Alumni are a vital part of an educational institution, as they remain lifelong members of its community. At ICS, this appreciation and connection to alumni is clear. Returning to ICS over eight years later, this time as a staff member, has shown me just how strong that connection can be.

I attended ICS from Grade 6 to Grade 8, with my final year coinciding with the first year of COVID-19. At a time when so much already felt uncertain, leaving the school and the country I had grown to love felt especially difficult. This is what makes returning now such a beautiful experience.

One question I am often asked is, “What is it like being back, this time as staff?” My answer is always along the lines of: comforting. Even though many years have passed, the values and sense of community at ICS remain familiar. While most of my former teachers have left ICS and I now work alongside entirely new colleagues, there is still a strong sense of belonging that made the transition feel natural.

As I near the end of my bachelor’s degree, conversations about future careers and next steps have become increasingly important. Being able to complete a three-month internship at ICS will have not only provided valuable professional experience, but also given me a new perspective on how a school community operates behind the scenes. Experiencing ICS first as a student, then as an alumna, and now as a staff member has highlighted how perspective evolves over time.

Returning to ICS has reminded me that the impact of a school extends far beyond the moment you leave. The relationships, values and experiences built within a school community can continue to shape opportunities years later. 

Anouk Sijbring - Engagement Intern