Becoming a Diploma Graduand. /
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Greetings! :)I'm here today because I've been receiving questions on my ask.fm about my transition from Secondary school to tertiary. And so I decided that hey why not I share with you guys my personal story about my journey!
First things first, I graduated from Regent Secondary School with O levels. I didn't do very well. I only had 3 credits and there were very minimal Diploma courses that I can enter, of which, mostly were Nursing courses. I had some setbacks on Nursing because I have slight fear in seeing puddles and pools of blood. (I was from Singapore Red Cross Society but I still fear blood hehe oops?) Most of the courses I'm eligible for were courses in the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). So I just tried my luck in applying for diploma courses from the various Polytechnics that were listed in my results slip. I was anticipating yet nervous for the application results. And during the release of the Joint Admission Exercise (JAE) results, this happened:
Imagine waking up at the crack of dawn, wanting to start the day well, but instead, I received such heartbreaking news. I got rejected. Rejected from all institutions that I applied for. I remember vividly how afraid I was to break the news to my parents who really wanted me to pursue a diploma. With a heavy heart I went to tell my parents that very morning after my prayers. I could see the disappointment in my father's eyes when he sighed. My parents and I then had a discussion on how I'm going about this whole tertiary education problem. I decided to do an appeal. I wanted to appeal in to Republic Polytechnic's (RP) Diploma in Outdoor and Adventure Learning (DOAL) but my parents told me - "Enough. Enough of your outdoors. You've already spent your whole life outdoors. Can you please appeal for something else that is less outdoorsy?" I was dampened. I have a strong love towards the outdoors because of how I was brought up - going for short treks and hike up Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Macritchie Reservoir and even as simple as going roller-blading at the various parks in Singapore. I grew up doing sports and spent almost my whole life being outdoors. "How could I ever detach myself from it?" - I thought.
However I was already at the losing end and I was desperate for an education. And so I followed suit with what my parents decided for me. I appealed for Diploma in Customer Relations and Service Management (DCRSM) under the School of Hospitality (SOH) in RP. I submitted my results slip, my testimonial and my CCA records. I didn't want to be in DCRSM for the very reason that I am not the type of girl who can sit in the office or face customers and settle administration. I just can't. But for my parents sake, I figured, heck, if this makes my parents happy then I'm happy. Few days later, I was rejected, yet again. I could've sworn I was on the very verge of giving up.
I thought through and spoke to my parents. I decided to take the long route to getting a Diploma. I decided that I'm going to go through Higher Nitec before I set foot in a Polytechnic to earn a diploma. Of the many that I was eligible for, I settled for Early Childhood at College Central. (Asides from sports and outdoors, I like kids too hehe.) Even before I could finalize my preparation to apply for Higher Nitec, I got a call from RP's School of Sports, Health and Leisure (SHL) on one of the nights. I was quivering so much when Mr Allan Lee called saying he was calling from RP. Mr Allan Lee is the director and program chair for DOAL. He called to ask if I was interested in joining DOAL. He offered me a place in DOAL and told me to come for interview. I was super stoked. I wanted to burst in to tears. I did not appeal for DOAL, yet I was offered a place there if I passed my interview. That was already big enough of a deal for me. I quickly set an appointment for interview. I got connected to Mr Hafiz, who liaised with me in preparation for my interview. I prepared all that was needed for the interview.
When the day came, I gathered together a formal attire for the interview. I had both my parents to accompany me to RP. I then proceeded to E57, where the office was. The interview went pretty smooth, but there were instances where Mr Allan asked me questions that caught me off guard. Of which were "It stated here on your result slip that you were absent for your Principles of Accounts O level paper. Why was that so?", "Here in RP, you will need to take basic modules like maths and sciences. How would you make a difference if you were to be accepted?". Those were questions I wasn't prepared for, but managed to answer with ease.
Circa 1 week later, I have yet to receive news from RP regarding my acceptance. I was devastated. I thought, that was it. I didn't even apply for Higher Nitec. I'm not accepted in any other institutions either. I drowned myself in my own melancholy. All my friends were accepted in to the various JCs, Polytechnics and ITEs. Then there's me with nothing at all. Everyone was excited to begin a new journey - except me. I was ashamed to tell my relatives that I didn't make it. I wanted to shut myself off real badly. Until one of the nights, I heard my brother shout for me outside the house gate. "Adik! You have a huge thick package from RP!" I ran out of my room and looked at the package in disbelief. I ripped apart the envelope and found a registration package. I received my letter of acceptance in to DOAL. I did a sujud syukur straight after I read the acceptance letter. I couldn't stop thanking God for giving me the opportunity to further my studies. I was crying tears of joy. I broke the news to my parents too and they were so happy I got accepted. And for me, I was twice as happy because not only did I get accepted to RP. I got in to the diploma that I wanted.
And now, three years later,
I graduated. I graduated from my 3 years diploma course in Outdoor and Adventure Learning. Through these three years I was a student in RP, I've made lots of bittersweet memories. I've learnt a lot of lessons, not just from lessons in classes but life lessons. My transition from secondary school to tertiary was definitely a big jump because of the drastic change in terms of environment. But everything that I've gone through in RP/DOAL, has made me grow as a person.
I am beyond thankful to RP and Mr Allan for believing in me, and for accepting me in to RP after so many rejection. During my graduation ceremony on May 4th, 2015, I saw Mr Hafiz when I went down the steps on the way to the robing room. I gave him a faint smile. He has helped me adapt to the changes when I first started my journey as a student in RP and I am now an RP graduate.
I shall now end off with the most important photo from my graduation;
To my pillars of strength;
Thank you for believing in me.
Thank you for your constant reminder in giving my best.
Thank you for your support throughout my journey.
Thank you for all the times you always hear me out during my tough times.
Thank you for guiding me.
Thank you for pushing me on when I was at my lowest,
Thank you for all your advice.
Thank you for being present to witness my graduation,
And finally, thank you for your perpetual prayers for me.
Jazakallahu khayran, ayah and ibu, for everything that you've done for me.
I could finally make you proud of me for graduating with a diploma in my hands. I couldn't have done it without Allah's blessings and your endless du'as for me. I was the happiest daughter when you kissed and hugged me after the ceremony to congratulate me. I may not be the best daughter but I can assure both of you that this diploma isn't the only thing you'd be proud of that came from me. I will give you the best that I can offer to see a smile on your faces. I love you, ayah and ibu. ♥
And with that, I end off my entry!
That's my story and I hope all you readers won't feel too demoralized from rejection. Most times, God has better plans for you. This is what God has written for me and I couldn't have pictured it any better. Alhamdulillah for this privilege.
x, nurfaaa.
P.s if you still have other burning questions or any suggestions for my next entry, do head to my ask.fm here to ask me questions and suggest the next topics! :)
