SAS Community Voices

Jack King
Class of 2018
Vice President of Finance

Diego Largacha
Class of 2019
Vice President of Communications

Aysha Nesbitt
Class of 2013
Vice President of Programming and Events

Leslie Hardy
Class of 2002

Amanda Zakowich
Class of 2012
Volunteer

Nigel Li
Class of 2017

Tolley St. Clair
Class of 2009
President

Emily Reiff 
Class of 2000
Vice President of Communications

Sarah Pisacich
Class of 2001
Vice President of Finance

Vidhi Prasad
Class of 2019
Vice President of Communications

Nikhil Nilakantan
Class of 2013
Vice President of Finance

Anokhi (Kapasi) Sullivan
Class of 1998
Vice President of Logistics

Saachi Ashi (Subramani) Ferraro
Class of 2011
President

James Fan
Class of 2010
Vice President of Programming and Events

Chua Ee Chien
Class of 2007
Vice President of Communications

Yashika Mody
Class of 2008
Vice President of Finance

Sharmishta (Mishti) Sivaramakrishnan
Class of 2012
President

I’ll miss my advisory the most, because it was always entertaining and hilarious.

I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without the constant support of my teachers, and as I say my farewells, I know I want to keep in touch with the ones that truly made a difference in my life.

From sixth grade cooking classes to Catalyst in high school, SAS consistently provides diverse avenues to hands-on creativity.

There is so much value in playing a sport, joining a service club, or participating in the arts.

I have grown to love learning all sorts of things, from the logical STEM topics to subjects that are more abstract and open to interpretation, such as English and music.

As my home for the past four years, the music program at SAS has fostered lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.

Above all, SAS has given me an understanding of the transformative power of creation—the indescribable exhilaration that accompanies the generation of work that is truly one's own.

The thing I will miss most about SAS is the people. The variety of options at SAS means students are continually meeting new classmates and friends, even from other grades.

SAS is special because it helps students fulfill their potential and push themselves to try new things.

I think the diversity at SAS is what makes the experience truly unique. SAS has students from many different cultures, and by taking advantage of this, I was able to realize its benefits.

I will miss the SAS sense of community and teachers like Mr. Matt Hughes, Mr. Shane Fitts, Mr. Kristian Ganske, and Mr. Jeff Pabotoy, who are always willing to explain the same concept again and again until you feel comfortable.

I’ve deeply appreciated the SAS emphasis on character and self-advocacy. The academic hustle among the students can get overwhelming, but all my teachers have stressed the importance of seeking guidance or asking questions.

The freedom to drive my own learning, combined with the incredible support SAS provides, allowed me to excel, and these experiences cemented my passion for engineering.

At SAS, I learned how to be resilient in the face of social and academic hardships. I'd say every teacher has inspired me to reach the best version of myself inside the classroom. They've done this by always challenging me and helping me when I'm struggling.

The people are what make SAS special. We each have our own set of unique interests that we share with others to create collective experiences and a vibrant community.

I was really inspired at SAS by the Quest curriculum. Being able to pursue my passion in a professional setting really helped me solidify my interest in architecture. I also took various design classes that I really enjoyed.

SAS is special because of its diversity in cultures, many opportunities, and sense of community. I will miss all this, because SAS has felt like home for 13 years.

My favorite thing about SAS is the diversity of the student body. In my 13 years at SAS, I have been fortunate to be friends with people from all over the world. 

The challenging academic workload that we adapt to at SAS will pay dividends down the line, especially in college.

SAS taught me the importance of being the best version of myself. There is a lot of competition, but it creates the drive to push yourself, publish work that you are passionate about and proud of, and put a 100-percent effort into everything.

SAS prepared me for the real world by showing me there’s no limit to what you can do—as long as you ask. SAS has so many opportunities to take advantage of, if only you reach out to your teachers.

SAS prepared me for the future not only through rigorous academics, but also through its emphasis on character. I learned the importance of responsibility, honesty, compassion, fairness, and respect as fundamental virtues that show what kind of person I am.

SAS prepared me for college by teaching me that teamwork is fundamental to success. The many group projects I did at SAS taught me essential communication and social skills, and so improved my self-confidence.

Working with a faculty member on a more equal footing was a very special opportunity. I think this will help me as Bates has a very low student–faculty ratio and I'm excited to work closely with my professors.

One piece of advice for younger SAS students is that the way to get the most out of SAS is to just get involved. The more activities you take part in, the more you'll get out of your time here.

SAS taught me independence, autonomy, and what a caring student-focused academic environment is truly like.

SAS taught me to understand that everyone has different experiences, which made me a more caring person.

SAS taught me to seek new experiences and get out of my comfort zone.

At SAS, I learned to manage my time carefully and always say "yes" to a challenge.

