With my time as an undergraduate at the National University of Singapore (NUS) coming to a close, I find myself relieved and grateful for all the learning and experiences through this journey.

When my studies began, I was delighted to be united with peers who shared a similar interest towards the subject. Flashing back on the differential equations scrawled across whiteboards, piles of experimental data to analyse and the painstaking photo taking of messy zoom-proctored exam responses, the content certainly felt unforgivingly challenging at times. The rigor posed by the department was, however, complemented with top-notch lecturers and professors who were patient and keen to improve our understanding and ability. Establishing discipline and good learning habits with my classmates brought more joy to the process, as they also inspired me to push on despite the difficulties, whether it was the late-night tutorial problem discussions on Whatsapp or Mala lunch breaks at the Frontier science canteen.

Looking back, what struck as the most pleasant surprise was being introduced to new aspects of the study. Initially in the course, the majority of us (myself included) had aspired to prepare for work, such as research, which would directly contribute to the betterment of mankind’s understanding of the laws of nature. Being in NUS’ large university community definitely helped to broaden my horizons and realise more possibilities. Staying two years at Residential College 4 and participating in student organisations like Young Educators in Science and the Science Journalism Club contributed to enriching my life and holistic development. The ample opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds and disciplines and varying interests allowed profound connections to be revealed to me. The exploration and everyday exchanges helped to cultivate my interest in science communication, which I intend to pursue as my career in the future.

Against the uncertainties of the path ahead and the changing world, I am glad that the experience studying Physics at NUS leaves me more convicted than I would ever have expected as I continue forth.