In this graduation series of Student Blogs, we chat to class of 2016 student Nthabiseng Lekaota, about studying at Yew Chung International School of Beijing, as well as tips for future graduates and her plans for the future.

My name is Nthabiseng Lekaota, I am 18 years old and I come from Lesotho.I have been in YCIS for 8 years now. It has been a worthwhile experience, I remember first coming to the school with minimum English and only having a few friends, now I have grown to be a confident and outgoing person who gets along with many people.

What IB subjects did you choose? How did you feel about the IB programme?

I chose Psychology, Global politics, English language and literature, Chinese mandarin and Math studies. The IB programme is challenging but I believe what I learned through the two years will be beneficial during my university years.

How are you feeling now you have graduated from YCIS Beijing?

I am excited that I am moving on into a new chapter in my life, but at the same time I feel anxious to leave all these great teachers and friends that I have made through the years behind. I am still very nervous about going to university since it is a new experience for me.

What will you do now you have graduated?

I will take a six months gap and resume school in February, I am planning to study psychology

The Secondary years can be tough for most Secondary students, how did you manage to enjoy the Secondary life?

Friends and teachers have made my secondary life really interesting when I was going through I tough time, whenever I needed help with any schoolwork my teachers were always willing to help me or whenever I had a tough day at school my classmates and friends would cheer me up, I think that during your secondary years it is essential that you get at least two really close friends who are able to share the good and bad days with you.

What is your best memory of your time at YCIS Beijing?

Lunch times, I had friends who were a few year groups below me and the only chance I got to see them was during the morning break and the lunch break, the lunch break was longer and we would all meet together in the cafeteria and talk about how our day has been and help each other with any work that we found difficult.

What general advice do you have for your younger peers at school?

Time management, know when to submit work, I found this really difficult as well when I had a lot of homework I always found it easier to ignore it until the last minute when the teachers have loaded us with more homework, thinking back I think it would be much easier to get it done then you wont have to worry about it. And I also think students should balance their school work and social life

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