The Manado Independent School: A Stepping Stone to Growth

The past five years at Manado Independent School (MIS) have been nothing short of transformative. They haven’t just filled my head with knowledge but equipped me with the skills and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

MIS taught me to adapt. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but the school provided a safe space to navigate complex situations. From academics to personal growth, I was surrounded by a community of kindness, ready to support and guide me along the way.

The education at MIS wasn’t just about textbooks. Dedicated teachers, supportive staff, and a nurturing environment ignited my passion and spurred me on to chase my dreams. I learned the value of discipline, responsibility, and communication, lessons that will stay with me forever.

The school wouldn’t be the same without its incredible facilities. These resources weren’t just tools for learning; they were playgrounds for exploration and innovation. It wasn’t just about getting good grades, but about expressing our unique talents and making the most of our time at MIS.

Basketball holds a special place in my heart, and MIS provided the court and the support to fuel my passion. Beyond the hardwood, the school equipped me with the knowledge and skills I need to thrive in any environment, new or familiar. These lessons will be my compass on this journey we call life.

Being a part of the MIS family has been an honor. My deep gratitude goes to the teachers, administrators, coaches, and staff who believed in me, pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and helped me write my own story.

With immense pride, I carry the lessons and memories of MIS with me as I embark on this exciting new chapter at Ditpoludara Korpolairud Baharkam Polri.

My time with Manado Independent School has been filled with beautiful memories, lifelong friendships, and personal growth. I reflect on the incredible support and opportunities I received during my time here, such as the teachers and staff who genuinely care about the success of each student, which are instrumental in shaping my career. The curriculum is challenging and intellectually stimulating yet encourages critical thinking and creativity. Drawing has been my passion ever since childhood. I want to inspire those who have less confidence to pursue their dreams. Now, as part of my tuition grant, I am given a chance by the Singapore government to work in Singapore for 3 years post-graduation with the freedom to choose an occupation of my specialty. Recently, my application for the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Scholarship is duly approved. I am able to make it with the support of Manado Independent School that provides me with provisions, knowledge, and a promising future. I am deeply astonished and beyond amazed at how much I have grown. I am so grateful to Manado Independent School for allowing me to move forward and create a better image for myself.

Going to school at MIS is the best choice for me because I meet good friends and fun teachers. I feel happy to interact with teachers who care and want to help their students. I also take part in many programs conducted in the school, such as taking basketball classes and having the opportunity to win the 2022 DBL North Sulawasi Series Basketball Competition. Being part of the MIS family brings many very memorable memories. For those of you who want to look for a school, I invite you to be part of MIS, because MIS has many interesting programs and classes that can develop your skills and abilities. MIS can be a place for you to learn and become like your own family.

A year ago, if you had told me I would be admitted to both the National University of Singapore and the University of Indonesia, I would not have believed you. My mind was filled with countless “Can I do it?” questions, knowing just how slim the chances were.
I wholeheartedly acknowledge that this achievement is possible because of God and my time at MIS. I have always had a passion for academics, and I firmly believe that MIS provided me with a solid academic foundation that paved the way for my achievements. I encountered quality teachers, forged lifelong friendships, and established a second home where everything felt like a comforting haven. The mere thought of going to school brought me happiness because MIS excelled in creating a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for students.
Now, as I step out of my comfort zone, I carry with me a plethora of values treasured in me by MIS, both in terms of education and social skills, that equip me to navigate this new chapter of my life. If there is one thing I want to convey to MIS, it is a heartfelt ‘thank you’. Thank you for being the driving force behind my journey to achieving remarkable milestones.

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on my incredible journey at Manado Independent School. Moving from a humble village to the capital city of North Sulawesi in my early days in middle school to pursue my wildest dreams was an emotional roller-coaster ride. Starting off my journey as a new student with an inadequate knowledge of speaking English was not easy at all. Nonetheless, MIS with its nurturing environment, which fostered a love for learning and by providing endless opportunities for growth, has helped me a lot in accomplishing my achievement, until final occasion that I can graduate with honors as the Salutatorian.

On top of that is the workforce of passionate educators at MIS who instilled in me the values of resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through their comprehensive curriculum, coupled with hands-on projects and extracurricular activities.
Beyond academics, they were able to help me cultivative my leadership skills, sense of dedication, the importance of teamwork, and other skills that have propelled me toward my lifelong dream.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire MIS community — teachers, staff, and fellow friends — for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my potential. MIS has not only equipped me academically but has also nurtured my personal growth, instilling in me the determination to overcome challenges and the courage to pursue my dreams fearlessly. This invaluable six years of experience will undoubtedly be an asset as I embark on my next educational journey.

My journey in MIS for the past three years is a memory I can not forget but also unexpected, especially having my first year in high school during the season of Covid-19. Being here at MIS has taught me how to be a better person and to achieve my dreams. MIS teaches me to be friends with many people and how to make many memorable memories with other students, teachers, administrators, and staff. MIS is filled with generous, kind-hearted people who cheer you up and help you whenever needed.

MIS has all the facilities that every student needs on a daily bases and has them experiencing it to make it memorable. The programs I have experienced during my time in MIS created by the school and the Student Association (SA) are enjoyable and amusing but also educational for the students. Besides, MIS teaches me to be a better person, it also teaches the students to develop their skills and not easily give up on achieving their dreams because the support and things the students need are all provided in MIS.

MIS is known as the best school in North Sulawesi and has the best curriculum; MIS also has the best lessons to teach us about English and improve our English communication skill. Being in MIS improves my English to interact better with teachers, friends, and people outside of school.

On top of that, I want to thank MIS for helping me get into my dream university because, with their help and good connections with numerous top universities, public or private universities, we students, can reach our dream university.

Graduating from MIS is a moment I will not forget, and I am honored to be an alumna of Manado Independent School. I am also thankful for the people who help me during my ups and downs at MIS and for all the memories we alums have made here.