Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > Alumni Spotlight > Coming Full Circle: John Ooi' 09

Coming Full Circle: John Ooi' 09

Coming Full Circle: Enter to Learn, Learn to Serve
22 Sep 2020
Written by John Ooi
Alumni Spotlight
John Ooi
John Ooi

Having graduated from SJII’s pioneer IBDP cohort back in 2009, I can certainly imagine that this short piece is going to be placed next to ones from amazing globetrotters who have moved and shook the world in their own ways. My path will surely come as a more modest one, but I am glad that I have taken it, nonetheless.  

COMING FULL CIRCLE: Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve

I personally think that holistic education is one that is supposed to mould you beyond the classroom, and I cannot help but feel that my experiences in SJII back in 2008-2009 had shaped me into the person that I am today. From learning from my teachers to becoming a teacher myself, from being a hostel student to becoming a hostel manager, from playing volleyball to coaching volleyball, from receiving a scholarship to helping with the scholarship process, and from participating in service activities to organising them for others, life seems to have come full circle for me as I currently teach in a Lasallian school in Malaysia and organise service programs for youths.

My teachers have always been an inspiration to me, and I believe many of you (if not all) would agree that we have been abundantly blessed with good teachers at SJII. I was already certain that I wanted to be involved in education since I was in IB, but after pursuing my degree in Economics at The University of Queensland in Australia, I felt that I needed some life experience before becoming an educator so I decided to join Intel as a Finance Business Analyst. It was a good experience seeing how large multinationals function and how their processes have been streamlined for efficiency. Later, I also tried my hand at entrepreneurship by starting an escape room in my hometown as well as a hobby cafe! It was a vastly different experience working in such a small team and having to design processes myself! Nevertheless, they were all interesting endeavours that I treasure and have brought with me into my teaching (Economics).  


I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to study at SJII and find my path in life. Having the opportunity to give back in this little way has certainly been the highlight of my journey so far in my career. There have surely been ups and downs, but I am enjoying my teaching despite the obvious weight that I have gained since my IBDP days! Thank you to all the amazing teachers and staff at SJII for the holistic education that you worked so hard to offer. It seems that your efforts were not in vain after all (I hope)!

Similar stories

Class of 2020 Graduating Cookies for the Seniors

The Alumni Office held the first welcome event for the class of 2020 during their tutor group sessions, bringing around cookies and sharing a recorded message about all things alum… More...

SJI International Alumni are doing amazing things all around the world, and we want to proudly share those experiences w… More...

Jiayi speaking at SJI International's SINGALA III: The Circle of Life fundraising dinner in 2019

What does becoming a scholar mean to a prospective student at St. Joseph's Institution International? The opportunity of… More...

Students and staff from both Elementary and High School gathered on our new upper field to form our very own Lasallian S… More...

It was a 90s themed evening that celebrated old (and new) friendships and golden memories gone by. More...

Most read

Performing eyecare checkups with Baan Dada's Children's Home, Thailand

Former Scholar Reflects on his SJI International Experience More...

Art as a form of expression has evolved throughout the years, and budding artist Megan is making good use of that. More...

It was a 90s themed evening that celebrated old (and new) friendships and golden memories gone by. More...

Have your say

 

ST. JOSEPH’S INSTITUTION INTERNATIONAL

490 Thomson Road, Singapore, 298191

Legal

This website is powered by
ToucanTech