A member of Sheppard House, Terrenjit graduated from the College in 2019
What’s your favourite memory from your time at MCM?
Representing MCM at The Hague International Model United Nations in the Netherlands, and successfully taking the lead in passing a resolution through an assembly of representatives from schools across the globe, was a defining experience. This was a step outside my comfort zone in ways I had never imagined and it formed the basis of my desire to continue pushing the boundaries in academic endeavour.
Was there a Beak, member of staff or friend who had a particular impact on you?
While many staff members had a significant impact on me, a special mention must go to Dr Tomlinson, who was my Chemistry teacher during Sixth Form and mentored my Extended Essay. He was truly remarkable in his persistence, ensuring that I succeeded in my endeavours both academically and beyond, for which I will be forever grateful.
Where did life take you after MCM?
After MCM, I joined the Singapore Armed Forces, serving as a Combat Medic. During Covid, I was deployed to support various medical aid initiatives, including conducting health checks in migrant worker dormitories at the onset of the crisis. I was also among a select group of medics stationed at the Singapore EXPO, which had been converted into a community care facility for Covid-positive patients.
In 2021, I began reading Medicine at King’s College London and am due to graduate this summer. Throughout my time at King’s, I have been involved in several extracurricular research projects and have continued to volunteer, supporting initiatives such as providing food for the homeless.
What are you doing now and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am currently completing my medical studies and look forward to joining the medical workforce. I enjoy the sheer variety of challenging cases that push my knowledge and clinical capabilities, as well as the opportunity to care for patients, understand their concerns, and do my best to meet their expectations. Being able to help in such a meaningful way is truly rewarding.
How did MCM help prepare you for where you are today?
The unique environment at MCM was truly special, a genuine sense of unity that transcended any hierarchy between students and staff. Teachers were not distant authority figures but rather mentors who cheered me on, offering guidance without judgement and celebrating my successes as their own. This inclusive atmosphere nurtured both my academic and social skills in profound ways. Academically, the encouragement to question, research deeply, and articulate ideas was instilled in me. Socially, the lack of rigid barriers taught me collaboration, empathy, and leadership, skills that have proven essential for my future success.
What advice would you give to current pupils or fellow alumni?
Embrace the journey and do your best in every task that comes your way, even if it isn’t immediately to your taste. Each challenge provides a new opportunity to develop a skill. The way MCM structures its teaching, alongside the rigorous content of the IGCSE and IB curricula, works to equip you for future success. It may not seem like it at the time, but these skills become invaluable as you transition into the wider world, beyond the familiar comforts of school.
