School Advisor Articles

Meghan Lim: A Journey of Leadership and Growth

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Dec 19, 2024

Meghan Lim has always been driven to explore new opportunities and grow in various areas of her life.

Born and raised in Malaysia, Meghan began her education at SJK(C) Puay Chai 2 before moving to HELP International School (HIS), where she completed her IGCSEs. During her five years at HIS, Meghan was an active member of the Student Council and Prom Committee, showcasing her leadership and organisational skills early on.

Her academic journey continued in the UK, where she pursued A-Levels at Berkhamsted School, studying Math, Further Math, Economics, and Psychology. Meghan also took on several leadership roles, including House Captain, Student Council Representative, and member of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee.

While Meghan has always been passionate about the culinary arts, she chose to study BA Social Sciences at King’s College London to deepen her understanding of the modern world.

Even today, she fondly recalls her time at HIS. "I made lifelong friends there and have core memories that I still talk about today."

Studying at HIS

Meghan’s time at HIS was a chapter filled with cherished memories, meaningful friendships, and life-shaping lessons. From the beginning, she found herself in an environment that nurtured academic growth and personal development.

HIS was a cultural hub where students celebrated diversity and learned to appreciate the richness of different traditions and customs. This exposure helped younger students better understand the world around them. The school’s engaging learning environment also ignited a passion for learning. Teachers made even the most challenging subjects approachable and fun, creating a welcoming atmosphere for students of all backgrounds and personalities.

Although Meghan didn’t personally require pastoral support, she often heard from friends about how caring and approachable the pastoral team was. They were always ready to meet the needs of students and provided a strong safety net for anyone who needed guidance.

Meghan attended HIS for five years, during which time she completed her IGCSEs.

One of the most impactful aspects of Meghan’s experience at HIS was the support she received during the transition from secondary to higher education. The careers team played a pivotal role, offering personalised advice and helping students explore a variety of career paths. This guidance made stepping into the real world feel less daunting.

"I remember when Mr. Paul looked into my then-aspired career and gave me different pathways that I could stream toward instead, and thus opened my eyes into data science and the world of interdisciplinary jobs," she says. "Had I not been given this advice, I would likely have ended up in a course that I would ultimately be unhappy with in the future."

Another highlight was the campus itself. With its greenery and lively atmosphere, it gave students a refreshing connection to nature, adding to their overall sense of balance and well-being. It was a space that inspired students to pursue their passions and gave them the confidence to follow their dreams.

Educators Who Shaped Her Journey

Meghan is grateful to her educators, who shaped her into the curious and motivated learner she is today. Teachers like Ms Uma and Cikgu Dessy made Business Studies an enjoyable and accessible subject, sparking an interest that led her to pursue Economics during her A-Levels.

The Mathematics department, however, holds a special place in Meghan’s heart. Maths wasn’t her strongest subject in primary school, but that changed in Year 7 when she was taught by Ms Siti Zaleha. Her teacher’s ability to make maths fun sparked a newfound passion for the subject.

In Year 10, during her accelerated Mathematics IGCSE class, Ms Crystlyn provided the clarity and support Meghan needed to easily navigate complex topics. " I have always been extremely grateful for her as she helped me understand rather difficult concepts to someone of such a young age, making it easy to learn and a smooth process."

Meghan’s journey with Additional Mathematics under Ms Pauline Mok was equally transformative. Although she initially struggled, Ms Mok’s encouragement and expertise helped Meghan jump from a Grade C to an A within two months. This achievement fueled her decision to take up Further Mathematics in A-Levels.

Last but not least, Meghan also has immense gratitude for Ms Lydia Sundramutty, who influenced her both as an English and English Literature teacher and as a mentor during her time on the Student Council. "She is a remarkable individual who showed me what it truly meant to be a leader and has shaped me into the person I am today. Because of her, I found my voice and have been more proactive in any environment I am put in."

With such an outstanding learning environment, it's no wonder Meghan achieved stellar results in her IGCSE exams — scoring A* in Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, English Literature, Global Perspectives, Co-ordinated Sciences (A*), and Food Nutrition and Technology (Grade 9, equivalent to A*), along with As in Additional Mathematics, English as a First Language, and Business Studies.

After leaving HIS, Meghan joined Berkhamsted School, where she held various roles, including House Captain for two houses and an active member of the EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) team.

A Journey into Leadership

Meghan never considered herself the sportiest or most musically inclined student. At a school where sports were a big deal, she often turned to academics to stand out. But in Year 10, everything changed when she decided to join the Student Council. It was a bold move, and looking back, she calls it one of the best decisions of her school years.

"It was an eye-opening role as it gave insight into leadership and organisation; a perfect glimpse of the real working world to a child."

It sparked a passion for leadership that carried her far beyond her time at HIS. When Meghan moved to Berkhamsted School, she took on even bigger challenges: serving as House Captain for two houses, joining the EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) group, and working with the Berkhamsted Town Council as an Oxford Student Consultant during her A-Levels.

Each experience built upon the last, shaping her as a leader and someone unafraid to confront significant issues. Now pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Social Sciences, Meghan reflects on how her Student Council role showcased her proactivity and maturity early on.

"I truly believe that if Year 10 me had not found such courage to take the leadership role, I would not be where I am today, tackling global issues with courage and pride."

Meghan collaborated with Berkhamsted Town Council to make the town more dementia-friendly.

The Impact of HIS on Meghan's Academic and Personal Growth

Meghan's background at HIS significantly shaped her experience at Berkhamsted School and King’s College London (KCL). Although moving to Berkhamsted, located in Hertfordshire, UK, brought its fair share of culture shocks, Meghan found adjusting easier due to her prior exposure to aspects of British culture at HIS.

One of the key elements she carried from HIS was the discipline and work ethic ingrained in her during her time there. "In HIS, I was taught to always remain curious; there is always more to learn. This kept me grounded, and that learning is a process that can be insightful and not forceful."

At KCL, this curiosity led her to choose the Social Sciences, an interdisciplinary degree encompassing sociology, anthropology, economics, psychology, and political science. Meghan’s passion for exploring different perspectives and understanding how the world functions under individual experiences reflects the essence of her HIS education.

For parents considering HIS for their children, Meghan highly recommends it. "HIS can act as a stepping stone to your child’s careers and connections they make. The staff are extremely welcoming and open-minded, and the students there are extremely welcoming and full of life."

She also emphasises that HIS nurtures curiosity and encourages students to explore subjects they never thought they would be passionate about. At HIS, students not only build academic skills but also make connections that shape their future careers.

For parting words, Meghan says, “No matter where you are in life, it’s essential to be proud of yourself — of who you were, who you are today, and who you’re becoming. While it may sound cliché, many people often downplay or underestimate their own achievements. Life is unpredictable, and that’s all the more reason to appreciate the little moments and celebrate personal growth.”