Don't be afraid. 

Not being accepted into Physiotherapy in SIT, the course I applied for, made me decide to take a gap year. I gave the other courses I was offered (Psychology and Nursing) some thought, but finally decided that I didn’t want to study anything else but Physiotherapy. I was initially quite upset about getting rejected as I didn’t understand why I didn’t get selected, but decided not to dwell too much on it even after not receiving an offer during the appeal period. As I really wanted to study Physiotherapy and had no intentions on traveling overseas to get this degree, I decided to take a gap year to find a job in therapy assisting to boost my chances of application the following year.

 

After being rejected, I came across a flyer looking for therapy assistants to work in a community hospital in mid 2019. Intrigued, I decided to apply for the position, went for the interview, and landed a job as a therapy assistant in one of the newly opened community hospitals in Singapore. As a therapy assistant, I learned both soft and hands-on skills that would benefit me in my current study as a Physiotherapy student in SIT. Getting the chance to assist both occupational and physiotherapists helped me understand better the differences and similarities of both professions and how both professions played important roles in the healthcare system, especially with regards to community care. Knowing the core differences also reaffirmed my decision to pursue Physiotherapy. There were many learning opportunities for me to improve my skills and advance as a therapy assistant which has carried over to my studies here in SIT, and I am extremely grateful to have so many takeaways from the short time I spent with my ex-colleagues. After almost a year with them, I applied once more to SIT and was accepted in 2020.

 

It gave me a deeper understanding of the current needs of the community with regards to healthcare, and in fact this exposure has helped put things that I’ve learned in school in perspective. I used to not understand many things as a therapy assistant, especially when watching my colleagues treat the patients. With the knowledge gained from my course, I now understand the reason and ideology surrounding the treatment methods chosen for the patients.Not to mention, many bonds were formed with my ex-colleagues and we still keep in touch and meet up! It’s always nice to hear about what they’ve been up to and how work has been for them. I even go to them for help sometimes when I have questions about my schoolwork - after all, they are professionals!

 

It was the uncertainty of not being guaranteed a spot in the course I was applying for in 2020. The uncertainty led me to wonder if I wanted to stay any longer in the hospital if I didn’t get accepted, which also brought on the fear of having to pursue the same course overseas if I didn’t stand a chance locally. Otherwise, my gap year has been a true eye opener, especially being a frontliner in the midst of COVID-19.

 

My parents were supportive and were even the ones who encouraged me to take a gap year so that I could gain some work experience. After seeing the flyer that I had received regarding job openings for therapy assistants, they urged me to apply as soon as I could so that I could start work earlier to gain more experience. I was told that the work experience would aid me in my application for my course the following year and therefore I decided to take the leap.

 

If your applications didn’t succeed and you’re extremely passionate about the course, I suggest that you take some time to apply for jobs related to your course. The work experience can not only help in your application, but also give you a unique experience and viewpoint in school that others may not have.If you’re not sure if the course that you’re thinking of applying to is the one for you, you can give taking a gap year a try. Take some time off to do some research about the course. Go on internships or shadowing opportunities where possible. Use the time to delve deeper and find out what you truly want to do. It’s alright to spend a little bit more time to figure out the course you want to go for - after all, it’s your future career.

 

Being a therapy assistant as a full time was tough. It was my first time stepping into the adult working world with responsibilities in a full time job. Work was physically draining and I could barely think about school applications until it came round the corner. However, I was reminded of the reason why I took this job up - to learn, grow and score a place in Physiotherapy. I was hoping that all of my efforts, the vast amount of knowledge gained, can be put to use in school soon. After successfully entering SIT and looking back on my journey as a therapy assistant, all the tough times I went through weren’t in vain. Working and adapting to ever changing situations at work has taught me many valuable life lessons! 

 

My only regret was not immediately applying for the job after receiving the rejection, only applying two months after coming to terms with the rejection. I could’ve learned more in those two months had I joined the rehabilitation team earlier, but I’m still thankful to myself for bravely taking the leap and those around me for encouraging me to do so.

 

Don’t fear being thrown into the working world with little to no knowledge; you’ll learn many valuable skills and firm up your decision to take up your desired course. Don’t fear the uncertainty; learn what you can because your work skills will definitely come in handy in school (at least for me, it did). Don’t be afraid to take the leap. 

Good luck!