SAS really inspires student autonomy and initiative. I feel that the predominant attitude at SAS is, “Do it and show me results, then let’s talk,” and I can’t think of a better lesson for real life.

Through SAS, I have made lifelong friendships with people who are very different from me, and I think it is this diversity that makes the school so special.

SAS taught me to put in more than what’s expected, rather than doing the bare minimum.

The most valuable lesson I learned at SAS was to put 101% into everything I did.

SAS helped me prepare for college through teaching me the importance of time management, especially through Quest and project-based learning.

SAS has prepared me for college because it’s taught me how to lead with compassion and empathy, especially through my work in the executive service council.

Competition is a huge part of the SAS culture, and although at times it can be overwhelming, it has led me to keep pushing myself to grow as a person, student, and dancer.

One lesson I learned at SAS that has prepared me for college is that people will notice it when you put a lot of effort into something just as much as they notice when you do not.

The SAS community is special for the multifaceted talents it brings together. But personally, I’ve always been most inspired by the work ethic and determination shared among SAS students, whether it be on the field, in the auditorium, or in the library.

I was fortunate to have wonderful SAS peers and teachers to help ease my transition, and I learned a lot from the process.

SAS is special because of the facilities and the endless opportunities. Students have so many options as to what passion they might want to pursue.

I am proud of my drive to keep challenging myself. I never thought I would be able to do a research project in engineering or reach the top of the climbing gym, but perseverance led to some of my proudest achievements. I am proud that I will try hard to never give up and believe that "Yash, I can!"

What's my favorite SAS memory? Interim Semester in Kenya! Taking bucket showers, being completely isolated from wifi/phones/ social media, and spending a week in communal tent was an experience second to none.

SAS prepared me to be versatile. With courses in a multitude of subjects and flexible courses like Catalyst, I was able to foster my interests and develop new ones.

One lesson that I learned at SAS that has prepared me for college is to pursue the things I genuinely enjoy.

SAS has taught me to face challenges with grit.

What makes SAS special is its emphasis on participation in extracurriculars and encouragement to pursue passions beyond academics.

In my three years at SAS, it is the students and teachers who have had the strongest impact on me. When I first moved to Singapore, making friends was a huge challenge. However, the diversity at SAS offers a fantastic mix, giving me an opportunity to overcome shyness.

Failure isn't the end. In moments when you're struggling and working hard, and end up falling short, sometimes it seems like the world will end. But you have got to keep moving.

SAS offers a plethora of opportunities to explore your passions, leaving it to individual students to make their choices. This skill in a high school setting has prepared me to take on the challenge of trying to build experiences a larger university setting.

SAS is renowned for academic rigor and students who take pride in their grades. I feel SAS prepared me for the academic transition into college.

The academic rigor at SAS has prepared me for NS life. But more importantly, it is the interactions with students and teachers over the years that have made me more confident.

SAS taught me to understand my potential and my limits andhow far I could challenge myself. It taught me to be realistic and prioritize my tasks.

The diversity at SAS provides a very unique environment for one to learn and grow.

At SAS, I learned to teach myself. Classes here are both challenging and independent, it's extremely rewarding to find out what I know and what I don't on my own and then go out and ask those specific, clarifying questions.

What makes SAS special is the diversity in this school. SAS prepares you for real life by pushing you out of your comfort zone—interacting with new people and different perspectives. The education here encourages confident public speaking—an extremely useful life skill.

At SAS, I learned never to doubt my own abilities and to take advantage of opportunities. I threw myself wholeheartedly into whatever I did because that's the only way to produce a result I'm proud of.

Here's an incredible opportunity to help people explore their potential and the kids are hilarious--both of what appeals to me.

I really enjoyed teaching and this is what I want to do in my life.

Everyone was saying that I need to work with kids.

My years at SAS taught me that anything is possible. Without the SAS pioneering spirit, I may not have even imagined starting a literary magazine to support other teen writers, researching a contemporary film through the AP Capstone program, or becoming a high school teaching assistant.

Every comment we heard about SAS was positive. When we visited the school and observed the teachers interacting with the children and the learning environment, we knew SAS was the right place for our kids.

Upon our arrival to Singapore, we were immediately welcomed into the SAS family. Our children have participated in numerous activities including basketball, karate, dance, soccer, cross country and track. In addition to these experiences, we have all established personal relationships that we will value for years to come.

"The emphasis at SAS is both on academic and extracurricular activities, at a pace that is tailored for the students, within a culture that promotes possibilities. 

SAS competitive environment and superior facilities, faculty, and curriculum caused me to push myself throughout my time here.

It struck me almost immediately how open and outgoing everyone was in SAS. Even at 11, I felt pushed to think creatively, develop a strong point of view and pursue interests both in and out of class.

If I were to state just one lesson that SAS has taught me, it would be the value of friendships. These relationships have helped me overcome tough situations and shed light on new perspectives on a wide range of topics.

