The BCIS mission is to challenge and empower students to be compassionate and inspired people, who act for the good of all and for the sustainable development of the world.

With the recent graduation ceremony of our 10th graduating class, there were several grand events held as part of our BCIS Alumni Week leading to it. Previous graduates came and shared stories of the paths they have taken in life after graduating from BCIS with our current students and community. Members of our newest alumni class also took part in an information sharing session with members of the PTA. Recent graduates Rebecca Felicelli, Yasmine Rayyis, Lynn Hong, Danny Cho, Bernard Zhao, Mateo Savou, and Eric Unternahrer were invited by the committee to speak about their journey towards higher learning and beyond, as well as share their personal experiences in finding success in this regard. As one can imagine, a large group of parents to young learners attended the session to seek answers to the many questions and concerns they possess about their children's academic future.

Many poignant questions were asked to the Class of 2018 members, who answered all with confidence and wisdom gained from their very own experiences. Right away, one parent asked what after-school lessons the students took, and for how long. Although each of the students' answers ranged from taking ballet and SAT classes to English lessons, all shared that by the time they commenced their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme courses, none took extracurricular courses. They agreed that BCIS provided them with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to complete the IBDP. Another question that many parents had in mind was regarding how the students chose the universities they are heading to. Since the schools they have selected are located in different parts of the world (the US, Australia, and Hong Kong), the recent graduates mentioned the main reasons for their choices were either for their specific majors, preferred environment, place of citizenship, or family. They all emphasized that future university applicants and their families should not only look at the top, well-known schools during their research, but places that will be the best fit for themselves instead. They also highlighted the importance of conducting research and completing applications early since the final years of high school can become very complicated and difficult with various assignments, tasks, and exams to complete.

Indeed, every person has a different path to walk upon and a different life to lead. The members of the Class of 2018 that kindly joined this day's event know this well and did their best to help anxious and curious parents make better decisions for their children's future learning. It was another great event that brought the community closer and showed how tightknit and compassionate all members of BCIS truly are.