INTERVIEW | LUMEN 17
Mr . Jude Tan teaches Biology and heads International Education in SJI . With his brothers in the SJI NPCC during their schooling years , Mr . Tan followed their footsteps to join the Uniformed Group too . He also devoted his time serving in the SJI Prefectorial Board . He returned to his Alma Mater in 1999 as a teacher .
Luke graduated from SJI ’ s 6-year Integrated Programme with an IB Diploma in 2019 . During his time at SJI , Luke was actively involved in Canoeing during his first four secondary years , as well as in Dragon Boat and the Student Council during junior college . His sister , Joan , joined SJI after her secondary education in CHIJ Toa Payoh . She graduated with the same IB Diploma in 2021 , and took part in the same activities as her elder brother during her 2-year course in SJI .
Q : Thank you for taking the time to share your SJI Story with us . Could you tell us where is your favourite spot in SJI ?
Mr . Tan : For me , it would have to be the Chapel . The Chapel is a place where the world comes to a standstill . Once inside , I am reminded of the presence of something greater in life – God . During many stressful periods , such as before the exams as a student , after National Service and university as I searched for the meaning of life , and now as an adult when the grind of daily life seems too overwhelming and the responsibilities of parents too much to bear , the Chapel is a place where I would find solitude and peace .
Luke : My favourite spot in SJI would be the school field . During lunch time or whenever we had a break in between classes , I would be on the field with my friends playing American football , soccer , frisbee , cricket and even baseball . It was a place for me to relax and have fun with my friends .
Joan : One of my favourite places in SJI would be the canteen . I spent a lot of time there , eating , chilling with friends after school or rushing deadlines together . Although it was not the most conducive environment to be working in , being able to work and eat , shouting across the canteen for help anytime , to talk and laugh at ease felt really great . This was especially so since I missed out on a lot of face-to-face interactions with new schoolmates during the Circuit Breaker period in 2020 . The canteen was the place that brought a lot of comfort and I formed many great memories with my friends there .
Q : Please share with us an unforgettable memory you had as a student in SJI .
Mr . Tan : One deeply ingrained memory as a student would be one where my seniors would always be there to counsel and guide me . My seniors , twins Danny and Donny Tan ( Class of 1988 ) are of special significance . They were not only my seniors in SJI ; we were friends in church and served together in the Legion of Mary and as altar servers . These memories became even more memorable after Danny passed away several years ago after a long battle with cancer . It just reminds me to always live the day , make a difference in the lives of those whom I come into contact with and to treasure those closest and dearest to me .
Luke : It would be my first day as a Secondary Three student . It was my first day going to school in long pants . I came to school early with my father and was looking for my new classroom . I saw my senior from Canoeing CCA who happened to be my father ’ s student . We stopped and chatted a bit and he jokingly complimented me on the new pants . However , just before we parted , he said , “ your father would be proud .” It was such a short conversation yet it stuck with me . It says a lot about the kind of family that I am lucky to have at SJI .
Joan : One unforgettable memory would be at our Night Study during the last week of school . I definitely spent more time that week reminiscing about the time in SJI with my friends than studying but I do not regret any of it . The carefree time spent with my friends at that time before our study break for the IB examinations was very much needed and will forever be one of my best memories I have of SJI .
Q : What is one enduring lesson or value that you picked up in SJI that has guided you in your adult life ?
Mr . Tan : Community . At SJI , you are constantly reminded that you are not alone . There is always a friend who is looking out for you , be it in times of fun
( or mischief ) or challenging moments . In my adult life , SJI has become FAMILY , almost literally . My colleagues are like my second family , and my students and their parents have become my friends . I am blessed to have received an SJI education and even more blessed to have the opportunity to serve and return this blessing to those that I come into contact with every day , my SJI Family .
Luke : My form teacher , Mr Soo Chan Hua , taught me almost everything I know . He played an important part in shaping the person I am today . One thing he told me that has stuck with me is that “ if something is easy , why bother doing it ?” In life , we always have to challenge ourselves to improve , to do more with our lives . We cannot just be content with doing what is comfortable or easy , or else we will not learn and grow .
Joan : I realised the importance of community while in SJI . The small groups of friends I had in my different subject classes were a great source of support . Outside of classes , I spent time studying , eating and chilling with another group of friends who were there with me throughout our rollercoaster IB journey . I did not think much of these friendships then but now that we have all entered a new phase and chapter of our lives , I realised that they have become an integral part of my life , bringing me a sense of comfort whenever we chat or meet up . The family that I ’ ve found in my friends is irreplaceable .
Q : Growing up , did your father share any stories of his own experience as a student in SJI ?
Luke : Our family has always been involved with SJI whether I was aware of it or not . My father did not tell us stories about SJI per se , but allowed us to experience it for ourselves . When I was younger , my sister and I would come