Student Stories

Growing up wasn’t easy! I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, which caused me to have learning difficulties. Making friends was out of the question as I struggled with self-confidence issues and was bullied by my peers. However, my family stood by me and after my O-Level, I went on to study sports management in ITE College East. Soon, I began to realise that I want to pursue a career in the sports and rehab industry.

I’ve always loved martial arts. I did Judo and Muay Thai and very often, I found myself observing how and why athletes get injured! I’ve had my fair share of injuries too—I tore my ACL twice and had to go for two operations. It was during my 14-month physiotherapy when I discovered that I have an interest to treat the injured and a flair for sports and rehab.

After my NS, I decided to take a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences at PSB Academy. The course duration was a major deciding factor for me. As I’ve already taken a longer route, I didn’t want to study a course that would take another two or three years. The diploma also enabled me to progress on to a degree by going directly to the second year.

While pursuing my diploma, I met two of the best lecturers, Mr Nick Tan and Mr Mark Tan. They showed me what it takes to be a good coach to my clients, and they exemplified leadership and knowledge in ways that I could understand. I remember how during a module called “Principles of Weight Training”, Mr Mark Tan would guide us to learn on our own instead of spoon-feeding us. Both their teaching methods further strengthened my ambition, and I made up my mind to become a physical therapist who treats the weak, vulnerable and perhaps even start my rehab clinic one day.