I Did It!

I DID IT!!!!!!!!

My dream school UCL has given me an unconditional offer to pursue Geography with Economics. The financial barrier was the seemingly insurmountable one, potentially barring me from even going abroad - and I now have a SCHOLARSHIP with the Urban Redevelopment Authority!

It's an amazing feeling to have made it!!!

Cheesy as it sounds to call it 'dreams come true', it is indeed one for me, because I worked so incredibly hard to get to what I got today. On one fine day in September 2007, I remember telling myself that I definitely wanted to pursue my undergraduate studies abroad - and henceforth began doubling my efforts to push myself towards that goal.

I took up new leadership roles and research projects in a bid to boost my portfolio back then. However, I soon found myself thoroughly enjoying these extracurricular activities. In fact, these activities became a counter-balance to schoolwork. I hated the latter, and the former was sort of a channel for expression. Strange as it sounds, I grew to find a lot of joy in research (applying what I've learnt instead of the usual rote learning) and leadership (working with people, planning events, etc).

The satisfaction I derived from these drove me to pursue all of these further. Perfectionistic by nature, I sought to improve each time, making each new project bigger and better than the last. At my peak, I was crazy, having 3 leadership roles and 2 research projects running at the same time, alongside mugging for APs!

Yet, I learnt that I was capable of so much more than I could have ever imagined! I kept up my routine of sleeping by 1030 pm that I started at the beginning of Year 4, and I found myself growing in terms of time management skills and self-discipline. Hyperproductivity and super-efficiency were the orders of the day. Furthermore, I was always looking for newer, bigger, and better events to involve myself in, to hone my skills.

These gave me an enormous sense of satisfaction, knowing that every single day, I was putting in my 110%.

In Year 4, I embarked on the IRP on Fishes with Ms Koh. At the time, I sincerely hoped that it would be a springboard for me to go abroad to present at a Congress. While we didn't get such an opportunity, I thoroughly enjoyed working with Intan and Darren, and it was at that moment that I discovered the joy I got from applying what I learnt. From there, research became, for me, a therapeutic experience.

Then I embarked on the craziest project of my life - my Advanced Research Project on Frogs, that took a stunning two years to complete. I got rewarded for my efforts in ways I never imagined - trips to UK, Japan and Thailand, and incredible opportunities to present and win awards at a national level.

On the CCA front, I stayed with one CCA for 6 full years!!! I poured my heart and soul into the Gamelan Ensemble, and was so proud of us finally securing the Silver Medal at the SYF! The blood and sweat we put into establishing this ensemble paid off!

At the end of the day, I feel this immense sense of joy and satisfaction, thankful for all the opportunities NUS High School has given me, and how I have used these opportunities to the fullest. Cliche as it sounds, the 'work hard and your dreams will come true' adage is indeed true!

There's this fuzzy feeling within me, a sense of... FULFILLMENT. Knowing that I persevered through the past 6 years, put in my 110%, and leaving knowing that I did not waste my youth on 'frivolous pursuits', whatever they may be.

I am so incredibly blessed, and very thankful for all the teachers who moulded and shaped my character along the way (Ms Madeline Chen, Mdm Rohaida, Mr Malcolm Soh etc), friends who made every stressful test day easier and less demanding, and to all the peers whom I've worked with for various projects, many of whom I've learnt so much from as well. Of course, above all, my parents and family that have helped make this happen, for all of their support through tough times!

The road ahead remains long and arduous, with many obstacles that lie waiting for me to tackle. I am looking ahead with bated breath, excited for all these new experiences, new friends, and new lessons in life!

UK, here I come!