JOSEPHIANS | LUMEN
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“ The route of a young scientist , scholar or not , can be tough ,” Navin revealed . “ Research is notorious for its numerous failed attempts made by scientists and therefore perseverance and selfmotivation are extremely important . But these do not matter hugely , for passion , let alone the immense gratification earned when experiments finally work out ( is well worth it ).” He did explain , however , that the essence of an A * STAR scholar is simply a good student in science - indeed , being determined , self-motivated and passionate is what makes a good science student .
Tedrick agreed with many of Navin ’ s points . “ Always persevere and approach work and life with passion and commitment ,” he said . In addition , he believes that any budding scholar “ should generally be interested in contributing to the progress of the nation through innovation in science and research .” He noted that A * STAR has provided plenty of opportunities for applied research , so students should also have good fundamentals , and what he calls “ intellectual curiosity and drive to make their research applicable to the bigger community .”
The two of them also agreed that A * STAR has given them a very rewarding experience – not just the opportunity to study in renowned universities abroad but also the interactions they have had with other fellow A * Star scholars . “ I have met people from A * STAR who come from very diverse backgrounds and it is always interesting to have this unique blend of backgrounds and personalities within A * STAR ,” commented Mr Lew . He has “ also gained firsthand experience to see how our understanding in science can be directly translated to benefit the society ”, which has proven to be a great fulfilling experience for him .
Navin , meanwhile , is continuing his A * STAR journey as a research assistant at the Institute of Mental Biology in Biopolis . Unlike Tedrick ,
Always persevere and approach work and life with passion and commitment ... any budding scholar should generally be interested in contributing to the progress of the nation through innovation in science and research .
Tedrick Thomas Salim Lew
Facing page : Fourth from left : Navin and his peers at Oxford University
This page ( above ): Tedrick ( the one being carried ) unmistakably enjoyed his education at Imperial College
This page ( bottom left ): ( 3rd row , second from left ) Tedrick in his 431 class in 2007
This page ( bottom right ): ( Seated 3rd from left ) Navin with his graduating class 401 in 2005
Navin ’ s account was one of guidance instead of achievement . His mentors . Dr Bruno Reversade and Dr Lena Ho , have been invaluable to him . “ I ’ m learning a great deal from their mentorship and am picking up lots of research skills along the way . A major takeaway is that I ’ m more interested in science now than ever before , and I ’ m pumped to begin the next leg of the journey with PhD training .”
Any word of caution ? Tedrick was careful to warn against being complacent . “ I think it is good to have no expectations at all especially when applying for the scholarship ,” he explains , “ as there are many other bright Singaporeans who also apply for the same scholarship .”
Navin ’ s advice is that “ applying for an A * STAR scholarship should come naturally and therefore successfully for applicants who have real certainty that science research is what they want to do in life .” He went on to explain that field work and crafting reports were essential , and that “ the best time to gain such experience would be in the upper secondary years or during junior college .” He concluded with : “ The A * STAR scholarship is a very long-term commitment . It funds your studies in science for 8 years up to a PhD degree , and then involves 6 years of working as a researcher in A * STAR . Knowing that this kind of work suits you perfectly will bode very well for the applicant .”
Navin and Tedrick are testaments to the value of hard work , commitment and passion . Their advice hopefully will be helpful for students who want to follow in their footsteps , and maybe one day you too will find yourselves among the pages of time , your story immortalised as inspiration for others .