First Impressions of AIS Sadhika’s first day on campus left a strong impression on her. “I was very impressed by the kind of support I received as I entered the campus on the introduction day. There were many teachers and leadership staff interacting with parents, but what I especially liked was the Prefect team helping new students find their way,” she recalls. It wasn’t just the teachers who stood out; the involvement of students in welcoming newcomers made her feel at home. “I was thrilled by the amount of student initiative I saw, especially at the AIS Titans sports council booth. It immediately made me want to become a part of that.”
A Memorable First Week Her first week at AIS was filled with discovery. “What really surprised me were the facilities available. The IB Centre, dedicated just for Year 12 and 13 students, was an excellent space to study without any disturbances,” Sadhika shares. However, it wasn’t all academics. The recreational aspects of the IB Centre, with ping pong and pool tables, allowed for socialising and relaxing with her peers. “The playful ambience was a refreshing pause from my studies,” she says, underscoring how the balance between work and relaxation is a key feature of life at AIS.
But what stood out most during those initial days was the abundance of opportunities. “Between extracurricular sign-ups, after-school clubs, and university counselling, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. Instead, I felt energised by how these activities could enrich my learning experience.”
Academic Ambitions For Sadhika, the IB program presents a challenge she is eager to embrace. “When I learned that the IB is one of the most challenging high school programs, I was excited to take that challenge on,” she admits. Her academic goals are clear: “My biggest priority this year is to maintain the highest possible IB scores and stay on top of my studies from the very beginning so I can transition smoothly into Year 13.”
Her focus is particularly on her STEM subjects: Psychology, Biology, and Mathematics. “These subjects are content-heavy and require rigorous practice, but I see them as an opportunity to grow.”
Passion for Extracurriculars In addition to her academic pursuits, Sadhika is deeply involved in extracurricular activities. “I’m passionate about public speaking, so joining the Model United Nations (MUN) and TEDx clubs was a natural choice for me,” she says. Having organized similar events at her previous school, she is excited to contribute to these activities at AIS. She is also exploring new clubs, such as the Global Issues Network and the Social Science Council.
When asked how she balances these with her studies, Sadhika shares her perspective: “I think of extracurriculars as a break from academics. It ensures I’m spending my time productively without overwhelming myself.”
The Impact of the Nsouli Scholarship Receiving the Nsouli Scholarship has been a defining moment in Sadhika’s educational journey. “It was one of the greatest honours of my life,” she says. The scholarship has not only boosted her confidence but also given her a heightened sense of responsibility. “I now see myself as a role model for other students, and I want to use my skills to contribute to the school community.”
This recognition has motivated her to pursue her dreams with even greater determination. “It has made me feel more capable of chasing my goals.”
Advice for New Students When asked what advice she would give to new students, Sadhika emphasises the importance of being proactive. “You should bring the most energetic version of yourself. Interact with others, ask questions, and introduce yourself to new people,” she advises. Reflecting on her own experience, she adds, “The AIS community is very welcoming; you just have to make yourself known.”
Support from Teachers and Staff One of the key aspects of AIS that Sadhika appreciates is the relationship between teachers and students. “At AIS, teachers are not just authority figures—they’re mentors. They’re highly approachable, and I feel comfortable reaching out to them for academic or extracurricular support,” she says.
Sadhika is especially grateful for the guidance of Ms. Heather, the university counsellor, who has provided her with valuable resources for her future. “Her support has been essential as I begin thinking about university applications,” she notes.
A Memorable Experience: Y12 Camp Among her most memorable experiences at AIS so far is the Year 12 camp. “The camp’s activities were centered around sustainability, and we did things like paddle-boarding, hiking, and learning about permaculture,” Sadhika explains. The camp also provided her with leadership opportunities, as she helped organise the Gala Night. “It was a fun-filled event where teachers and students came together to play games and enjoy musical performances. It made me feel accepted into the AIS community.”
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Future Sadhika is confident that AIS is preparing her for success, both academically and personally. “The school’s advanced academic facilities, expert teachers, and numerous extracurricular opportunities will help me achieve my full potential during the IB exams,” she says.