Who has had the biggest influence on your educational journey thus far?
My greatest influence is my mother, the sole breadwinner of our family. Her constant encouragement and unwavering belief in education shaped my determination to succeed. She often reminds me to consider others’ perspectives, fostering my empathy and desire to help. Despite financial struggles and my father’s unemployment, her hard work helped us move from a rental flat to our own home. Her resilience inspires me to seize every opportunity, and I take pride in being the first in my extended family to attend university.
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
While I may not have started with ideal circumstances, I made the most of the opportunities that came my way. With the support of a government bursary and scholarship, I pursued my passion for Media Production & Design at Republic Polytechnic, where I became more engaged in the community and passionate about volunteering.
These experiences taught me to embrace limitations and value diverse perspectives. I strive to act purposefully and contribute meaningfully – my love for the arts extends beyond creation to advocating for preserving and celebrating artistic heritage. For example, I participated in a National Library Board project, collaborating with seniors to express their vision of “home” through clay sculptures.
What is the best advice you have received, and why?
The best advice I have received recently comes from BTS’ Jin. He said, "You don't stop breathing just because the air's bad." This resonates with me and reminds me to keep moving forward, even in challenging circumstances. It motivates me to focus on doing my best, especially when balancing assignments and other commitments.
