Spectacular SIGs Stand in the Spotlight

Written by: He Le (24-A2), Tan Ser Hwee Odelia (24-A4), D S Dhanvin (24-E4), Del Rosario Julianna Kathlyn Katigbak (24-E6), Tan Ting Xuan (24-E6), Tan Kai Rui (24-I1), Lee Zi Kai, Xavier (24-O2), Koh Hui Yun, Kyra (24-O3), Joshua Lui Cheng Ze (24-U4), Yee Yi Xin Kristen (24-U6)

Designed by: Tan Kai Rui (24-I1)

We’ve all heard about the various Student-Initiated Groups (SIGs) Eunoia has to offer, but what are they really about?

Here's a brief introduction: SIGs differ from CCAs in that they are fully student-led, with fellow Eunoians planning and executing all the activities they are involved in. SIGs are also separate groups in which Eunoians are able to showcase their talents and interests in more niche subjects and fields of interest.

Let’s get started with a group that delves into the secrets of the cosmos: EJ Astronomy!

Astronomy

Founder Nguyen The Binh Khang is no stranger to the fascinating world of stars, galaxies and black holes. By the time he entered EJ, he had garnered numerous accolades as part of the astronomy CCA in his secondary school. When asked why he chose to form the group, this was all he had to say:

"EJ doesn't have an astronomy CCA and at that point in time, I didn't have anything going so I decided to just give it a try and form one."

After the initial recruitment process for the SIG’s first members and exco, Khang reached out to the school's administrator, Ms Lynn Koh. They eventually secured a slot at the Unconference — an event organised for Eunoians to try something they always wanted but never did, and to share the expertise and passion they have for their fields by being facilitators.

"I've read a lot of books as a kid and space has always seemed really interesting." For Rafael, joining the Astronomy SIG was a natural choice given his enduring interest in astronomy since childhood. 

Yi Xin, a member of the executive committee, however, cautioned that astronomy was never about the aesthetics, but rather the science behind many observed phenomena.

"Many people find our sessions a bit too technical. However, given the club setting, it is unfeasible for us to organise such a long session merely showcasing ‘pretty pictures’. So what often happens is that it goes into physics and people often go 'Wait this isn't what I signed up for.'"

Each bi-weekly session hosted by the exco is usually attended by 5 to 6 members (a total of around 15 individuals). Sessions are flexible and involve sharings by the EXCO on various topics that have piqued their interest. The SIG members also volunteer during Science Centre Singapore's Astronomy Nights. Typically, these Friday observatory sessions involve members educating the public, and connecting with children and teens within the same age range. 

While the SIG does participate in competitions such as AstroChallenge, winning competitions hasn’t been the main focus of the group. 

"We're just looking for people who are interested in astronomy," Khang emphasised.

Soon, the SIG plans to start the JC1 recruitment process and resume the biweekly sessions. As for any long-term plans, Khang doesn't think he sees the SIG becoming a fully-fledged CCA in the near future. Nonetheless, he considers the possibility of his juniors steering the SIG in that direction.

"I think that as a club and society SIG, it is much harder to prove your worth in order to become an official CCA. Currently, there aren't many support systems – everything is very organic and comes from the individual. I think it is luck-dependent, our juniors need to be insanely good, win a lot of competitions and be good teachers to grow the next batch."

“People who said the solar system was heliocentric were said to be heretics, but turned out to be right.” If astronomy is something you are passionate about or something that you simply want to find out more about, take a leap and join the Astronomy SIG for an adventure through the cosmos! Sign-up details can be found on the Astronomy SIG’s Instagram page, @ej.astronomy. Do peruse their IG to find out more about what they do and get in touch with them if you’re interested!

The Eunoia Political Science Society

Next up, some geopolitics for the soul! Do you feel passionate about governance and society? Do you want to take a peek behind the curtain and get a look at the governmental cogs that run the world we live in? If so, allow us to introduce Eunoia’s very own Political Science Society (commonly shortened to Pol Sci or EPSS)!  Curious about what Pol Sci entails? Luckily for you, The Origin* has interviewed a few individuals from this geopolitical-centred SIG to give you some insights about what they do! First up, we have Keji from 23-O1, the President and Founder of the Political Science Society. 

Keiji (23-O1)

1. Keiji, how did the Eunoia Political Science Society come about? What were the events that sparked the creation of EJ Pol Sci?

For me, it's always been me thinking about how there are not a lot of opportunities for students to explore political science in EJ. Seeing all the various Science, Economics and Maths competitions in my emails got me thinking about how students interested in fields other than political science have so many more ways to explore their interests and passions. I thought that was pretty problematic since I did know political science wasn’t unpopular here in EJ. So, I wanted to start a Pol Sci society to allow people like me who are interested in political science to have an outlet to explore our interests and organise activities that revolve around it, like in our alumni sharing we held late last year.

