A Palette of Passions and Perspectives
By Mr Michael Ee
A PALETTE OF PASSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES
The lunchtime buzz in the canteen faded into a comfortable hum as I sat down with Liyu Jiong Yang, a thoughtful Year 6 International Baccalaureate( IB) student here at SJI. Since his Direct School Admissions in 2020, Jiong Yang has been immersed in the Josephian Arts Programme( JAP) for four fruitful years before studying Visual Art in the IB programme. He carries an artistic energy that’ s both grounded and wonderfully curious.
“ You know,” he began, between bites,“ it’ s funny to think I could have almost ended up somewhere else.” He chuckled, sharing his initial considerations for National Junior College and the School of the Arts.“ But there was something about the community here at SJI that kept coming up in conversations. People spoke so highly of it.” It’ s a decision he clearly doesn’ t regret.“ I’ ve really learned the strength of having people around you,” he reflected, a genuine warmth in his voice.“ Knowing there’ s always someone to lend a hand, that we’ re truly stronger together – that’ s been a big takeaway for me here.”
Our conversation meandered through his artistic passions, and his eyes lit up as he described the sheer joy he finds in experimenting with different mediums and getting lost in creating works. His Year Four Integrated Programme teacher, Ms Chloe Po, remembers his acrylic paintings made in 2023 as noteworthy. Beyond his individual pursuits, his role as President of the Photography Club for the past year and a half clearly holds a special place in his heart.