Stories to Inspire
Jan Lee
Life at Nanyang Technological University
Jan Lee is diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord, is grateful for university life and friends on campus, and looks beyond his disabilities to see possibilities. Jan was one of the featured bloggers on the NDP 2007 website, organised by IDA Singapore. The 2005 Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation-SPD Scholar shares his experience on when he was first-year Accountancy student at NTU.
Few years back, I never thought that I would end up in Nanyang Technological University after graduating from polytechnic with a Diploma in Accountancy. At that point two years ago I expected that I would never have to touch books again. However, when SPD invited applications to the Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation-SPD Scholarship, it led me to rethink my plans.
Before applying, I told myself that if I were to be selected, I would go all out to do my best in my studies, no matter what it took. When it was confirmed that I was selected, I once again embraced books and exams.
When school started, the first thing on my mind was how to make friends on campus, as my peers were mostly from junior colleges. I remember attending the first lecture with a heavy heart and scanning for possible friends I could make.
It was here that I met Kelvin Lim, now a buddy. Our acquaintance was no mere coincidence. I remember sitting at the front of the lecture theatre when a guy with a broad smile passed by. At that time, I was still pondering the issue of friendships and wondering if I would be able to make any good friends.
But God soon answered my prayers. Before the lecture commenced, Kelvin walked towards me and broke the ice. We exchanged greetings and soon we were like long-lost friends catching up on old times. From then onwards, Kelvin would make an effort to sit with me during lectures and we would sometimes study together.
Initially, school was not smooth-sailing for me. Having come from a polytechnic background, I felt I was lacking as most of my peers from junior colleges had a strong foundation in Mathematics. Kelvin, being one of them, offered to help me in the subject Statistics in exchange for my help in Accounts. It was a good deal.
Soon after, my contact list grew longer and I now have more friends than ever. My worries were redundant after all.
I was also worried about accessibility within NTU. However, I soon found that there was no cause for concern. The buildings here are inter-connected with shelters. This meant that I would not have to miss a lesson here even if it rained. Accessible toilets are found on every storey of the buildings and ramps are located to access places with steps. Kudos to NTU!
The Dean of Accountancy was supportive of my stay here, assuring me that he would try to solve any problems that I faced, and encouraged me to give him feedback if I had any.
At NTU, I truly feel the presence of warm-hearted people. It is a great place to study and make friends, and has marked a new chapter in my life.
I close with a quote by Robert Schuller which I strongly believe in, and which has helped me throughout my time in school.
Your limitations should be guidelines, not stop signs. They should direct and guide your path on the journey, not prevent you from taking it.