Today we will shine a light on the incredible accomplishments and unique experiences of Rebecca Harwood. Rebecca was the captain of the Girls Soccer team her senior year and is the first sports team to win an APAC Championship in AISG’s history. From academic achievements to extracurricular activities, Rebecca demonstrated her dedication and passion in all areas of her life. Join us as we celebrate her achievements and learn more about her journey to success.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments at AISG?
I am proud that I was captain of the first sports team to win an APAC championship in AISG history (soccer APAC in my senior year). This felt like an even greater accomplishment as it also happened to be my and my team's first APAC Soccer experience. Additionally, I am also proud of how I pushed myself academically to meet the rigor of AISG that greatly contrasted that of my previous school.
Who influenced you the most during your time at AISG and why?
I was most greatly influenced by my parents, who taught me to stay calm in stressful situations and trust in my abilities. Such advice allowed me to take on both academic and athletic difficulties with greater efficiency and ease.
Share your favorite AISG memory:
My favorite memory at AISG was our Senior China Trip, specifically when we got to cook our own BBQ, listen to karaoke, and take walks on the beach. Following the stress of IAs, EEs, and college applications, it was nice to simply relax and recharge with my friends.
What challenges have you faced during Upper Secondary, and how have you overcome them?
One challenge I faced during Upper Secondary was adjusting to the academic intensity while balancing the time demanded for after-school athletics. Due to the time and energy required for Varsity practices, my teammates and I had limited time to study and complete the ever-growing amount of homework presented by the IB curriculum. However, I do think this dramatic change in free time allowed me to hone in on my work and stay focused with limited time to waste after school. As such, along with the benefits exercise and camaraderie offer by themselves, participating in sports also helped me to put a greater importance on my time and increase my efficiency and effort in academics.
What is the most important thing you learned while you were at AISG?
The most important thing I learned at AISG was to ask for help and not isolate myself when I am struggling, whether it be academic, social, or athletic. Asking for help from my teachers and classmates helped me to gain a more solid understanding of content, whether it was learning a new language or studying for a test. While I understand asking for help can be difficult, communication with those around you is extremely beneficial in bettering one’s knowledge and perspective.
What advice do you have for current students to make the most of their experience at AISG?
I would advise them to find a good balance of social and/or athletic activities to help relieve academic pressures and stress. Moreover, social opportunities such as sports, service groups, and clubs can help prepare them for college in terms of developing social skills and leadership experiences.
What are your future career goals, and how have your AISG experiences influenced them?
My future goals are to get a job in the business sector, specifically marketing or business management. Through my time at AISG I have cultivated my minor passions into knowledge and skills that I can apply to my future. In IB HL English Language and Literature as well as IB HL Economics, I nurtured my interests in business, marketing, and advertisements. Moreover, being captain of the soccer team for two years helped me to realize my aptitude for organization and planning while gaining valuable leadership skills that can easily be applied to the business world.
Rebecca Harwood's extracurriculars, activities, awards, etc. at AISG:
- The English Connection community service: 2 years
- Varsity Tennis: 2 years
- Varsity Basketball: 4 Years
- Varsity Soccer: 4 years
- Soccer MVP: Sophomore and Junior year
- Captain of the varsity soccer team: Junior and Senior year
- Roots and Shoots Environment: Coordinator for 1 year
- Connect for Cancer: 1 year
- Journalism: 1 year
- Yearbook: 1 year
- All-APAC Player Soccer Award
- Third place in APAC Tennis Girl’s Doubles
Rebecca, you truly made the most of your time at AISG. Your well-roundedness shone through in your academic, athletic, and social pursuits. You discovered the true value of a support network that will prove to be invaluable for the rest of your life. And most memorable is your leadership on the Girls Soccer team brought AISG its first ever sports APAC championship! We are proud of your achievements and wish you the best as you continue to reach for the stars. Once a Ram, Always a Ram!
The AISG Upper Secondary program is designed to provide a broad exposure to a balance of academic disciplines and co-curricular activities to facilitate the development of well-rounded, self-directed, and enthusiastic learners.Click here to learn more about AISG Upper Secondary School.