2023 Guest Teacher - SMPK 1

On Friday, 20th of October 2023, SMPK 1 BPK PENABUR held a Guest Teacher Program where they invited several successful alumni to share their knowledge, experiences, and tips to get where they are today. Invited were Jonathan, Jesslyn, Devon, and Brian as the keynote speaker for this sharing session.

Jonathan Widarsa 

Jonathan Widarsa was the first speaker to be introduced. He brought the topic titled "Finding Passion in You" where he encouraged and guided us to find our passions.

He began his session with a brief introduction about himself. Jonathan was an SMPK 1 alumni graduating in 2015. Soon, he then travelled abroad to study at ACS (Anglo-Chinese School) for about a year. And by 2018, he had gone to ASJC (Anderson Serangoon Junior College). Jonathan continued his studies in NTU (Nanyang Technological University) after graduating from ASJC in 2020, and is currently still striving there.

His session was then followed by a discussion on the matter of school experiences - environmental differences on different stages of school years. Jonathan shared his struggles and shocks when undergoing different school levels. He shared how in his secondary school years, students were closely supervised by the teachers, ensuring every grade received was the best possibly obtained. Yet as he goes through college years, independence was gradually becoming a necessity. Teachers no longer chase you around to fix your grades. And by university years, a high level of independence has become a requirement.

Additionally, Jonathan clearly explained the differences in curriculum in different stages of school years. He explained how in his secondary school years, he had a pretty broad curriculum. Yet by his college years, he had switched into a more semi-individualized curriculum, and a highly-specialized curriculum by university years.

His introduction was then followed by an inspirational story and quote regarding finding your passion. 

"You can't find your passion thinking about it in your head" - Marie Forleo

Jonathan then concluded his session with a few success tips :

1) Passion beats hard work, you have to love what you do in order to get successful. 

2) Organize your life, start making schedules, setting clear realistic goals, and consistently stick to them. 

3) Be with good people, surround yourself with a positive environment who will motivate and support your goals.

As his session was about to end, the MCs quickly began the QnA session. Students from various classes enthusiastically raised their hand, questioning their curiosities regarding the explanations earlier. In addition, the principal concluded his session by presenting Jonathan with an award of appreciation. They had a quick chat as they reminisced back to his secondary school years.

Jesslyn Jap

The next speaker introduced was Jesslyn Jap. She brought the topic titled "Surviving Two Countries and Adapting in Workplace" where she shared her experiences and advice when adapting to new environments - specifically one which is required when studying abroad.

Jesslyn first shared a brief introduction on herself. She shared how she is currently living in Sydney independently at the early age of 27 and diligently works in finance, yet on the weekends she still has time to enjoy her hobbies - playing volley, looking after her plant collection.

Then, Jesslyn shares how it all began. Her international education began in 2012 when she came to Singapore. There, she studied in ASS (Anderson Secondary School) for about  2 years before leaving to Catholic JC for her O levels. And after years of hard work, she finally graduated USYD in 2016 after finishing her A levels.

Finally, Jesslyn concluded her session by listing a few of the lessons she had learnt from her experience abroad :

1) Be responsible and accountable for your actions

2) Have good time management

3) Focus on what matters, some things are worth it, some are not.

4) Surround yourslef with supportive people.

5) Get out of your comfort zone.

6) Don't be scared with changes, as they create opportunities.

7) Don't be scared to get tired, it's all for a better future.

8) Have a hobby to destress and decompress.

9) Adapt well in work life by setting goals, being quick, and always keen to learn new things.

10) Have fun.

Her session was once again ended with a QnA session by the MCs.

Devon Sebastian Koswara

The third speaker was Devon, bringing the topic titled "Overcoming Culture Shock and Life As A Scholar" where he shares some tips to overcome culture shock based on his past experiences studying in Singapore.

Devon shared his challenges in the competitive environment of Singapore, as well as how he adapted to it. He explained how important having a growth mindset and a goal is, something which can easily motivate you and quickly make it a reality.

His session was then concluded by an inspiring quote regarding the importance of education. 

"Education is not sus." - Devon S.

And once again, this was then followed by a QnA session by the MCs.

Brian Wang

Finally the time has come, our last speaker, Brian Wang came to school to surprise the students and teachers, being the only onsite guest teacher so far. There, he brought the topic titled "My Education Journey" where he shares several notable moments of his life which are meaningful.

Then, Brian explained the meaningful Japanese word "IKIGAI" and how it can be used as a powerful motivational tool for us. He shared numerous tips for the juniors to easily survive future school years, even until their business days. 

To conclude, we were all given a case study to depict and apply the knowledges previously shared, then a group from each class was spontaneously chosen to present their thoughts and opinions.

The guest teacher event was finally a wrap. The principal concluded this event by presenting every speaker with an award of appreciation for their time and generosity.