Author: Alena Siaw (24S03O)

Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset, School Life 27 November 202327 November 2023

Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset: Love Gone Wrong

Reading Time: 6 minutes

By Siaw Min En Alena (24S03O) and Ezann Lian Qi En (24S03H, Peer Helper)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/RIAAUU and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month.

“How do I deal with a toxic relationship? Should I just leave the relationship without resolving our problems?”
Heartbroken Harley

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Op-Eds, Opinion, Student Issues 2 November 20232 November 2023

Commitment Issues

Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Alena Siaw (24S03O)

Since secondary school, extracurricular activities have played an integral role in shaping one’s student identity. They remain a cornerstone of student life, offering a plethora of opportunities: CCA, WEPs, VIA, leadership positions, and H3 subjects (with upcoming applications). However, in a world where choices are seemingly endless, we can feel lost and uncertain about what to take up, and more importantly, which path to follow.

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Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset, School Life 28 July 202328 July 2023

Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset: Integrating Into A Class With Existing Friend Groups

Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Alena Siaw (24S03O) and Elise Chua (24S03F, Peer Helper)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/RIAAUU and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month.

“I feel like the other people in my class all have existing friend groups and I’m not sure how to bond with them.”
Worrisome Wally

Dear Worrisome Wally,

Seeing your classmates establish close-knit friendships whilst feeling left out amongst them can be an intimidating and challenging experience, especially in JC where a strong support system is crucial. The fear of feeling excluded or not fitting in is natural, but it’s important to remember that integration is possible with some effort and understanding!

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Arts, CCA Events, School Life 20 May 202319 May 2023

Raffles Symphonic Band: SYF 2023

Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Alena Siaw (24S03O), Glenda Hua (24A01C) and Syaura Nashwa (24S03R)

Nervous chatter and the soft sounds of the tuba and euphonium filled the Year 1-4 atrium. Raffles Symphonic Band’s teacher-in-charge was more overwrought about their upcoming concert at the end of May. Though an aura of nervousness lingered in the air, it was clear from the determined faces of the band members that they were going to make this performance count.

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Arts, CCA Events, School Life 6 May 202317 July 2023

In Youthful Company @ Esplanade

Reading Time: 7 minutes

By Jessica Zhu Yunjie (24A01E), Johnathan Lim (23S03M), Siaw Min En Alena (24S03O)

Photos courtesy of Faith Tan Xin Ning (23S03C)

“Craziest project we’ve ever done.”
Mr Yang, emcee and conductor, by Branson Tan’s recount

On the 21st of April, the Raffles Institution Chinese Orchestra (RICO) (Y1-6) collaborated with the Raffles Girls’ School Chinese Orchestra (RGSCO) and RICO alumni, coming together to deliver their third iteration of ‘In Youthful Company’ at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. There were packed theatres, along with lovely sunsets, but of course, there was a cheerful spring repertoire to top off our Friday nights.

With this being RICO’s first public performance since the pandemic began, pent-up excitement from audiences and performers alike was evident from the overflowing turnout and an oversubscribed list of performers.

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