Shubhra Ojha

CIS 2015 graduate Shubhra Ojha is studying veterinary medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in the UK. With a solid 43 IB score, she was an exemplary student both academically and socially.

When asked about the transition from IB DP to university, Shubhra shared that hers was a smooth one, but that this was not the case for her new friends who came from non-IB schools.

The lab experiments she conducted and the reference lab reports she wrote at CIS really prepared for her university coursework. Additionally, CIS’ approach to developing students’ presentation skills and the capacity to engage with an audience from an early age gave her an edge compared to her peers.

Shubhra found both the learning and social environment at Royal Veterinary College an easy one to transition to. There were two key factors that were instrumental in her transition: the university has the largest international student community of all the veterinary schools in the UK; and CIS and the IB had prepared her to be responsible for herself and her learning. There is afterall no one to remind students to do their homework or to study after class at university.

Shubhra’s biggest challenge as an international university student has been being away from her family and home in Singapore. When she lived in Singapore, she and her twin sister (another successful CIS alum) used to share a bedroom. Fortunately, both girls study in the UK and are just a 2.5 hour train ride apart, and they are able to visit each other twice a month.

When asked about her time at CIS, Shubhra remembers the support and guidance she received from her teachers when applying to universities. Michael Broadhead was one of the CIS teachers who inspired her. His passion for the subject he taught (chemistry) and his love of animals and a vegan lifestyle. Shubhra’s grade 7 math teacher Mr Wood gave her some golden advice before her college interview. He simply said, “you know you deserve this school, don’t be nervous. They’ll be foul not to have you. Let them know you’re meant to be there. They’ll see it.” Shubhra indeed had a fantastic time at her admissions interview, the time allocated was 15 minutes, her interview lasted 40!

Shubhra describes the CIS community as her “greater family”. She and her friends developed strong bonds over the years - through excursions, shared classes and activities year after year. She is still in touch with many of her CIS friends. They arrange frequent reunions, if not in Singapore, then somewhere else around the world. Shubhra shared that after a CIS education, it feels like you have family everywhere!

After she graduates from university, Shubhra plans to have a mixed veterinary practice specialising in both farm and small animals in the UK for a few years. After she’s gained some international experience, she is keen to return back to Singapore and focus on small animals - which is where her real passion lies.

We wish Shubhra the best of luck in her future endeavors, and we can’t wait to hear more from her in the future.