In this series, Science@NTU gets to know the 2021 CoS valedictorians! They give a quick overview of their time in CoS, and also offer a few words of advice on staying positive during these uncertain times. First up, we have Victoria Cahyani Tanggono from the Asian School of the Environment (ASE).
How did you end up studying Earth Sciences?
I’ve always been enamoured by the environment. It’s simply breath-taking – or rather, breath-giving if you will. But what fascinated more are the interactions between humans and the environment. Humans have made such massive changes to the environment that it’s only a matter of time before humanity experiences the consequences in return, often in the most unexpected ways. That led me to be part of the inaugural batch of students taking the Double Major in Environmental Earth Systems Science and Public Policy & Global Affairs (ESPP).
What did you enjoy most during your four years in NTU ASE?
From hiking through Clementi Forest to exploring the seas and shores in Bali, nothing can really beat the field experiences that are unique to ASE! Being out in the sun among dust from a volcano doesn’t sound very pleasant, but these field trips were nevertheless a blast as they showed me such a different way of learning, thinking and seeing the world.
Which experience had the greatest impact on you?
It would be my exchange trip to the United Kingdom at the beginning of 2020. Not only because it was my first time being far away from family and friends, but also because it was cut short by the pandemic. Exchange was all about stepping out of my comfort zone, but compounded with the uncertainty around the pandemic, my resilience and adaptive abilities were really put to the test. The entire experience has definitely left an indelible impact on me, from managing my emotions while away in a foreign land at the heat of the pandemic, to dealing with the implications of getting my plans upended and much more.
What’s your next step after graduation?
I’m currently working as an Analyst at a boutique sustainability consultancy firm called Greenview, where we support like-minded industry players to kickstart and advance their strategies to manage environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities.
Any words of advice to students who intend to study Science?
Always keep your eyes and ears peeled for opportunities, be it starting your own research project or assisting a PhD student in their research! Just as the saying goes, “stand on the shoulders of giants”, there’s no better way to get to know your own field than learning from the very people who have been through it.
What advice do you have for your peers who are graduating this year, during these uncertain times?
Always trust yourself and believe in your own capabilities. Our best bet against this ever-evolving world is to keep the faith in ourselves strong!
Provide a quote that inspires you.
“Marvelling at the perfection of that leaf, I was reminded that aesthetic beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see. From the quark to the supernova, the wonders do not cease. It is our attentiveness that is in short supply, our ability and willingness to do the work that awe requires.” ― John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed