Quest Stories

Avery shares how Quest stretched him academically in ways that were different than traditional classroom environments through interdisciplinary, problem-based projects, especially in developing his own prototype for a project he hopes to patent and market in the years ahead.

Rita reflects on what she learned during her junior year and what she learned about interdisciplinary learning, and has learned resiliency, strong personal growth, and more confidence in her own learning.

Seb shares that he appreciated Quest not just for the academic rigor but also the opportunities to have some spontaneous unexpected moments inside and outside of the classroom with fellow Questies that create memories that he will remember most.

Jia gives an overview of what the learning experience in Quest is like--what the course syllabi will tell you and the hidden curriculum of what you really learn--about yourself, the world, and what it means to belong to a learning community. Jia shares details about what she learned from conducting neuroscience research through her Quest partnership with NUS and her academic research, which she later published and presented in Chicago.  

See Jia's published academic paper: https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v12i3.4901

Kenny shares how his experiences in Quest affirmed his decision to join Quest, despite some of his peers initially giving him a hard time about joining. Kenny dispels some misinformation others say about Quest and is glad he chose to follow his own path in the pursuit of his passion as a self-proclaimed "math geek".

Kabir participated in Quest during his senior year. In this video, Kabir shares his experience pursuing his own interests through research, the Partnership experience, and for him, more importantly, the life-long friendships he formed with his Questmates.

Emilio shares his experience as a junior going through the Quest program and the opportunities he had for pursuing his passion for robotics and engineering. A highlight of his year was his consultancy project working with SeaGreen to design and prototype a possible solution for seaweed farm sustainability design challenge.

Jay participated in Quest during his senior year. In this video, Jay shares his experience pursuing his passion as an amateur filmmaker through his partnership and SDS year-long study.

Bri spent her senior year in Quest. She shares her overall experience with her partnership, the real-life work experience, and how it helped her get into her dream school. She talks about the field trips, the bond within the Quest community, and how her experience debunks some misconceptions about a year in Quest. 

"I do not think I have ever really reflected on my growth and work as much as I have done in Quest. I know every year I learn new skills and improve in different areas, but to accept and be proud of myself of my growth is a skill that I have been learning throughout Quest. [The past month] pushed me past my limits and comfort zone. I accomplished tasks that if someone asked me at the beginning of the year I could do, I would have told them they are crazy. It is always hard to think about what you can actually complete, but then once you do, you realize it was not as bad as you thought." 

  Alessia Simmen, Class of 2020

Attended University of Washington

Quest student Rachel, SAS Class of 2018 said, "the best part is the capability of having personalized learning and being able to make your own curriculum...also being able to truly dive into the area of study that you really like and are interested in."

Rachel Kitzman, Class of 2018

Attended Liberty University, Virginia, USA

"Quest is unique because we are granted the ability to take control of our own learning. We invested time into our passions and established networks and connections with experts. Quest sets itself apart because no where else can you be at school and working with professionals at the same time. Quest reinforced the importance of time management and being self-motivated. Using these skills helped me work with NGOs committed to resolving the refugee crisis in Europe and with the Embassy of the European Union in Singapore. Working with these groups and organizations allowed me to set foot into the world we will inherit which has given me the chance to get a head start for adulthood."

Nigel Li, Class of 2017

Current fellow at Georgetown University

AttendED moscow state institute of 

international relations, russia

Alisa Welker· Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 8, 2022 3 min read 

Sayi Machiraju Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Oct 19, 2024 6 min read

Christina (Chaekyoung) Yi

Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 9, 2022 4 min read

Tessa Kane  Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 11, 2023 4 min read

 Harry Wu Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Jan 14, 2023 5 min read

Jia Lakhamraju  Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 9, 2022 5 min read

Jessie Jin Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 9, 2022 5 min read

Aaniya Ahuja Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 8, 2022 5 min read

Kenneth Le Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Jan 9, 2023 4 min read

Kenneth Le Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 9, 2022 4 min read

Belle Leggett Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 8, 2022 4 min read

Karan Kuppa-Apte Published on Medium: Quest @ SAS

Dec 8, 2022 6 min read