Meet Marcel, a GESS graduate from the Class of 2011, who spent his school years from Grade 7 to 12 at the beloved Bukit Tinggi campus. After completing his IB Diploma, he ventured to the United States to study at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Today, Marcel plays a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes as an Associate in Outcomes and Operational Intelligence at UCHealth, Colorado’s largest healthcare system. In this interview, he shares how GESS shaped his journey, his love for the outdoors, and how his international upbringing continues to guide his career and values.
Hi Marcel when did you study at GESS, and which year did you graduate?
I studied from 2005 to 2011 (7th Grade to 12th Grade) and graduated in 2011.
What did you do after graduating from GESS? Did you immediately enrol in a university or explore other paths first? Which university did you go to?
I directly went to the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado USA after finishing my IB Diploma.
Could you share a bit about your current job?
I currently work as an Associate, Outcomes and Operational intelligence for UCHealth, the largest healthcare system in the state of Colorado.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What does a typical day look like for you working as an Associate, Outcomes and Operational Intelligence?
My job mainly consists of the analysis of operational and quality data. What I enjoy most about my job is that a lot of my analysis directly influences decisions made at the executive level of the organisation, and helps improve patient outcomes and experiences. There are many opportunities to improve the American healthcare system, and I am happy I can play a small part in that.
How do you maintain a work-life balance in such a demanding role, and what activities help you recharge outside of work?
I enjoy the many outdoor activities that Colorado offers such as hiking, cycling, and camping in the Rocky Mountains.
Do you have any future goals or projects you’re particularly excited about, both professionally and personally?
From a professional perspective, I am excited about a couple of projects that aim to both improve the quality of patient care while reducing their cost.
Looking back, were there any specific teachers, mentors, or experiences at GESS that had a significant influence on your choice of course or career?
I had many great teachers at GESS who left a profound impact on my life. Specifically Mr. Burnett, Mr. Turner, Frau Verry, and Ms. Scrivener. I was maybe not the best student back in the day, but they helped me grow and set me up for success later in life.
What was your favourite memory of GESS while you were studying in Singapore?
I loved the Bukit Tinggi Campus and at the time, I didn’t realise how special that campus was, situated in the middle of the jungle. I miss walking down the hill to the hawker centre at Binjai Park to hang out with my friends after school.
How did GESS shape or help your academic and personal development? What have you learned from GESS that you still carry with you?
It’s going to sound corny… but what sticks with me the most is (and I’m paraphrasing) “Children should have roots and wings”. I moved to the US at the age of 18 and took the opportunity to explore that side of the world on my own. Through that experience, it was always important to me that I remember my roots.
You graduated in 2011. Do you keep in touch with any of your classmates from GESS? If so, how have those relationships evolved over the years?
Yes! I stay in touch with a few of them through the occasional WhatsApp messages. It’s not easy to do so consistently when you’re on the other side of the world, but in the summer of 2024, I went to Bucharest for a classmate’s wedding.
What advice would you give to current GESS students who are considering a career in healthcare or a field related to operational intelligence?
You have an extremely unique experience to have gone to high school in Singapore, it’s not something many people in the world can say. You have had a unique opportunity to understand that people come from all walks of life and different backgrounds. You’ll be better equipped to handle the ever-increasingly diverse world than most people; use that to your advantage. It’s what will set you apart and help you succeed.
