At Middleton International School, we place strong emphasis on each student’s holistic development. The NYAA (National Youth Achievement Award) programme plays a meaningful role in this, nurturing confident, responsible and compassionate young people while encouraging them to step beyond their comfort zones. Through its core components of service learning, outdoor appreciation, skill development, healthy living and a sustained personal challenge, NYAA supports students in developing resilience, leadership and a deep sense of social responsibility.
In this feature, we speak to our Gold Award recipient, Gabriella Schubert, as she recounts her NYAA journey and the impact it has had on her growth.
What inspired you to take on the NYAA challenge?
My inspiration for taking on this challenge came from the isolation I had when I originally moved to Singapore, on top of the loneliness that COVID had caused. I felt a longing to be part of a community where people are caring and there for one another. Giving back to the community and further establishing oneself has always been something important to me, and I wanted to start doing that again.
Briefly share the process and some key highlights of your experience.
The process at the Gold level is more intense than the other levels. It involves working additional hours on the required tasks, as well as participating in and facilitating the Community Leadership Initiative.
During my Service Learning, I participated in a range of volunteer services. Mainly, I volunteered with children through organising and conducting meaningful lessons for them. I also volunteered with services that provided help for those in need, such as cooking in soup kitchens and painting houses for the elderly. My highlight through these experiences, is the vast number of people who are struggling in their lives, and to be grateful for every meal and opportunity that comes my way. I also give credit to this aspect of my NYAA journey, which helped me discover my future career in education.
Whilst doing my Healthy Living requirement, I was able to achieve my personal goals and regain my passion for netball, which I had struggled with when I moved to Singapore. Moreover, within my Outdoor Appreciation aspect, I was able to find a newfound respect for the natural world around me and was able to find solace through these experiences.
During my Community Leadership Initiative, I helped raise money for a school library. The initiative came to me once I realised that reading materials are and should be a basic fundamental right given to students in order to fulfil their academic journey and to become functioning adults. Through this project, I became closer to my community back in my home of South Africa. This project also pushed me to overcome many difficult challenges.
“My highlight through these experiences, is the vast number of people who are struggling in their lives, and to be grateful for every meal and opportunity that comes my way. “
What was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest challenge was sustaining resilience and determination when facing adversity. I encountered numerous obstacles during my NYAA journey, particularly throughout my Community Leadership Initiative Project and service learning. Various setbacks and personal issues hindered my progress on these components. These difficulties diminished my resilience and, consequently, my confidence in completing the award. To overcome this, I relied on my support system around me, who pushed me to continue since I was so close to the finish line. My family was a huge factor in my success since they gave me advice, pushed me in the right directions, and supported me through difficult times.
How has the NYAA shaped your perspective on leadership, service, or personal growth?
The NYAA programme has helped me grow as a leader by encouraging me to be more responsible and proactive. Initially, I underestimated the impact of service learning. However, I soon realised how service learning can greatly affect individuals and the broader community. This experience gave me a new appreciation for service, especially for communities that depend on it for survival. Through this journey, I have become more selfless, more aware of others' needs, and more understanding of this community. Overall, I am grateful for the personal growth I achieved through this experience and recognise that it has shaped who I am today.
“Through this project, I became closer to my community back in my home of South Africa.”
Any advice for your juniors who may want to take on the NYAA challenge?
My advice for any juniors who want to take on the Gold level is to have a clear plan for how you will meet the requirements to obtain this award. Planning will give you an understanding of when you could help, how long you need, and it will make it easier to compile all of your information. The most important thing is to fill in your reflections, date, evidence, etc., as soon as you have finished the task. This allows you to have a more accurate log, but also is a huge lifesaver when completing all the written information you need. Taking on this challenge comes with its own set of difficulties, and it’s completely normal to get support along the way. Asking for help is okay, and if you are struggling, reach out to someone. Your physical and mental health are at the forefront of your journey and its import that you prioritise it. Lastly, this is a long-term commitment of 18 months or more, so focus on finding ways to stay engaged and motivated throughout.
Gabriella’s reflections are a powerful reminder of how experiences like the NYAA can shape character, purpose and compassion in youths. Her journey illustrates how sustained commitment to service, leadership and personal challenge can transform initial uncertainty into confidence and empathy. Discover more about the holistic development opportunities we offer students at Middleton International School.