Life as a physics major, as I believe many would agree with me, was definitely not a bed of roses. The long gruelling hours spent in the lab and the days spent pondering over a particular concept definitely leave a bitter-sweet taste among many upon reminiscence. However, I was lucky to have very supportive friends, batch mates and seniors who helped me tide over the challenging times in my undergraduate life, especially in my final year project. I am really grateful for having met my mentors and seniors during my undergraduate years and the numerous hours they spent helping me out in my lab work and patiently explaining various new concepts to me.

The Department of Physics makes available numerous opportunities for students to pursue their different interests. With a greater inclination towards teaching than research, I participated briefly in related activities such as the Young Educators in Science Programme and the Physics Enrichment Camp. These programmes gave me the chance to communicate science and teach in various settings. It was really exciting for me to put some of the skills into practice during my teaching attachment in my second year summer break. It was challenging but nevertheless fulfilling when some of my science demonstrations managed to capture the attention of some students.

With its elegant equations and models, physics does indeed play an important role in deepening our understanding of how the world works, which then allows us to find and patch together the missing pieces of the puzzle. However, the world is ultimately much more than just equations, numbers and statistics. Thus, being a physics major does not necessarily mean that one will and should be confined to the world of physics.

Opportunities abound not just in the major itself, or within the faculty but across the university and, more importantly, beyond NUS. University education is a privilege and should be a great time of exploration beyond one’s comfort zone—meeting new people who share common or different interests and life goals, gaining new perspectives and learning to respect and even accept opposing views.

Personally, I felt that as much as I have gained from a physics education and the opportunities within it, I was fortunate to have also benefitted from participating in other activities, such as the Student Exchange Programme and Youth Expedition Project, and volunteering for external organisations. Skills such as empathy and relationship building are essential for me since I will soon be embarking on a teaching career where I will be teaching and, more importantly, guiding my students—each with their own personality, quirks and interests—beyond the realm of physics.

When I look back at my undergraduate journey, the moments which I will hold dear are definitely the friendships I have forged and the seemingly small gestures—a hug or even a word of encouragement that has never failed to leave a tinge of warmth in my heart.