Rute | A Weekly Boarder

 

Rute has been at RST since 2021, when he moved from a prestigious day school in Bangkok to become a weekly boarder. He has enjoyed the variety of enrichment activities we offer and says he has become "a more outgoing student" here.

Could you share insights into life as a boarder at RST?

I think the most unique and important aspect as a boarder is how we all share a strong house spirit. The community here is very interconnected and it feels like one big family. Because we live together, everyone in the house is like our second family so we do our best to look out for each other. When it comes to house events, you always see us boarding houses having the loudest cheers and displaying the most vibrant attitudes. This strong sense of camaraderie is I guess the most distinctive aspect of being a boarder here at RST.

What's been the biggest change going from day student to boarder?

As a boarding student, there is a level of responsibility that you have to bear. From showing up on time to call over to making your bed every morning, it trains you to be more independent. However, it allows more freedom in your life as when I was a day student. This is great, as long as you know how to make the most out of it and utilise the time efficiently!

How do the School House tutors support your academic growth?

The School House tutors are like my second parents; they always do their best to give me constructive advice and congratulate me when I'm successful. For example, I was struggling with a painting analysis project and my tutors gave me some very thoughtful ideas on colour connotation and composition, leading to me scoring full marks on that assignment.

What are your greatest passions and how do you pursue them at school?

I have many passions. One of them is music, which I integrate into my life by joining many ensembles, such as senior orchestra, concert band, samba band and the choir. I also like keeping myself fit and one of my favourite sports is basketball so I play during my free time.

In what ways has RST played a role in your personal growth and development?

The main way is the effort of my teachers. Along with an impressive arsenal of hardware such as a professionally equipped Science Centre, the teachers at here put everything into what they do, which has undoubtedly changes students into better people. My successes would not have been possible without the effort they invest.

What stands out as your proudest achievement at RST?

My proudest achievement is seeing how far the RST World Scholars Cup team has travelled. It started off as a small club with only a few students competing at the regional level, and now we are the best team in the country and seventh in the world! Some of my friends and I even had the opportunity to travel to Yale University for the final round in 2022. It’s very humbling to see the progress we have made; it represents not only us, but how far the school has come over the years. That feeling when you know your school is one of the best in the world is so wholesome and indescribable.

Where do you hope to be professionally and personally in five years time?

I plan to study in the United States, hopefully at one of the Ivy Leagues. I will most likely be majoring in Law or Molecular Biology. In my personal life, my bucket list right now is to watch an NBA game and hike the Annapurna circuit in Nepal!

Sum up boarding in 3 words…

Unified. Nurturing. Home.