Trust the Process: Sara Io
Thirteen years at AISG. Countless events planned. Countless memories made. Sara Io didn't just pass through Upper Secondary—she helped build it. From leading TEDx and the talent show to serving on StuCo and ExCo, Sara learned something along the way: even the smallest tasks shape who you become. Now she's heading off to study International Relations, but her advice to underclassmen is simple: trust the process.
What did you learn about yourself from the university application journey?
Throughout the process of choosing universities and writing application essays, I realized that even the smallest tasks I accomplished shaped me as a person. Although many of the activities I participated in were enjoyable, reflecting on them made me recognize the skills I had developed, such as communication and attention to detail. I also came to understand the value of building relationships with others. Before putting these experiences into words for my applications, I had not realized how much I had learned. For example, even the chair reports I wrote for MUN conferences influenced the way I viewed the world and helped shape what I wanted to study. Through reflection, I was able to better understand the impact these experiences had on my personal growth.
Looking back, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the schoolwide events I helped plan, especially TEDx and the talent show, because each event was unique and became an important learning experience for me. This year, I led the planning for our annual TEDx event. Since the planning process lasted several months, I am especially proud of how the event turned out despite the challenges we faced. Having the opportunity to organize an official event like TEDx was incredibly rewarding. For the talent show, from auditions to the final performance, I genuinely enjoyed every stage of the process. I am proud that the last talent show I participated in was one that I helped lead.
Looking back, what are you going to miss the most?
I will miss the experience of working with others, especially my leadership teams. Beyond organizing events together, we formed meaningful friendships and created so many unforgettable memories. I'll particularly miss my friends in StuCo and ExCo. As each event came to an end this year, I felt a bittersweet sense of fulfillment. I will also miss sharing the stage with them—whether it was speaking during club meetings, running in StuCo elections, or emceeing events like the talent show. Finally, I will miss all the trips we took, from APAC to MUN conferences. I used to be afraid of meeting new people, but those experiences pushed me out of my comfort zone.
What advice would you give to current students to make the most of their experience at AISG?
Something I would’ve liked to hear is to remember to trust the process and appreciate even the most stressful moments. Amidst all the stress from the IB and clubs, you can learn so much through those experiences, and you will come to realize that everything happens for a reason. Looking back, I am grateful for the memories I made and the lessons I learned. I do not think I would change much because each challenge helped shape who I am today. Most importantly, I learned that trusting the process can lead to outcomes that are even better than expected.
Sara’s extracurriculars, activities, awards, etc. at AISG:
Student Council
General Council 9/10 Vice President (2022-2024)
Executive Council Vice President (2024-2025)
Executive Council President (2025-2026)
Indifferent to Difference (2022-2026)
Indifferent to Difference Coordinator (2024-2025)
National Honor Society Member (2023-2025)
National Honor Society President (2025-2026)
Model United Nations (2023-2026)
Model United Nations Deputy Secretary General (2025-2026)
The Beacon (2023-2026)
The Beacon Co-Editor-in-Chief (2025-2026)
Rambassador (2023-2025)
Varsity Badminton (2024-2026)
Varsity Badminton Captain (2025-2026)
Junior Varsity Badminton (2022-2024)
Junior Varsity Badminton Captain (2022-2024)
Varsity Cross Country (2022-2023)
Global Issues Network (2023-2024)
Awards:
Student of the Year: World Languages (2023)
Varsity Cross Country Most Improved Player (2023)
Junior Varsity Badminton Coach’s choice (2023)
Student of the Year: Sciences (2024)
Varsity Badminton Coach’s choice (2026)
Sara spent thirteen years planning, leading, and making an impact. But her greatest lesson? Trust the process. She leaves behind the events, the friendships, and one word: impact.
