Sometimes the last-minute dates work out best. Sophie wrote to us on a Saturday saying that she was in Singapore and would love to visit the GESS Campus. Right on Monday, we showed her around and she enjoyed seeing the school and talking to some of her former teachers. We were happy that Sophie visited and spoke to her about her life after GESS.
What has your learning journey after GESS been like?
After graduating in 2015, I went to the University of Durham to attain a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Geography. Graduating in 2018, I decided to gain work experience in both the private and public sectors. The six-month internship in change management at Amazon Logistics Germany convinced me to take on a full-time position as an Area Manager and later, as an Operations Manager.
I have recently decided to part ways from my well-loved job at Amazon Logistics Germany to pursue a Master’s Degree in International Business with a specialisation in Change Management and Consultancy in Organisations at the University of Maastricht.
What is your favourite memory of your time at GESS?
Naming a favourite memory out of the 15 years at GESS is extremely difficult. If I have to name one, the most memorable which will stay my absolutely most told story when recalling my time at GESS was the occasional encounter with our “school monkeys” during lunch time at the old campus.
What do you miss most about your time at GESS?
I have very fond memories of our closely knitted school community, the environment that has become familiar to all of us, be it with classmates or teachers. Knowing that it is extremely difficult to get the same constellation of people together in one place again makes me feel a little melancholic – and shows that I do miss my time at GESS alot.
Did you have any favourite spots on campus or in Singapore?
During school time, I thoroughly enjoyed the walks through the campus greenery. Walking from the sports hall after PE to French Class in the ESS Building always provided some great scenery (and precious time to catch up with friends of course).
My absolute favourite spot however must be the teacher’s tower roof – out of bounds during school days, but open when school festivals came along, a definite place to explore!
Do you think your time in Singapore and your time at GESS had an impact on your life?
Nothing can beat the 18 years (of which 15 at GESS!) I spent growing up and living in Singapore, so yes I believe the time I spent in Singapore and at GESS had a significant impact on my life.
What did you learn during your time at GESS that you learned to appreciate after?
Two aspects instantly came to my mind when reading this question: cultural open-mindedness and the power of reflection.
Cultural open-mindedness: The constant stream of leavers and newcomers GESS equipped me with the valuable skill of adaptation and sparked my interest in getting to know and work with people from all backgrounds. This definitely had a significant impact on how I worked with my multi-cultural team at Amazon Logistics Germany.
Power of Reflection: I wouldn’t have imagined myself saying this, but the constant reflections on our work done throughout our curriculum at GESS provided me with an instinct to later routinely reflect on all processes as an Area Manager and then an Operations Manager. Thorough reflections have been one of my keys to success, working with and training other Area Managers into strong leaders at Amazon Logistic Germany.
Is there any advice that you would like to share with our current students?
GESS is an extremely unique environment that provides you with a great chance to meet, work with and learn from people from all around the world. My advice is that you aim to make the best out of this chance and make sure to stay in touch with the schoolmates you spent so much time with. Even though most of you won’t be in the same countries, the friendships you form at GESS will provide you with a special bond that is not easy to find elsewhere.
