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Cheryl Neo Jia Yi
“Being a part of Student Life is like a breath of fresh air.” – Cheryl
Tell us about your Student Life journey in PSB Academy.
With the unfortunate suspension of non-academic activities due to Covid-19, a number of events are now on hold. Nonetheless, the events which I have attended since I joined the September 2019 intake were enjoyable. I recall the Halloween themed Campus Club Fair which was lively and welcomed new students to the vast array of clubs which they could join. Members from each club were engaging and welcoming, and that was also when I decided to join the Music Club.
The Student Life in PSB Academy gave me another perspective to my university life, which I initially expected to be filled with academic activities. I enjoy my studies in PSB Academy much more as I can meet other students who share a common interest for music. Workshops organised by Student Affairs and Industry Engagement also gave us insights on how to better improve our campus life both academically and holistically.
Cheryl (second from the left) with members of Music Club at Campus Club Fair.
What have you gained or learnt from the events or activities you mentioned?
Despite my lack of musical background, jamming sessions with the music club were fun and enriching. The members were really engaging and it was fun sharing our different tastes in music and discovering more tunes to listen and sing to. Jamming sessions as a new member, though limited due to Covid-19, enabled me to meet new friends from different backgrounds and programmes within PSB Academy. I also learnt to appreciate more genres in music and the importance of each individual instrument in constructing and completing a song within a band.
A workshop on Effective Scientific Writing organised by Student Affairs and Industry Engagement gave me extra tips on handling my scientific writing, which really helped me with my projects and assignments and vastly improved my writing skills. This workshop enabled me to gain more insights into writing more comprehensively and be more conscious of the cohesion between sections of the report, which is not only important in scientific writing, but also beneficial for daily use.
Share with us the most memorable event or activity you were a part of.
One of the most memorable moments was participating in a collaborative video during the circuit breaker. As a tribute to the hardworking frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic, staff, students and alumni recorded our parts for PSB Academy’s rendition to Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World”. It was a memorable and heartwarming experience to see everyone coming together and singing this song in harmony.
Do you have any words with current and future PSB Academy students who have yet to participate in any of our school events?
The events will definitely spice up the life in PSB Academy much more, making your course of study here much more memorable and fulfilling. Our lives as university students go by in a flash, and these events will give you a breath of fresh air.
On top of being an active Student Club member, Cheryl is also one of our scholarship recipients. Read on to discover her journey as a scholar.
Overcoming All Obstacles
As a recipient of the PSB Academy Merit Scholarship, Cheryl hopes to become a neuroscience researcher so she can enhance people’s lives. She shares more about her life journey and what she aspires to achieve.
What was your education journey like?
Before joining PSB Academy, I was studying biomedical science at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I took a work-study programme there and was attached to a vet clinic. I found myself enjoying the veterinary field too and, in the future, I hope to work behind the scenes to help people.
Did you face any struggles or challenges while studying?
It was a difficult time for me and my family during my poly days. My mum is a single mum and a few of my relatives passed away due to illnesses. Because of my personal struggles and as I was working at the same time, it was tough to focus on my studies.
Why did you choose to pursue biomedical science?
My mum is a cancer survivor, which sparked my interest in life sciences. I pursued biomedical science so I can learn more about neuroscience, which I feel is a useful knowledge to have in supporting patients emotionally.
What made you apply for the scholarship?
I was looking around for different financial subsidies and I came across PSB Academy’s scholarships. I decided to apply for it as I didn’t want to trouble my family. I also stopped working part-time so I can better focus on my studies.
What is your aspiration?
I hope to join the National Neuroscience Institute after graduating. My dream is to become a neuroscience researcher so I can enhance people’s lives.
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