After seven years of being operational, Rugby School Thailand (RST) not only has wait lists for most year groups, but it is also seeing the products of its education. One of the School’s first-ever boarding students, Nina, has just received an early decision offer from a top Ivy League, Brown University – a very prestigious achievement to study a unique open curriculum. Here’s a Q&A to shine a light on how Nina feels the School enhanced her opportunities.
Congratulations on your offer. How are you feeling about going to Brown?
Thank you. As cliché as it sounds, it feels like a dream come true. I’m really proud of everything I’ve done to get to this point and very grateful for the support system I’ve had around me. I can’t wait to experience Brown and its Open Curriculum. Growing up, I was encouraged to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity given to me, regardless of whether or not it was within my comfort zone. So this unique aspect of Brown captivated me, as the freedom to tailor my studies to my interests and curiosities aligns perfectly with my upbringing and provides me with endless possibilities in my future.
Can you reflect upon the support and guidance you received for the application process?
I attribute much of my success to my teachers, the Higher Education (HE) team, my parents and the school community, each of whom provided me with invaluable guidance, support and encouragement. The School’s HE team was crucial in preparing me and guiding me on my path; extensive informational talks, essay writing sessions, US-specific events and one-on-one support, the comprehensive approach made it feel more manageable. They helped me navigate the early decision deadline and provided personalised feedback on my essays – but most importantly, they believed in me.
What are the most significant ways the School has supported your academic and personal growth since you joined in Year 7?
Rugby School Thailand has been invaluable in countless ways. The teachers here have been primary drivers of my success, providing me with rigorous academic challenges that pushed me to excel and ensured the strong academic record that universities look for. Their encouragement and passion in their subjects have sparked my curiosity and greed for knowledge. The facilities and extracurriculars the School offers have given me the best opportunities to engage in a variety of things – from sports tournaments, concerts, productions – which all have contributed to my holistic development. Despite following a British curriculum, RST and US universities both agree that ‘The Whole Person’ really is ‘The Whole Point’! (RST’s ethos is ‘The Whole Person, The Whole point’)
How has being a boarding student prepared you for university life?
I have gained a sense of independence that will undoubtedly help me tackle university life. I’ve developed my organisational skills, time management and responsibility. Moreover, I have been able to broaden my experiences through different activities and extracurriculars, as well as deepen my exploration of existing passions. However, perhaps the most important thing I have gained is the ability to turn an unfamiliar place into somewhere comfortable, safe, fun, and somewhere to call a second home.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to attend top universities?
Start early and plan early. All top universities have different characteristics, requirements and specific things they are looking for, so it is crucial to devise a plan based on this knowledge. The US application process tends to be very holistic, so my advice would also be to throw yourself into any opportunity given to you, regardless of whether it is within your comfort zone. At RST, I’ve had the opportunity to be in so many different communities, such as the basketball team, choir, orchestra, drama, and I plan to do the same at Brown with all the different clubs and societies on offer.
What message would you like to share with younger students reading this?
Every university has something different to offer, so it is really about finding which place would provide you with the best opportunities and push you towards your goals. And somewhere you know will make you happy!
Dream big… but take small steps to get there. It’s so important to have aspirations but one big leap will not get you there. Set small goals, create small successes, and experience small failures, because eventually, they will accumulate into something bigger. Consistency is key; each step you take builds momentum. So embrace the challenges, and enjoy the journey as you progress to your final destination.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time at Rugby School Thailand?
The words written on the School wall: ‘Be yourself, everyone is already taken’ (Oscar Wilde)
