uni diary: being the eldest in the class 🫠

entering full time studies at the age of 24 made me the oldest student in the class (along with a few other 24s too)

I took a 4 gap years after poly (bcos I was bonded to MOE)

but also thanks to the working experience gained teaching in MOE, my mindset was rather different compared to those who entered uni straight after poly

✨ knowing what I want ✨

I know what I want - from the kind of community engagement to the minor courses I wna take

believe it or not, prior to entering SUSS, I already knew what is to be expected from the school; apart from studies,

↳ compulsory overseas experience

I joined SUSS in 2019, right before covid.

and I was one of the last batch to go for a 100% paid trip to Shenzhen. Before the application open, I researched the cooler season in SZ and when the application open, I went for the last run - December. It was worth the time spent researching

↳ community engagement requirement

having a strong passion in special needs, I didn’t linger long at the CE Fair. I went to look for what I wanted and signed up on the spot - done and dusted in 5 mins & I got to enjoy the freebies more

↳ e-portfolio

this was a graduating requirement (with tasks) for my batch. heard that this requirement was being replaced (???) for subsequent batch

to make my life easier closer to graduation, I signed up for a number of workshops offered by school and put them in my e-portfolio

(oh and I attend all sort of workshops from nutrition to starting a business)

↳ minor selection

I knew I wanted a minor related to special needs. but during my year, special ed was not offered. so I consulted a few of my prof and they recommend me to take psychology.

following year, sped was being offered as a minor and I was being informed before it was officially announced. I quickly switch my minor from psyc to sped.

✨ study smart ✨

I was never a “hard worker” who mug like mad.

& thankfully I learnt the ropes of study smart 😉

for assignments, I would read up on my prof research paper and write it in their style 🫢

for exams, I would look at the module requirements and only study what is required - many times, our lecture notes/ textbook have way too many info so fishing out what’s impt is IMPT & of cos take note on what the prof said as impt

✨ creating experiences ✨

Unlike other uni, SUSS does not have CCA (at the time I join) nor does it have a hall life

Instead of feeling upset over the shortfall, I decided to make the best out of what I have

👉🏼 knowing that this is my last chance to enjoy school life before adulting hits, I would look out for opportunities to expand my network & create a more fulfilling uni life that I would look back and smile

🪐 things I took part in 🪐

↳ Project Leader of Project Colours (to provide support to the teachers and children in Rainbow Center)

↳ Advisor of Project Colours following year

↳ Student Leader of SUSS

↳ Beyond Social Services

↳ Vice President of Sustainability Group

& for the activities I took part in, I was given endless opportunities to network and meet people who from all walks of life; to name a few:

↳ invited to host President Halimah

↳ invited to have a dialogue with DPM Goh Chok Tong

↳ invited to be interview by the media

↳ meeting people living in rented houses

↳ working with children with special needs

💫 experiences last a lifetime & im glad that I did what I did in uni

ok yes,

now it’s adulting for real 🫠

till then,

☁️ de

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