Student Stories

When life puts you in a tough situation, don’t say, “Why me?”. Say “Try me.” – K Ragini

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How has life been since you graduated from PSB Academy? (Be proud of your achievements/successes!)

Life has been extremely unpredictable since I graduated. I secured a research internship at A*Star which opened a whole new path for me. Initially, I didn’t want to pursue research as I thought I was unsuitable for this field. I wanted to be in the diagnostics field, which involved routine processing of patient samples etc. My internship experience highlighted my strengths and weaknesses, which provided a clearer idea of what I might want to do in the future. It encouraged me to take up my current job at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

What drives your passion for Biomedical Science and What do you like most about your profession?

I have always been fascinated with living systems as a kid. Biomedical Science provides me with the opportunity to help people and satisfy my thirst for knowledge as well. This is one of the fields where what you do in the lab can directly impact people i.e. developing Covid-19 test kits. It is tiring and rewarding at the same time.

What attracted you to pursue your education with PSB Academy?

I explored different schools, and a couple of factors influenced my choice — distance and the modules covered in the course. In addition, La Trobe University was more established, and the life science degree duration was shorter compared to other institutions.

How did your education course at PSB Academy help you to perform better in your current working environment?

My education at PSB Academy allowed me to grow as a resourceful problem-solver and taught me the importance of teamwork. During my time in PSB Academy, I got a chance to be the Vice President of the Student Council, which honed my leadership and communication skills.

In the real world, you are constantly tested and there are direct consequences to your actions. While you cannot change the people you work with, you can turn the situation around and your reaction. PSB Academy has armed me with the skills and experiences that helped me to adapt to working life.

What were the challenges you faced when you were job-hunting? How do you overcome them?

Initially, I was contemplating between furthering my studies or heading out to work. But when the pandemic hit, I decided to work first. Job-hunting was difficult on its own. However, coupled with the Covid-19, sheer panic set in for me. Although I started sending in applications three months before my internship ended, some places took ages to reply. I had to be patient but not complacent as sending applications to one institution and waiting for their reply was not productive.

Another major challenge was that some places required lab experience, which I didn’t have, and I had to convince them during the interview that I was willing to learn. Some opportunities came through people I knew i.e. Research fellows who recommended me.

I learnt that I have to be open-minded and more vocal about what I wanted because good opportunities don’t come easily and you will never know how they will come to you. I was fortunate enough to choose between a few labs before I settled for Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.

Who would you say has motivated you through the challenges of completing the course?

Ms Kate, the Assistant Head of School for School of Life and Physical Sciences and Dr Han Siew Ping, a former lecturer at PSB Academy, were key people during my student journey. They saw something in me that I did not and encouraged me when I doubted myself. Even after I graduated from the course, they kept in touch with me and always wished me well.

Dr Seah and Dr Chon are two lecturers I will always be grateful to and would like to extend my thanks to them. Dr Seah would always put his students first in any circumstance and was surprised that he would reply to my questions almost instantly. Dr Chon’s lessons were always motivating because if you didn’t know something, she would somehow get to know and quiz you on it. I would have taken Pharmaceutical Science just to have more lessons with you, Dr Chon.

Last but not the least, my friends/coursemates Alex, Nat and JJ were my major support during my time in PSB Academy.

Any career aspirations?

I want to work in healthcare someday.