Dev Datwani (above left) is an HIS Alumni who joined us in Pre-Kindergarten in August 2005 and graduated as Class Historian in June 2020. During his 14 years at HIS as a Jade Dragon, he saw the school grow around him, took part in exciting opportunities, and graduated with an IB Diploma.
Dev was a top student at HIS and well-respected by his peers, teachers, and classmates. Excelling both academically and athletically, Dev proved himself as a talented athlete and a strong student, achieving success both on the court and in the classroom. His journey at HIS serves as one of the many examples of the amazing individuals our community creates.
You attended HIS for 14 years, can you tell us more about your journey here?
The simplest way to put my journey at HIS into words is by saying that I know I made lifelong connections with all the teachers and friends I met, even those who only stayed at the school for a year or two. While the end of the year was always hard because I knew that there are certain faces I might not see again, it always came with a certain joy – knowing that I had made so many memories with all my friends who were leaving, and that I would be making new memories with the new friends I was about to make in the coming school year.
What were some of your favorite memories of your time at HIS?
It’s hard to choose because there are so many! However, if I had to pick, it would have to be the ACAMIS sports tournaments with all my teammates and coaches. I remember every single bus ride, flight, and memory we created on and off the court. Of course, winning the ACAMIS basketball trophy two years in a row just made it even better.
What kind of co-curricular activities (CCAs) did you join at HIS? How do you think these helped you achieve success?
I played volleyball, basketball, and badminton during my high school years and was also given the opportunity to be the General Officer of the Student Council in my senior year. All these activities not only made my university application stand out, but also helped me grow on a personal level.
My time management skills improved as I learned how to juggle different activities alongside school, and I also learned how to work efficiently as part of a team. I also realized that having hobbies – in my case, sports – and pursuing those hobbies are just as important as obtaining a school diploma or university degree.
What are you doing now? What university and programs are you involved in?
I am currently studying at RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) in Melbourne, Australia. I recently switched my course and am now pursuing a double degree in Bachelor of Aviation & Business Management. I was fortunate to have completed the IB Diploma, and my university program involves a significant amount of report writing. I believe that the IB program at HIS prepared me not only for university, but also for the time management skills necessary for success.
How has being part of the HIS community influenced your life?
Having spent 14 years at HIS, a significant part of who I am today stems from that community. I believe that the diversity I encountered at HIS has taught me to embrace differences rather than avoid them. This has had a huge impact on the connections I have formed during my university experience as well.
What advice would you give current students at HIS to make the most of the opportunities available to them?
My advice to current HIS students is not to take your present time for granted. Yes, it might be stressful as you want to get into your choice of university and courses. While these aims are important, don’t forget to live in the present and make memories with your friends and teachers. Do not live in fear of the future.
What are the things you miss the most about HIS?
My teachers, my friends, and the whole HIS community. HIS really made my favorite day of the week a Monday! I was fortunate enough to have a great set of classmates and teachers who made me love coming to school.
Have you kept in touch with your classmates from your time here?
Yes, I am in touch with most of my classmates and teachers as well. My high school friend Rayden is also in Melbourne with me, we live and work in the same accommodation. Like I said, HIS has really helped me create lifelong connections.
Have you seen the new campus?
Yes and it’s amazing! I do miss the old campus as that’s where all my memories were created, but memories aren’t created by the place but by the people around you.
