This year, I engaged in various activities in the five different sections: Creative Learner, Critical Thinker, Resilience, Skillful Communicator, and Effective Collaborator.
I participated in several collaborative tasks that taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. One of the most engaging activities was the Zoom puzzle, where each of us had a zoomed-in piece of a larger picture and had to figure out how our pieces fit together. It required careful observation, active listening, and clear communication to solve the puzzle as a group. Another task was preparing materials for our science mini-project, where I helped in sorting the materials. Lastly, playing an escape room with friends was both fun and challenging, as we had to work together under time pressure, combining our ideas to solve puzzles and escape. These experiences showed me that collaboration is about listening, sharing ideas, and trusting each other to achieve a common goal.
I also had the chance to improve my communication skills through activities like Model United Nations (MUN) and a creative pitch with my friend Tina. During MUN, I had to research, debate, and present my ideas clearly while representing a country’s perspective. This experience taught me how to structure my arguments, listen to others, and adapt my communication style to persuade and negotiate effectively. The small pitch with Tina was another highlight, where we reimagined a “coffee cup” as a transportation object for moving small items across water without getting them wet. I told a story to bring the idea to life, emphasizing creativity and practicality. This required me to think on my feet, articulate my thoughts clearly, and engage the audience with a compelling narrative. Both experiences showed me the power of clear, confident communication and how storytelling can make ideas more relatable and impactful. I’ve learned that effective communication is not just about speaking but also about listening, adapting, and connecting with others.
Then, I explored my creativity through two main projects: filming a TikTok with my friends and writing a short story about a group of teenagers on an adventure. Filming the TikTok was a fun and collaborative process where we brainstormed ideas, and recorded numerous times to create the video. It taught me how to think visually and use technology to bring ideas to life in a way that resonates with others. Writing my short story, on the other hand, allowed me to dive into my imagination and create a world filled with unique characters and exciting challenges. Crafting the plot and dialogue required me to think critically about pacing, character development, and how to keep the reader hooked. Both projects pushed me to think outside the box and experiment with different forms of expression. I learned that creativity isn’t just about coming up with new ideas but also about refining and presenting them in a way that connects with others. These experiences reminded me that creativity thrives when you’re willing to take risks, collaborate, and embrace the process of trial and error. I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to express myself creatively in the future.
This year, I developed my critical thinking skills through activities like Model United Nations (MUN) and a creative problem-solving task. During MUN, I had to analyze complex global issues, consider multiple perspectives, and propose well-reasoned solutions. This required me to think critically about cause-and-effect relationships, weigh the pros and cons of different approaches, and defend my ideas with evidence. Another task that challenged my critical thinking was creating a scenario where I had to use a basketball, a broom, and a garden gnome to set a trap for catching a burglar. At first, the combination of items seemed random and impractical, but I broke down the problem into smaller parts: how each item could function, how they could work together, and how to create a logical sequence of events. I realized that critical thinking is about approaching problems methodically, staying open to unconventional ideas, and testing solutions step by step. Both experiences taught me that critical thinking is not just about finding answers but also about asking the right questions and being willing to adapt when faced with challenges. These skills will undoubtedly help me tackle future problems with confidence and creativity.
Reflecting on my journey through various ice skating competitions and tests, I’ve come to appreciate the essence of resilience in ways I hadn’t before. The intense schedule, packed closely together, pushed me to my limits both physically and mentally. Each competition presented its own challenges, from mastering difficult routines to managing the pressure of performance. However, it was during these moments of struggle that I discovered my inner strength and determination. After the whirlwind of competitions, my friends and I took a mindful walk around our school. This experience was a breath of fresh air, allowing us to connect with each other and our surroundings. As we strolled, we appreciated the beauty of our environment, reflecting on our shared experiences and the lessons learned. It reminded me that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but also about finding balance and joy amidst challenges. This journey has taught me that setbacks are stepping stones to growth, and with the support of friends, I can face any ice rink—or life’s obstacles—head-on.
I’m grateful for these experiences that have shaped me along the way.
