What does a national gymnast do when she isn't competing in tournaments? She writes in-depth research papers on contemporary issues of course! Last week, we discussed this question and more with one of our many inspiring students, and gymnast extraordinaire, Vivian, a Grade 11 student who enjoys sharing her passions for fitness and academics with her peers at BCIS. Vivian has inspired learners throughout BCIS to embrace a healthy balance both in the gym and in their school lives!

Vivian herself is a highly skilled gymnast, and she enjoys sharing this passion with others. When she was in Grade 9, she utilized the Enrichment Activity (EA) program at BCIS to lead a Rhythmic Gymnastics EA for younger children at the school. For her, practicing her gymnastics provides a nice break from the challenging Secondary School programme. "Leading this EA is something really important for myself because it reminds me of being able to do activities and be physical while studying in the Secondary School," she explains. With the Rhythmic Gymnastics EA, she can teach young learners at BCIS how to be better gymnasts, as well as how to remain active while at school.

National gymnast, international affairs

Rhythmic Gymnastics isn't the only EA Vivian was inspired to create. She also heads the Current Events EA, which provides interested students with a forum to discuss, research, present on, and write about important current world affairs. Vivian formed Current Events when she was in Grade 10, based on her own investigations into newsworthy topics, which she would turn into research papers. This activity stands at the opposite end of the spectrum to her gymnastics EA, enabling her and her classmates to stay flexible in both physical and mental pursuits.

During her studies at BCIS, one class that sparked Vivian's interest in current affairs was "Individuals and Societies", taught by Ian. His class was studying a unit on disasters, right as the pandemic hit the world in real life. This demonstrated the importance of keeping informed about recent events to many of his students, including Vivian. His assistance would inspire her and her fellow students in the EA to research a variety of perspectives on timely topics such as the pandemic. Ian has also enjoyed supporting the club, stating, "The passion for discovery has been really rewarding to be a part of." Thanks to the Current Events Club, many more BCISers are joining in this passion for discovery.

Amazing as this EA was for its students to engage with different perspectives on contemporary topics, it did run into some challenges. As a more academic activity, Vivian was worried that it might be more difficult attracting students to sign up, especially compared to her popular Rhythmic Gymnastics EA. However, many of the great minds at BCIS were inspired by her lead and eager to join her in research, and the group continues to grow. Furthermore, while it was initially difficult to delegate the responsibilities needed for their research and writing, the group was eventually able to publish a full journal of papers regarding a contemporary topic. This success has empowered the group to work even harder in their pursuit of new knowledge.

The Current Events group has recently published a fascinating journal on pandemics. Drawing research from historic and current cases, the journal helps to shed light on the current pandemic faced by the world, as well as debunk some of the myths surrounding it. Compiling such an in-depth project helped the students in this EA gain valuable analytical and writing skills that they can transfer to their classes here at BCIS, and to their future university studies. Moreover, since this journal is published in the school, all high school students can benefit from reading such comprehensive research from a variety of perspectives.

The art of balance

These two EAs enable Vivian to explore her interests and remain active in school discussion. Whether it is leading students in gymnastics, or leading the discussion on pressing topics, Vivian has gained valuable leadership skills from her EAs, and helped other students grow. Additionally, she has learned to balance her myriad of interests with her academic learning. The EAs she has founded complement her classroom studies and inspire her to remain balanced when pursuing her passions. Her dedication and leadership have in turn inspired many other BCISers to stay balanced, both in and out of gymnastics class!

Vivian hopes to continue leading her two clubs, stating, "I want to do this while having a positive influence on my community, such as promoting physical wellness in my Rhythmic Gymnastics EA." As a gymnast, and as a student, she believes that finding balance is important, and hopes to inspire all the members of her clubs throughout BCIS to stay healthy and pursue knowledge. For her activities, and all the superb EAs at the school, the support of the BCIS community helps challenge students to better themselves and make a positive impact on their community!