Being comfortable by being uncomfortable

I first walked into ITE with a very lost and anxious mind. As a person who is already struggling with extreme social anxiety and the fear of making mistakes, the new and unpredictable environment only made me retreat back into my shell even more. Even after the orientation had ended, I still was not confident enough to smoothly initiate conversations with others due to the paralysing fear of slipping up. Even whenever people approach me, I would root myself to the ground and give short answers, as negative thoughts continue to repeat inside. As a result, everyone would just assume I am just very introverted, cold or unapproachable, when I actually do care about people very deeply. Whenever I return home, even if my interactions were smooth, I would ruminate on every single word I said and every response I received just to ensure I didn't do anything wrong.

I tend to overthink every possible social risk till the point I could not express myself fully. Back in my primary school days, I used to be what my peers and teachers had described me- contributive, extroverted and friendly. I had always enjoyed talking to my classmates during recess and had no problem doing presentations on stage. However, experiencing bullying during those years gradually eroded my self-confidence, and this continued into secondary school, which was already a major transition in my life. As I grew older, I became increasingly conscious of how others might perceive me. With examinations, assignments and the pressures that came with growing up, balancing my social life with my responsibilities became increasingly difficult. The stress gradually pushed me further into isolation, causing me to question my abilities and lose sight of the person I once was.

When I entered Higher Nitec in Applied Food Science, I was afraid that I would continue down the same path. However, my first year in ITE slowly showed me that I was capable of much more than I had believed. I discovered my strong aptitude for laboratory work and developed a genuine interest in applying scientific concepts to real-world problems. Through hands-on practical sessions, I became more confident in handling laboratory equipment, following procedures carefully and analysing results. I realise that science is not just all about understanding theories and conducting experiments, it can be used to improve and even heal people's lives. This inspired me to continue to pursue science in my further studies because I want to eventually use what I learn to help people live healthier and better lives.

I know that if I want to help people, I need to face people. One of the most conscious decisions I made in ITE was joining the Community Service Club as my CCA. Knowing that social interaction was one of my biggest challenges, I deliberately chose an environment where I would have more opportunities to interact with different people instead of avoiding them. At first, approaching others and participating in activities still felt intimidating, but gradually, I became more comfortable initiating conversations, working with people I was unfamiliar with and contributing to group activities. Through community service, I also took part in more volunteering opportunities whenever possible, including meal deliveries and event management. These experiences taught me to communicate more confidently, take initiative and become more adaptable when it comes to different situations. More importantly, they showed me that courage means choosing to step forward despite feeling afraid. By repeatedly putting myself in situations that once made me uncomfortable, I slowly became less afraid of facing people.

On top of that, I remember opening the school portal anxiously imagining the worst possible outcome of failing my first semester, as I hold myself to extremely high standards. To my surprise, when I clicked to view my GPA, the number 4.000, and a beautiful line of straight As and Distinctions flashed upon my eyes. I was overwhelmed with joy and felt like I was on top of the world. Then, I received a message from my Class Advisor saying that I am one of the students who could apply for the accelerated pathway. This achievement was especially meaningful because I had spent years doubting my own abilities and worrying that I would make mistakes. Being accepted into the accelerated pathway is a reminder that the person who once doubted herself could also become someone who was capable of achieving ambitious goals.

Another significant achievement was being able to participate in a Global Exchange Programme in Bangkok. Travelling overseas pushed me beyond my comfort zone, allowing me to experience a different culture while becoming more independent and adaptable. I also had to interact with new people, which showed me how far I had come from someone who once found social interactions overwhelming. Alongside the exchange, volunteering through meal delivery and event management allowed me to contribute to different communities while strengthening my confidence, resilience and willingness to embrace new opportunities.

My journey in ITE has also given me a clearer vision for my future. After Higher Nitec, I hope to progress to polytechnic and eventually pursue a university degree in a healthcare or science-related field, such as dietetics, biological sciences, psychology or pharmacy. I am particularly drawn to becoming a dietitian and specialising in paediatric dietetics, as I hope to use nutrition to support children’s growth, development and long-term health. I am also interested in clinical research and how scientific knowledge can be applied to improve healthcare.

I know this path will require perseverance, discipline and the courage to learn from mistakes. However, my first year in Higher Nitec has already shown me that I am capable of growing beyond the limitations I once placed on myself. ITE has been a place where I began rebuilding my confidence, discovering my potential and finding direction for my future. What began with uncertainty has become a journey of growth, resilience and self-discovery, and I am excited to see where it leads.

^ also above is a picture of a volunteer session where we guided seniors through creating their very own self-watering plants :D