Leaving ISHCMC in 2020: What's it feel like, and how's it going?

Sentences and words may have been edited or paraphrased in this article.

Claire Ooi

2020 may have been an exciting, albeit traumatising year, but for some of us, there’s been even more chaos going around. Today, we call back two of our old friends, Kayley and Claire P, to tell us more about how they felt about leaving ISHCMC, especially in the midst of a growing pandemic. Claire P and Kayley are both stuck with online learning due to the coronavirus, meaning they’re staying at home, in contact with their teachers through Zoom calls and Google Meet. Some may argue this is a good thing, while others may disagree. However, Claire P and Kayley have their own opinions on how Covid-19 is going. Claire P: How did you feel leaving ISHCMC? It varied as time went on. Until June, when I truly left, I didn’t feel very strongly about my departure. But this changed when I got my leaving form. Even though I’d already known for quite a while, I started to recognise that I was leaving, for good, while collecting teacher’s signatures. But it was on the twelfth of June, the end of the school year, that it hit me in the face. I was well and truly leaving. Leaving the campus, my friends and teachers. I just couldn’t believe that it would be my very last time here. Then, as the end of the day approached, I felt sad.

What was your reaction to having to leave? As I mentioned beforehand, I didn’t feel too much for it. In fact, when my mom told me that I was leaving, I wasn’t really surprised because I knew I was going to at some point. What did you think of 2020? 2020 felt really short. I still can’t believe that a year has passed since I watched fireworks from Landmark 81 from my window. How has COVID-19 been where you currently are? Covid is pretty severe here. We’re getting an average of 1,000 more patients daily, so we barely go out now. We have online learning. What do you think of your new school? My new school is pretty nice. Since I’ve been to a Korean school before, thankfully it only took a month or so for me to get used to it. In fact, I’ve already made a friend! What are some differences between ISHCMC and your new school? Compared to ISHCMC, my school is different in many ways. Of course, since it’s a public school, the campus isn’t as nice as ISHCMC’s and doesn’t lend us laptops. However, I am happy with my education, as a Korean education is what I need. Message to Secondary Campus? Well, I miss ISHCMC itself. I hope I can visit again someday! (The above message has not been changed or edited in any way.) Kayley: How did you feel leaving ISHCMC? Kind of felt sad, transferring from a fun, healthy, advanced and interactive environment to an old, not that advanced, boring school. My school is private, though not international. What was your reaction to having to leave? I was sad, but I saw it coming because I was only supposed to stay for one year, but ended up staying for two and a half. What did you think of 2020? Honestly, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster, especially with the new environment, and more family bonding time. I have made some trustworthy friends and stayed in contact with some, although having some trouble with some of my new friendships. Even the things you do with your friends are different, no sleepovers, playdates, not really visiting places where we can play around and have fun. How has COVID-19 been where you currently are? Malaysia? Getting worse by the day, the number of people in hospitals getting higher and higher. Covid in Penang isn’t as severe as it is in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur. What do you think of your new school? The physical appearance of my new school isn’t as nice compared to ISHCMC, as there’s cracked paint, stains, pencil/pen graffiti everywhere, the classrooms are small and not as open, and our uniforms aren’t too comfortable. School here isn’t quite as fun, we don’t get to use devices in my school; we use textbooks, workbooks and pens. But when comparing my school to other schools here in Penang, it’s nice, I guess. What are some differences between ISHCMC and your new school? The above answer explains everything.

Message to Secondary Campus? Keep up all the fun events! It was nice while I was there. Miss that place. (The above message has not been changed or edited in any way.) Thank you so much to Claire P and Kayley for finding the time to help, as we know they have rather busy schedules!