With the Class of 2024 approaching the end of high school, the closing of this chapter prompts reflection on their time at JIS. With seniors departing, Feedback asked the longtime Dragons to share their experiences and impart some words of wisdom with the rest of us who remain.
A Dragon since third grade, Kat R., expressed her appreciation for the wide range of classes offered at JIS that sets it apart from other high schools in the country. Whether following Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or JIS curricula, this abundance can provide exciting opportunities to cultivate current passions as well as explore new interests. As JIS students, these seniors were empowered to experiment while still retaining a strong foundational education.
Yet, it is not just the activities within the classroom that make this place special. When asked about their standout memories, the seniors listed school-organized events that have occurred over the past years.
Sara W. who joined JIS in Early Year (EY) 1, said the most unique and memorable experiences of her time as a Dragon were the middle school ESP trips and high school LEAD Week. Not only did they allow her to become “significantly closer to [her] peers,” but this also helped her branch out and explore the “different traditions and communities” both within and outside of Indonesia.
Another tradition, Cilandak Games was something Dragon since EY1 Pierre T. accredits as meaningful. Specifically, he cherishes the one that occurred this year, which included an exhilarating thrill that filled the atmosphere when the seniors won.
By witnessing the many events JIS held for over a dozen years, these seniors were able to create joyous and everlasting memories—and along the way, accumulated a unique perspective of the school. As longtime Dragons, this viewpoint perhaps differs from that of newcomers.
Kat now considers JIS as a second home. Recounting the “many buildings, people, [and] rules” that she has witnessed evolve over the years, seeing that “growth and progression” is something she cherishes dearly.
Pierre found that being a part of the JIS community allowed him to develop more understanding of its own members. Saying that “a person’s personality is really similar to their past selves,” he related this idea to how JIS allows students to explore who they want to be in a comfortable and encouraging setting.
This atmosphere that JIS cultivates builds students in confidence to step into life outside of the community. As these seniors move into their plans for the near future, many find themselves bidding farewell to Jakarta—the city that has hosted them and been their home.
Having lived in Indonesia for most of his life, Pierre stated that while there are several aspects of the country he expects to long for once he leaves, one he will miss the most is Bahasa Indonesia. He shared that being able to speak the language has made his life both on and off campus “so much easier,” and that he will definitely miss using it on a regular basis. Pierre also remarked that he is “going to miss having easily accessible Indomie at the nearest Alfamart.”
As for Kat, she is “probably going to be homesick really quickly” and crave her nanny’s home-cooked meals because “she does it best.” Kat also expressed that she will miss going on family expeditions to the malls across Jakarta.
With many features of Jakarta and Indonesia that these seniors expect to find themselves yearning for, there is one place that will be the hardest to part with: the JIS campus.
Sara stated that among the three different high schools she attended, the JIS campus “still remains [her] favorite.”
From the numerous classrooms and modules, to the cafeterias, and the fields, the seniors are engraved with countless memories they have made during their time on the campus.
As a member of the IASAS Rugby team this school year, Pierre stated that “the view of Field Two will always stay [with him],” reminiscent of all the practices he attended, games he played, and teammates he had.
The campus is not the only aspect of JIS that will be missed—the people who form the JIS campus will be especially tough for these seniors to say goodbye to.
Kat stated that it is not only her friends and teachers that left an impression on her, but also those, people in the administration office and all the staff, that motivated her throughout the years and always made her feel welcome.
As the JIS community has left a positive influence on these seniors, they hope to return the favor.
Pierre stated that the IASAS Rugby plaque posted near the Weyrhouse and all the team photos serves as his mark on the school, and that he hopes to return someday and fondly look back on them.
As for Kat, she hopes that she was able to make an impact on JIS basketball by inspiring others to try the sport, and on Code Red—a club that aims to eradicate period poverty for women across Indonesia that she has dedicated herself to—by “giving back to others and encouraging the community to be part of a change.”
After over a decade at JIS, these seniors made innumerable memories, and having created them at JIS made them all the more special. As they walk out of high school gym wearing their caps and gowns, their memories are carried with them—onwards and for the rest of their lives.
Feedback would like to thank these seniors for sharing their stories—and give a well-deserved congratulations for all they have achieved. We hope that all graduating students, wherever their paths may lead, find happiness and home.
