From The Straits Times    |

In a first, eight junior colleges will merge into four in 2019. Anderson will merge with Serangoon, Innova with Yishun, Meridian with Tampines, and Jurong with Pioneer. How did it impact women alumni of these schools? Here’s what we found out:

“Why are only neighbourhood JCs affected by the merger? This move seems to go against MOE’s stance of not perpetuating elitism. Competition for remaining JC spots is going to get keener in future. And this might cause over-anxious parents to apply even more pressure on their child to do better for O Levels.” Adeline, 42, formerly of Jurong Junior College

“Champagne and confetti! I had a terrible time trying to get along with the cool girls and cliquish nature of my particular junior college, so I’m so very glad the place has quite literally been obliterated from my existence.” – Eugenia, 32, formerly of Anderson Junior College

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“I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I don’t think anyone would have seen this coming. It’s not really a merge, more like closing some of the JCs. It’s rather unfair because the culture of both schools will be changed. The school will have to do something so the school being absorbed won’t feel left out.” – Carmen, 21, formerly of Meridian Junior College

“I understand where MOE is coming from, but it’s quite sad because the heritage built up in the original JC will be gone. Things won’t be the same anymore. My experience at SRJC was memorable and it will always be like my second home.” – Xiying, 26, formerly of Serangoon Junior College

“I suppose with the declining birth rate, it’s only a matter of time this will happen. I’m relieved that my alma mater will stay but sympathise with Serangoon JC’s alumni as their school will be folded into AJC. JC was a fun period for me, especially the first year. A lot of time was spent chatting in the canteen, CCAs and going out with friends more than studying.” – Hazel, 45, formerly of Anderson Junior College

“Coming from a primary school that merged, I’m upset that this has happened to my JC as well. There’s a lot to consider in merging two schools, especially how the students interact with each other. There will be a line drawn at first and they must overcome that sense of separate identity in order to have a unified school spirit in the future.” – Laura, 32, formerly of Jurong Junior College

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“I feel a little sense of loss as I won’t have a JC to call my own anymore. But it’s mainly a place where I received my education, I don’t have many memories of my school as a lot of time was spent on studying.” – Amy, 46, formerly of Tampines Junior College

“I think this is ridiculous. Why are we merging so many JCs when we just had a new Eunoia JC? And why are these particular JCs being targeted? It’s a bit fishy that the elite schools are unaffected.” – Melissa, 30, formerly of Innova Junior College

“I’m definitely sad to hear that SRJC will become history. It’s a place where I feel a sense of cosiness whenever I step foot into the compound, even years after graduating. All the memories with peers hanging in school till security chased us out, studying and training hard together for academics and CCA, a kind of camaraderie etched in our hearts that became a common unspoken language. Times with helpful and talented teachers who spent extra time to do consultations with us (and secretly practised dance moves for the Thanksgiving concert).” – Yeo Mei, 26, formerly of Serangoon Junior College

“As a former student, I think one of YJC’s strongest suits is that it has a lot of great and inspiring teachers who push students to better themselves. So I believe that with the merger, the students will in turn be inspired to work hard for their own future.” – Carina, 28, formerly of Yishun Junior College

“I feel a little sad because our SR culture, our favourite chilling spots and our friendly staff and canteen aunties and uncles will be gone. SR has a special place in my heart as I spent so many hours of my two years there and met great people.” – Serene, 21, from Serangoon Junior College

READ MORE: 10 regrets every Singaporean has about secondary school and True story: Secondary school students took secret photos up my skirt

 

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