: BSB Shunyi