How changing course uncovered her calling
Learning science did not suit her, so MDIS student Nicole Pang ventured on a new path — and has not looked back since
By Liling Koh
January 14, 2021
An avid reader of medical articles in National Geographic and Reader’s Digest magazines since she was young, Ms Nicole Pang, 20, used to think her interests lay in medicine and science. So, although she was better at arts subjects, she pursued a diploma in science at a polytechnic after her O levels.
It was a decision she regretted.
“I struggled a lot with understanding the concepts and technicalities. It was not something that came naturally to me,” says Ms Pang. She has since discovered a passion for storytelling and writing, noting it was “the stories of people that I wanted to put into words”.
So she made the bold step of changing course — she would take the A levels, then pursue a double degree in media and business. She opted for a dual-path to keep her options open, and because she is also interested in sales and marketing.
In July last year, Ms Pang enrolled full-time in the 16-month Preparatory Course for Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Programme at MDIS which would lead to undergraduate studies.
Caring, encouraging teachers
Where lessons used to be a chore, Ms Pang now looks forward to her classes.
She says “every subject offers its own uniqueness”, both in content and mode of delivery. “My teachers also bring their vibrant characters and wisdom to class.”
She appreciates MDIS’ low lecturer-student ratio as “the teachers can spend more time engaging the students”.
Ms Pang also likes that her teachers are caring and encouraging, and come from varied professional backgrounds.
One teacher, who has taught in Jakarta, Indonesia, shared with the class how he himself was inspired by his students’ thirst for knowledge. “It’s a reminder that while examinations are important, having the eagerness and mindset that learning is a lifelong journey is just as essential.”
Another teacher, she recalls, would stress how “cultivating good interpersonal relationships are crucial life skills”.
Ms Pang also believes that the life experiences and lessons imparted by her teachers at MDIS “will guide me for years to come”.
