After pursuing her passion for law at Heidelberg University in Germany, Min Yu from the Class of 2023 continues to excel academically while immersing herself in extracurricular activities like Model United Nations (MUN) and pro bono work. Min Yu credits her diverse experiences, both at GESS and beyond, for shaping her journey towards a promising future in international humanitarian or diplomatic law.
When were you at GESS and when did you graduate?
I was studying at GESS from 1st-4th grade (2012-2015) and then moved away, but returned for the 9th up to 12th grade (2019-2023). It was the year of 2023 when I graduated from GESS.
Can you tell us about your academic journey after GESS? Are you in university now?
After graduating, I started studying Law at Heidelberg University in Germany with plans to take the judicial state exam here as well. In university, I try to involve myself in other activities on top of my studies like MUN, pro bono work and more.
Can you tell us more about your experience as the Secretary General of MUN Association in Heidelberg? What have you learned so far?
I spent my first year at Heidelberg as a delegate of the Heidelberg Law National Model United Nations-Delegation (NMUN), and focused on attending the NMUN conference in New York every year. It is one of the biggest conferences in the world and this year my team was awarded outstanding delegation. Taking my MUN experience from GESS as well as other delegations I have been a part of is what motivated me to continue even during university. The association provided me with more experience than just MUN – we managed to visit multiple embassies, connect with global law firms, among others. This year, I took on the role of the Secretary General of this delegation and look forward to leading a new delegation to New York for another successful conference.
What are your challenges as a Law student and as a Secretary General? How are you able to overcome the challenges?
I find it especially challenging to keep up with the precise and specific legal language during my studies, especially as German is not my first language. Nonetheless, I believe living in Germany and interacting with native speakers have helped in overcoming my difficulties.
What are your academic plans? What career do you see yourself pursuing?
In the future, I look forward to continuing my studies in Heidelberg and plan to do multiple internships, hopefully abroad. While I find Heidelberg to be an especially small city in comparison to having lived in cities like Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing, spending my internships in a different place will help me expand my horizons, as well as further my understanding of the legal world. There isn’t a specific career I see myself in as I like to keep my options open, but one thing for certain is that I would like to work in the humanitarian or diplomatic field of law.
How did GESS help you as a student?
During my time at GESS, I was presented with many opportunities such as meeting with multiple ambassadors as part of the BeyondClassrooms Programme, being the head of student committees and much more. This not only solidified my resolve for my future career, but also showed me how much choice the world has to offer. It also helped me develop soft skills such as leadership, public speaking and organisational skills. Not to mention the support and guidance of all my teachers!
at the book launch of “Germans in Singapore”
What is your favourite memory while studying at GESS?
It’s hard to pick a favourite memory specifically having been at GESS for quite a bit. But I can say my favourite moments were the most mundane ones! The daily life in the classroom, especially in my last year at GESS as a senior, having your designated spot surrounded by classmates and friends whom you’ve known for years. It’s the small things like interacting with teachers and going on coffee runs during breaks.
How do you think your time in Singapore and at GESS have shaped and influenced your life at university?
I think of Singapore to be a port of diversity and multicultural experiences. This was reflected in the environment of GESS – meeting people from different walks of life from a young age helped me learn to stay open-minded and therefore integrate into my university quite quickly, even when I had moved across the globe to a completely foreign place.
Is there any piece of advice or any experience you would like to share with current GESS students?
I’m not sure if I’m the best person to be giving advice, but I think students should realise how many opportunities are within reach of their grasp – and they should take hold of them!
