School Advisor Articles

How Reia Peterson Koay’s Journey at GIS and Taylor’s College Shaped Her Future

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Nov 27, 2024

Taking a gap year is becoming a popular trend among international school students in Malaysia. It’s a chance to explore interests, gain practical experience and develop life skills before diving into higher education. Many students use this time to travel, volunteer, intern, or learn new languages, broadening their perspectives and preparing for what lies ahead.

Reia Peterson Koay is one such student who is making the most of her gap year. She recently completed a three-month internship at WORQ Coworking Space as part of the Marketing and Community Team. “I helped plan and execute events, which was an interesting experience. I learned a lot about myself, met different kinds of people, and tackled challenges head-on,” she says.

A former Garden International School (GIS) and Taylor’s College student, Reia didn’t stop there. She volunteers with Pads & Paws KL, focusing on content creation and social media, and works with Friends of Bukit Kiara on scientific surveys. She is also running ArtJoy Fundraisers, a small business specialising in family-made, hand-made crafts such as crochet items, blankets and cards.

Shortly after completing her internship, Reia received an offer of admission to the University of Melbourne to study user experience design in 2025 — an achievement she attributes to her time at GIS and Taylor’s College.

Reia began third grade at Garden International School in 2013.

Studying at GIS

Born in Singapore, Reia began her education at Sunflower Babyhouse and Maris Stella before moving to Malaysia at six. She attended Tadika Diyana, Beaconhouse Sri Inai International School and joined GIS in 2013.

Reia’s time at GIS was an enriching journey shaped by a supportive community, engaging lessons, and spaces that nurtured her creativity and growth. From primary school to her IGCSE years, GIS provided an environment where learning felt exciting and personal.

In primary school, Reia remembers classrooms as warm, interactive spaces. Teachers took the time to make these areas feel welcoming, with some adding cosy touches like beanbags for group discussions or video sessions. It made learning enjoyable and relaxing, creating a positive foundation for her academic journey. As she moved into secondary school, the learning environment became more dynamic, with different teachers bringing unique styles to their subjects. Despite the differences, one thing remained consistent — their passion.

"I always appreciate when a teacher gets excited about the lesson they are about to teach. My teachers' passion for their subject motivated me to do well and enjoy their lessons."

One of the most memorable aspects of her time at GIS was the art classroom where she spent her last two years. Flooded with natural light and creative energy, the room became her sanctuary. Reia’s spot by the window offered a view of the field and plenty of sunlight, while the inspiring quote on the wall, “Creativity is intelligence having fun,” reminded her of the importance of artistic expression in her life. Guided by her teacher, Mrs. Doyle, and encouraged by the camaraderie of her classmates, she found art to be a much-needed outlet amidst the demands of other subjects.

Reia had an enriching learning experience at GIS, where the lessons were fun, interactive, and not restrictive.

Throughout her years at GIS, the teachers played a crucial role in shaping her experience. Reia recalls how they consistently showed care beyond the classroom. "I remember my Year 6 teacher, Mr. Thurman, and secondary school tutor, Mr Vinales, being very in tune with his students. They would frequently check in with you, and when they notice changes in your behaviour, they do not hesitate to ask if you are alright.”

Mr. Vinales, her tutor for five years, brought an unmatched energy to his lessons, making every class enjoyable. Another standout figure was Ms. Round, who became a pillar of support during a period when Reia struggled with anxiety. Her patience and the safe space she provided made a significant difference, allowing Reia to focus and regain confidence.

The campus itself added to her positive experience. In primary school, the library and bleachers were popular gathering spots, while in secondary school, the library became an essential resource. The study rooms, equipped with whiteboards, were perfect for group discussions and revision sessions. These spaces contributed to the overall sense of a campus that supports learning and connection.

The result? Reia excelled in her IGCSE subjects, achieving A*s in Information and Communications Technology, Geography, Mathematics, English First Language, Coordinated Sciences, Sociology, and Malay, along with top scores in Art, Additional Mathematics, and English Literature.

Beyond academics, Reia’s time at GIS was enriched by the variety of co-curricular activities (CCAs). She explored cooking, ballet, orchestra, coding, painting, and photography, enjoying the chance to pursue interests beyond academics. These activities made school life more balanced and fun, encouraging her to grow creatively and socially.

Reia graduated from GIS in 2022 with excellent IGCSE results.

Pursuing South Australian Certificate of Education International 

Studying at Taylor’s College was a special chapter in Reia’s life. When she moved there, she felt a smooth transition, thanks to the shared values between Taylor’s and GIS. Both schools are deeply committed to community involvement and student well-being, particularly mental health. Much like GIS, Taylor's supports students facing mental health challenges, which helped Reia feel at ease and settle in comfortably.

Here, she pursued the South Australian Certificate of Education International (SACEi) over A Levels and International Baccalaureate.

"SACEi looked like a course that would better prepare me for university and what’s to come. A Levels is mainly examination-based, which I did not feel like doing anymore. I did not know much about IB and didn’t know many friends doing IB, so it was not something I considered doing."

Reia felt SACEi’s 70% coursework and 30% examination format suited her better. It wasn’t just about exams — it was about learning practical skills. Within months, Reia had completed a research project, presented her findings, and gained hands-on experience that prepared her for university. While it was a challenging and fast-paced course, Reia loved how it constantly pushed her to learn and grow. And she was not alone in this academic journey.

She benefitted from supportive teachers at Taylor’s College, which left a lasting impression on her. "I loved studying at Taylor’s College. The lecturers were friendly but serious about the course, ensuring everyone did their best. The folks in SACEi were interesting, and I met some amazing and intelligent people."

At Taylor's College, Reia maintained her academic excellence and received the Top Achiever Award in 2023.

Reia’s experience at Taylor’s College wouldn’t have been complete without the CCAs. At the start of the year, she was amazed by the hundreds of clubs available and joined three: Taylor’s Animal Welfare Society (TAWS), Taylor’s Nature Club (TNC), and Taylor’s Lakeside Model United Nations (TLMUN).

While TAWS was a resourceful community, TNC allowed her to connect with fellow students. TLMUN, however, became a highlight of her journey. She loved learning about global issues, developing her research skills, and understanding different countries’ perspectives. "The last conference I attended with TLMUN was Genius Model United Nations 2023. We won Best Group Delegation, and I won a commendation award."

After completing her studies at Taylor’s, Reia took a gap year to explore her interests, gain industry experience, and work on personal projects. She applied to study Design at the University of Melbourne — where she successfully gained admission.

“While it is tempting to stay in Malaysia and continue studying here, I have the opportunity to explore and study in Melbourne. I would regret not taking the chance to experience studying abroad.”

All in all, Reia cherishes her time at GIS and Taylor’s for helping her become who she is today. She is also grateful to her parents, who gave her all the opportunities. “I truly appreciate and am thankful for my parents. I would not be the person I am today without their unconditional love and support.”