Nationality: Singapore
Current Job: Lecturer, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Graduation: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Year 2017
Undergraduate: National University of Singapore, Singapore
"Reflect and articulate clearly the reasons you're doing a phd and then put them up on your wall for the next 5 year marathon. They will help you stay the course and complete the distance."
In retrospect, would you still have chosen to do a PhD? Why?
A PhD at a mature stage in life was more about self-fulfillment than anything else. I’d still do it because it was a journey of growth, of discovery, and a new life.
On hindsight, would you still have chosen NUS to do your PhD?
I have come to appreciate the infrastructure, the opportunity, the space, and freedom that NUS offered to explore what I wanted and to chart my own course as a student and a researcher. That I look back to as invaluable!
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research topic for your PhD?
Absolutely yes. The excitement I approached the topic with when I applied for the program is still fresh and vibrant for me today. I wouldn’t dream of giving that up.
On hindsight, would you have chosen the same research supervisor for your PhD?
I found a very nurturing and supportive supervisor as well as ‘home department’ in SASP. That made all the difference to the continuation and completion of my degree.
What advice would you give someone considering doing his/her PhD at NUS?
Be sure that you have the resilience, both intellectual and emotional, to stay the course. No matter how supportive and facilitative the environment, this is your and only your journey and you have to travel the path alone. It’s rewarding, fulfilling, enriching, but also demanding and draining.
Briefly share something fun in your graduate journey at NUS that you remember
Going back to school at a later stage in life allowed me to be myself again — hang out with friends, play truant in class, forget my familial obligations while on campus, and be just me!
Any other words of wisdom to share?
Reflect and articulate clearly the reasons you’re doing a phd and then put them up on your wall for the next 5 year marathon. They will help you stay the course and complete the distance.