2. Would you mind telling us more about an average day as an EXCO/Member of Pol Sci?

We're not really like some of the other SIGs that have weekly meetings and activities, since we knew it would be hard to find meaningful activities to do every week. We wanted EPSS to be more of a place where members are able to be more exposed to various events and opportunities that they wouldn't have gotten otherwise. For example, EPSS members were able to apply for a US Embassy programme where we could work with them to help the embassy staff learn more about Singaporean youths and their lives in Singapore. We also have an upcoming seminar with a university professor coming down to give a talk on democracy in Southeast Asia, and our members get access to these activities. In the Executive Committee, we primarily focus on helping to curate our various social media posts, planning these events, contacting the various guests involved, and running all of the lesser-known administrative work.

Up next, we have Emman from 23-O1, a member of EPSS.

Emman (23-O1)

1. What was it that pushed you to join PolSci?

To be entirely honest, I initially joined because I wanted to support my friends who started the SIG. However, the more they shared their plans with me for the SIG, the more I realised my interest in Political Science. As someone who had a phase of going down rabbit holes of Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens* and others, I have insights about both the far right and far left perspectives in the USA. EPSS actually reignited my passion for Political Science as it enabled me to apply it to our local context and use that to help inspire others to love Political Science. As a member, I’ve been given the opportunity to join the USAYAC (United States’ Ambassador’s Youth Advisory Council) and even make posts about local politics.

2. Can you tell us about a time when you felt proud to be a member of Political Science? 

During the first session of USAYAC self introductions, 2 other PolSci members and I found out that all 3 of us had got in. Considering that the application numbers were high, it was a moment of pride for me when I realised that we were all from Eunoia Junior College, as we were the only school that had a SIG that gave us opportunities like this. 

Well Eunoians, we hope you enjoyed a quick snippet into the life of a member of the Eunoia Political Science Society. While we have been informed by Keiji that sign-ups for PolSci have already closed, if you do have a deep interest in current political affairs, you can involve yourself in political science-related activities by getting in touch with them at polsci@ejc.edu.sg.

*Ben Shapiro is an American lawyer and columnist, and Candace Owens is an American commentator and author 

EJ Ambassadors

After getting to know some of the passionate and committed individuals from Eunoia’s Astronomy and Political Science SIGs, we’re sure you agree that SIGs are part of the uniquely #whyEJ experience. Fortunately, we have the EJ Ambassadors, who are now part of the Student Council Communications committee, working to promote Eunoia’s one-of-a-kind opportunities to prospective students. Curious to know more about what Ambassadors do? First, we have Clarisse from 23-A3, the head of communications, addressing some of the questions you may have.

Clarisse (23-A3)

1. We heard that Ambass was formerly an SIG. Can you share more about how it came to be part of the Student Council Communications committee?

Ambass started out as a SIG working under the school outreach section, but few people knew about it and found it difficult to reach out to its members. After some discussion with the Student Council, Ambass was placed under Council so that the councillors could help facilitate conversation and communication with students. Currently, Ambass is led by the heads of the communication committee in Council but councillors do not get involved with Ambass work directly.

2. What does the role of an Ambassador typically encompass?

Ambassadors are involved in sharing about Eunoia’s experiences through outreach - going to secondary schools or facilitating visits to EJC’s campus to share about school culture - which takes place largely towards the end of the year, after the release of the O-Level results. Ambass typically operates on a need-to-basis, conducting training sessions during periods when events are held. At the start of the year, Ambassadors go through training sessions on how to introduce the school as representatives of the college. For major events such as College Day, training sessions are held to help Ambassadors familiarise themselves with their role, which is significant as they are the bridge between the school and the general public.

3. How has your experience in Ambass impacted you as a leader? 

An important question my teacher once asked me was how to acknowledge the Ambassadors who do their best for the school but whose work often goes unrecognised. I realised that as a leader, we often get help from a lot of people as it takes a team to get the job done well. I believe it is important to find ways to express our gratitude towards members in the team and affirm their efforts and hard work. Hence, we have put in the effort to bring recognition to Ambassadors through the Ambass shirt and make mementoes for the seniors when they step down to thank them for their service to the school.

Thank you, Clarisse! Now let’s hear from Claire from 23-O3, a participating member. 

Claire (23-O3)

1. What inspired you to join Ambass? 

My inspiration for joining Ambass was the stories shared by the seniors about their experiences, which I found deeply touching. I wanted to make meaningful contributions to the school by sharing about my own experiences as an Ambassador involved in outreach programmes. In addition, Ambass gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, reaching out to students from other schools to promote Eunoia’s vibrant school culture.

2. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced in Ambass? How did you overcome it? 

During our outreach programmes to other schools, students would ask unexpected and novel questions that I had difficulty answering on the spot. As a student representative, this was frustrating for me as I was committed to projecting a positive image of our school. I overcame this challenge by directing students to the teachers instead, who were capable and more than happy to answer their questions, given their years of experience teaching in EJC.

With these insights from the Ambassadors, we know some of you are wondering how you can join the EJ Ambass community. Fret not, as they have already sent out an application form for interested J1s. Following a short interview to get to know you better, you will be accepted into Ambass should you be deemed a suitable fit for their team!

With that, The Origin* hopes you have learned more about Eunoia’s SIGs and that we have piqued your interest in some of them.