In the bustling halls of Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL), where academic excellence meets vibrant student life, the journey of one exceptional student stands as a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative influence of education. Thamini Vijeyasingam, an alumna of MCKL’s Cambridge A Level programme, now stands at the threshold of her undergraduate studies at Harvard College.
Thamini’s journey from MCKL to Harvard College epitomises MCKL’s commitment to academic excellence and the cultivation of global leaders. This marks a historic milestone for MCKL as the first alumna accepted into both Harvard College and the prestigious University of Oxford, UK, to pursue Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). In selecting Harvard College for her higher education journey, specialising in Economics, Thamini emphasises her passion for comprehending how societies and individuals arrive at decisions.
“I find economics an intriguing subject that delves into our collective decision-making processes as well as individual and organisational behaviours. My initial exposure to economic concepts through debate and Model United Nations, along with my participation in the International Economics Olympiad (IEO) representing Malaysia, solidified my interest in the field and offered fresh perspectives,” reflects Thamini.
During her tenure at MCKL, Thamini was an exceptionally active student, excelling not only in her academic pursuits but also in various extracurricular activities. She served as President of the A Level Student Union and Vice President of the college-wide Student Representative Council. Additionally, she contributed her talents as a Debate Trainer for the MUN and Debate Society, organised events like So You Think You Can Debate? and conducted research for the Economics Club.
Her involvement in diverse clubs and societies at MCKL provided Thamini with a platform to forge friendships beyond her cohort while pursuing projects aligned with her academic interests and hobbies. Reflecting on her time in the Student Union, she reminisces, “It was hectic yet rewarding, offering valuable lessons in project management and fostering lasting friendships.”
Navigating the academic challenges at MCKL demanded meticulous time management and discipline from Thamini. Balancing a demanding course load, particularly in mathematics, alongside essay writing and extracurricular commitments, required strategic planning and prioritisation. Through perseverance and careful pacing, she successfully managed to maintain academic excellence while actively contributing to student life.
Thamini acknowledges the pivotal role played by MCKL in preparing her for the rigorous application process to Harvard College. From admissions test preparation to essay writing and document submission, MCKL provided a nurturing environment conducive to both academic and personal growth. “My lecturers were very helpful and supportive of my application, including post-MCKL when I was on my gap year. Additionally, my university counsellor assisted me in registering for admissions tests, essay prep and collating and submitting various documents for my transcript.”
“Thamini has always been an outstanding student and her success in gaining admission to Harvard and Oxford is a reflection of her effort in grasping all of the opportunities presented to her at MCKL, from consulting her lecturers to participating in the many extra-curricular activities and competitions made available for students. With her enthusiasm, intelligence and strong moral foundation, Thamini has many more accomplishments awaiting her. We wish her all the best,” Ms Shalini Ragunath, MCKL’s Cambridge A Level Head congratulates Thamini.
Thamini expressed her gratitude to her lecturers for their support and enthusiasm and thanked her union advisers and Student Affairs for always addressing her questions and proposals. She also gave a special shoutout to her friends who helped her understand difficult questions and shared unforgettable memories with her. To her juniors, she offered advice to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work.
Thamini’s journey from Methodist College Kuala Lumpur to Harvard College is a remarkable example of dedication and achievement. From her outstanding performance as a Cambridge A Level Outstanding Scholar to her extensive work experience through internships, Thamini’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities that await those who dare to dream big and work hard.