If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. – Eleanor Roosevelt
How did you end up studying Earth Sciences?
I have always enjoyed being close to nature and had initially planned to enter the field of plant life and conservation. ASE seemed like the perfect place for me since there were plenty of opportunities to go into the field and learn about the environment from beyond the classroom walls and Singapore’s shores.
What did you enjoy most during your four years in NTU ASE?
My best time in ASE was definitely outside the classroom! The experience of travelling to exotic, natural places and learning about the intricacies of nature first-hand was both enriching and fulfilling and it made me feel at home. Furthermore, because I got to travel to places like Bali, Sri Lanka and Borneo with my classmates in the field, I managed to bond together with like-minded friends and formed precious memories.
Other than my classmates and colleagues from ASE, shout out to my mates from NTU Soul Funky, CAC and various friends from hall and exchange for making my NTU life so much more warm and colourful!
Which experience had the greatest impact on you?
My exchange trip to Vancouver was probably the most life-changing experience for me. It was the first time that I was truly away from home for a long time and although I did have friends who travelled with me along the way, it was nerve-wracking to be independent for everything in my life. Nonetheless, it opened up a whole new world for me to explore while meeting people and ideas from all walks of life. Other than being bitten by the travel bug (grad trip please ☹), it made me realise that our natural world is so much bigger than what we see and I’m doubly excited to see and study more about it in the years to come!
What’s your next step after graduation?
I am carrying on my passion as a tree hugger! Specifically, I am going to do a PhD back in ASE to study about how tropical rainforests respond to nutrient limitation and global changes in the environment.
Any words of advice to students who intend to study Science?
Keep that spark of curiosity and excitement to learn alive! You never know when you might actually use what you learnt in a future project or career so stay keen on learning new skills and going out of your comfort zone 😊
What advice do you have for your peers who are graduating this year, during these uncertain times?
You’re never truly alone even in these uncertain times! The same friends who accompanied you throughout your journey in NTU are probably in the same boat too, so do encourage and confide in one another to make this period easier to prevail together!