Common among all SAS teachers is a desire to help their students to succeed.They go the extra mile to help us outside class hours and care about our personal well being.

SAS is made special by all of the passionate and hardworking faculty and staff here. Every teacher I have had at SAS genuinely cares about the learning of their students and is more than knowledgeablein their subject(s) of expertise.

SAS has taught me to give it my all and strive for the best.

SAS is a place I can call my own. What I'll miss most is the privilege of being a student to some of the best teachers.

The environment at SAS exemplifies what it is like to be among the best of the best. An opportunity to pursue passions, and the amazing support from the school administration is what sets this school apart.

At SAS, I was able to have the freedom and the resources to seek out and passionately follow my interests.

My time at SAS was quite pivotal in my life as high school is generally the years you start to build strong friends and find your identity.

SAS did an amazing job prepping me for the outside world. Whether it was through my AP Courses prepping me for college or Interim Semester exposing me to cultures out of my reach. SAS has given me a perspective on the world I wouldn't have had otherwise.

The teachers and faculty are exceptional – there are many teachers who have been at the school for 10-20 years, and others who have lived all over the world and have brought their experiences with them.

The community here, along with the magnificent opportunities for learning and growth, is incomparable.

I have ample resources that allow me to do the best job I can. Best of all, our students and their families are so engaged and fun that teaching often doesn’t feel like just a job.

The one thing I like most about SAS is its caring attitude and how people always come first.

Mr. Clemens is hands down the sole reason I stuck to film all four years of high school. There has never been anyone as encouraging and important in my life, aside from my dad, as Mr. Clemens. He is the main reason I’m in film today.

I pretty much grew up in Singapore American School. I lived so close to school and had a great community of friends who lived nearby as well. And when I was a student, SAS really pushed me academically and encouraged me to chase what I loved doing—dance.

The SAS faculty make SAS what it is. Those mentors were very important to me when I was in high school, middle school, and elementary school, and remain very important to me today.

I remember the day I got onto the airplane to go to university—my first thought was, how am I going to get back? When the opportunity came for me to come home to Singapore and to SAS, I jumped at it.

SAS takes a bunch of people who are in many ways orphans of the world and puts them together,” he explained. You’re given this perspective at SAS that is actually put into you—and the only way you ever see it working or manifesting is by going somewhere else.

In the classroom, on the court, or in the field, I want my students and athletes to know that I truly care for them. I will encourage them, help them, and push them every chance I get. I want them to have a space where they can feel safe, supported, and trusted to be themselves.

I remember us having all these different kinds of tools to tinker with; solar panels, the first phase of a 3D printer, and so much more. Being able to direct my own learning at SAS really inspired me.

Professional Breakdancer

At SAS I was surrounded by teachers and students who saw my potential and then provided the support, encouragement, and push needed to rise to a level I hadn't thought possible.

The standards at SAS are so high—you start to expect excellence from yourself and from those around you.

The most rewarding is to see those transformations take place. I can only guide them and they have to take that next step, and to see that many kids take that step, it's phenomenal.

My personal belief is that all of us who experienced SAS have a certain openness that leads to discovering what we have in common.

The lessons learned at SAS and in Singapore have always stayed with me, a testament not just to the quality of the teachers, the institution, and the country, but a validation of a life many of our parents chose with trepidation.

The teachers at SAS inspired the entrepreneur and design consultant in me, and the combination of my courses gave me a strong interdisciplinary perspective to problem solving.

The one thing that has stuck with me as who I am in the classroom is that you need to have fun so the kids have something to look forward to when they grow up.

I turned my hobby into a job and that led into a career.

Beyond the classroom, I think SAS prepares its students for life by presenting us with so many opportunities and encouraging us to show initiative, seek these out, and develop our passions, as well as giving students many opportunities to grow in leadership.

Having the ability to learn and think critically and independently is important and is something I think SAS taught well. 

It’s rare to maintain such long friendships in such a transient community, but I was a lucky dude!

I think the attitude of being able to go into any situation and know that whether it’s a good experience or a bad experience that there is something to learn from is definitely something I learned from Ms. Van der Linden.

SAS has always been committed to providing each student an exemplary American educational experience which our family has benefited from. 

Five years ago SAS alumna Maiki Del Rosario was listening to her teachers—now she is the teacher.

I really tried to take advantage of the APs offered at SAS. I remember the first year and a half of math classes at a top-notch college were a breeze.

After two House terms, Democrat, war veteran, and former SAS student Tammy Duckworth won a Senate seat in Illinois, putting both of the state’s Senate seats in Democratic hands. 

Singapore had changed so much for me but the fact that I was able to show my daughter where I had grown up was the highlight of the trip! And seeing my wonderful friends who I remembered with such fondness.