𝑨 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑!
Samuel | Community Care Scholarship | Physiotherapy | Athlete
Learning is a Lifelong Process. In his unconventional academic path, what has Samuel done to kick start his journey as a Healthcare Scholar in Physiotherapy?
How did Cue Sports become your passion?
I used to be very active in basketball and would take part in any competition that I chanced upon. However, overtraining led to my injury and I was told by my Orthopaedic doctor that I could not participate in any strenuous activities for a few years, in order to let my injury heal.
Cue Sports was an interesting hobby that I picked up, unlike normal sports. I have been participating in different sports since I was young that required open skill, however with Cue Sport, it was a closed skill sport which I thought would be interesting for a change.
Why Physiotherapy?
My interest in Physiotherapy began when I was first diagnosed with bilateral patellar tendonitis. The physiotherapist who helped me in my recovery was warm and genuine. It was the first time I felt that a complete stranger genuinely wanted to help me. It changed my life. Throughout the various sessions, I also developed a strong interest in the human anatomy and physiology. Due to my newfound interest, I aspired to make a positive impact on the community and the lives of others in need.
I knew that the path to me being a Physiotherapist was going to be challenging, but rewarding. I needed a Diploma to enter University and pursue my passion to be a Physiotherapist which motivated me to strive on and work hard. Knowing that my GPA was not good enough to enter Polytechnic at that time I took up a Higher Certificate in Therapy Support from the HMI Institute of Health Sciences to gain some work experience in the rehabilitation setting before attempting to apply for Polytechnic again. In 2017, after I was accepted into Republic Polytechnic (RP) to pursue a Diploma in Health Management and Promotion, I made it my goal to value my second chance at pursuing higher education. In 2020, I successfully obtained my Diploma in Health Management and Promotion with Merit (awarded by Republic Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic - School of Sports, Health and Leisure).
Why Community Care?
Working as a physiotherapist in the community care sector, I am able to help people get back up on their feet and integrate back into the community. Many times, I see people of the minority groups getting neglected or receiving insufficient support. I believe everyone should be given the opportunity to live life to the fullest. My wish is to be able to make a change and impact as many lives as I can to the best of my abilities, so that everyone can continue to live well!
Tell us more about your scholarship journey
Before school started, I had the chance to participate in a 3D2N online induction camp that was held by MOHH, which allowed me to meet with other scholars who would potentially be my schoolmates and future colleagues. I also had the wonderful opportunity to talk to many healthcare professionals who helped me understand about the healthcare system in Singapore.
This scholarship has definitely helped me in many ways. Apart from finances, I also have opportunities to join various conferences, seminar talks and even healthcare related exhibitions that are held by external organisations. These experiences are very beneficial to me as it helps to shape both my hard and soft skills, which are essential for a healthcare professional in future.
Any advice for aspiring scholars?
Never give up on your dreams. If you’re passionate about healthcare and serving the community, wherever you are in life right now, I encourage you to press on and not to give up on this passion. No doubt that things might not always be easy, but I can promise you that it would be a fulfilling and rewarding experience!
Story adapted from Facebook.