Page 84 - Scholarship Guide Feb 2020

82 MARIA ERIKA GLEN GOH GEK LENG

diverse. With the modules offered, I could tell did learn more about myself and refl ect on How has your NUS experience
there was strong emphasis on engineering various experiences that have contributed to been, and what programmes
fundamentals which I believe would provide the person I am today. It made me realise how
me with very useful experiences and help me much more personal growth and development and activities have you
grow and broaden my scope in this fi eld as I am capable of. participated in so far?
well. Furthermore, biomedical engineering
has been a rapidly growing fi eld not only Why do you think you were My NUS experience has thus far been
in Singapore, but even in other parts of awarded the scholarship, and extremely fulfi lling. Having participated in
Engineering’s Rag and Flag, I have defi nitely
the world. With various research hubs and
startup companies being recently launched, what are the qualities a scholar met new friends of various backgrounds
I am certain that I want to contribute to, should possess? and shared numerous experiences together,
and most defi nitely be involved in the BME both good and bad, all of which have
industry in the country. I believe my passion in pursuing what I love indubitably made my summer experience an
was what really sets me apart from others. If unforgettable one. Furthermore, as a member
Why did you accept the NUS I have a strong interest in a particular fi eld or of Engin Club as Camp Project Director for
topic, I know that I will not hesitate to give my
2020, I have been fortunate enough to work
Merit Scholarship? all and persevere through despite diffi culties with other engineering students from the
The offer of the NUS Merit Scholarship faced. To me, learning is a very key process of various faculties and hone my leadership
actually came as a surprise for me. Because and is integral to achieving personal growth skills whilst serving the school. A challenge
of how competitive and prestigious this and development. With that, I have grown no doubt, but it is only with these experiences
scholarship is, I felt immensely humbled to be a liking towards challenges because I feel that push me out of my comfort zone that I
given an offer. I accepted it not only because that they really push me to become a better believe would help me grow as a person and
of the multitude of opportunities one can avail version of myself and discover new things better prepare myself for what’s to come in
(such as a guaranteed place for an overseas within myself. the future. I am also a part of NUS Dance
exchange), but also because I believe it can Ensemble and was privileged to perform for
provide for me a platform for personal growth To me, a scholar should possess an attitude of their annual concert entitled ‘The Next Wave:
and development. Moreover, the community being ready to learn and ready to give back Moments’ where we worked with guest
engagement projects available for NUS to the greater community. Putting academic choreographers for a 15-minute-long piece
Scholars enticed me as well especially since credentials aside, one should work hard and and performed in front of an audience. I was
community service is something I strongly approach every situation, be it good or bad, blessed to have been supported by my family
believe in and enjoy doing - to be of service with an optimistic outlook. A scholar should and Engin Raggers. I truly look forward to my
to the greater community and hopefully also be proactive and responsible for his/her next 4 years in NUS!
make a positive impact on their lives, be it big own learning, taking ownership of whatever
or small. Lastly, having a scholarship would mistakes made as well, and treating them
lessen the fi nancial burden on my parents and as milestones and checkpoints, rather than
encourage fi nancial independence on my end. weights that will drag him/her down.

What was the selection process What are the benefi ts of taking
like? up the NUS Merit Scholarship?
The entire process was not as frightening The NUS Merit Scholarship has undoubtedly
as I thought it would be. To apply for the provided me with numerous benefi ts and
scholarship, one would require a referee to opportunities, all of which I am very grateful
support your application, prepare a personal for. As a scholar, I am guaranteed a placement
statement that would allow the panel to get in the Student Exchange Programme, which
to know you better – aspirations, beliefs, etc., I believe is great exposure for us students
as well as upload supporting documents that because it provides an insight into cultures
would support your scholarship application. and knowledge in other parts of the world,
Because the NUS Scholarships (comprising broadening our scope as well. Furthermore,
of two tiers – NUS Global Merit Scholarship as an NUS Scholar, I am given the opportunity
and NUS Merit Scholarship) only required to participate in community engagement
one common application, it made the process projects, to impact the lives of the greater NUS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
extremely straightforward. Subsequently, community in a meaningful manner. Through Maria Erika Glen Goh Gek Leng
there will be an interview, if one is shortlisted. this, I am privileged to meet new people
For myself, the interview turned out to be a and share lifelong experiences with one Age
pleasant one with an extremely friendly another; there is a platform for us to share our 19
panel. It really was a session for the panel various perspectives on certain issues which
to get to know me on a more personal I feel is extremely meaningful. This not only Now
level, and understand why I chose to pursue encourages us to learn from one another, but National University of Singapore,
biomedical engineering. They were very also helps us to grow as individuals whilst Biomedical Engineering,
helpful in explaining to me what to expect, serving the community. Year 1
which defi nitely solidifi ed my desire to
study Biomedical Engineering. In preparing From
and applying for this scholarship, I defi nitely St. Joseph's Institution