Jasmine

In your housing application form, you indicated that all you wanted was a room with a sunset view. But here’s a spoiler – you’ll receive so much more. Friendships that you are confident you will keep for life. Opportunities that will send you around the world, fuelling your spirit of adventure. Invigorating conversations that will take place in classrooms, the dining hall and on your suite sofa that will shape and strengthen the values you hold.   

You will face trials of course, but they will make you stronger, more resilient, and more appreciative of all you have. Remember that in a college like Yale-NUS, no two students are the same, and there is no need to compare your journey to others. Hold tightly to all that keeps you grounded! It will all work out in the end.  

With love,  
Final year Jas

Joseff

It’s okay to take things slow. You have entered college with the zeal to prove yourself and that taking a chance on a young college is an experience you won’t regret. I know you feel like this is your last chance to do so many things, but it really isn’t.   

You don’t have to rush into everything. Take your time to discover your passions and what really makes you happy. You will grow from many different experiences, and meet many people who will annoy and frustrate you, but most of all, they will inspire you.  

It’s okay to not have everything figured out right now, because you’ll get there, and that journey will be the greatest experience of all. So take your time and remember to enjoy the little things!  

I’m proud of you,
Seff

Vaness

Congrats on getting into your dream college! You’ve worked so hard to get to where you are, and you deserve to be here. The four years of college will pass by in a flash, but you’ll experience so much personal growth and development. You’ll learn to step out of your comfort zone, like majoring in Urban Studies instead of Psychology like what you intended. You’ll try new sports — floorball and climbing and realise you can’t live without them. Things won’t always work in your favour, but you’ll learn to make the most of whatever life has thrown at you. And you’ll be surrounded by wonderful friends who will make you laugh until you can’t breathe and sit with you when you’re going through a difficult time. Remember to stay present and trust in the process. And make sure to have fun whenever you can!  

Lots of love,  
Vaness

Yi Ern

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You might be feeling a bit lost, and frankly quite overwhelmed, but take heart! It doesn’t stay this way forever.

In the next four years, you will be pushed out of your comfort zone in more ways than you can imagine. You will learn much about yourself and who you want to become. You will make many great friends that will inspire you to do better and be better, laugh over silly memes and ugly cry with. You will rediscover your love for badminton and frisbee and make many precious memories.

You have much to look forward to and will be proud of how you have grown. But for now, be adventurous and courageous! Be kind, everyone’s trying their best! Be present, because the time will fly by and soon it will be time to say goodbye.

Much love,  
Yi Ern in 2021