SINGAPORE - National University of Singapore (NUS) undergraduate Lim Liu Xian, 22, is one who believes that life is what you make of it.
The journey which led her to NUS' Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, where she is majoring in Communications and New Media, is testament to her life's motto.
Despite being able to qualify for a junior college, Liu Xian chose to enter a polytechnic instead to pursue her passion for multimedia.
Calling it a "calculated move" on her part to obtain a polytechnic diploma and eventually a degree, Liu Xian says she has attained her dream to gain experience as "a technical producer, as well as understanding the macro side of things".
As a measure of her dedication, the straight-A student also took on extra classes at night on top of her regular coursework at Singapore Polytechnic, as she thought it would be a good use of her time in the evenings.
Liu Xian emerged among the top in her cohort and was successful in her application to study at NUS.
But life was not all smooth sailing for Liu Xian. Just last year, she went through one of the most difficult periods in her life.
During the second semester of her first year in NUS, Liu Xian's mother had a heart attack and passed away in March, when she was in the midst of her mid-terms.
Describing herself as being "in a daze" for a few weeks, she credits her professors and tutors at NUS for helping her to pull through.
"My tutors were very understanding and didn't penalise me for not attending classes during those few weeks and also extended my assignment deadlines."
"One tutor even allowed me to hand in a hard-copy version of a presentation I was supposed to do in class," said Liu Xian.
"I was in a terrible emotional state, and I really appreciated (their help)."
Not the sort to allow setbacks to deter her from her goals, Liu Xian managed to bounce back and hopes to still be able to achieve her goal of obtaining first-class honours in her course.
She said her mum's passing taught her that life is short, and that it is possible to achieve your goals, "it's just how badly you want it."
Describing her transition to life in NUS, Liu Xian said she had heard from her peers that the adjustment would be challenging, especially for polytechnic students.
"I had heard how stressful life in NUS would be, but it wasn't like that," said Liu Xian.
She has found the NUS environment nurturing academically, as her professors are open to holding consultations with students even after their classes.
Liu Xian also has found time to pursue a fulfilling social life on campus. She hones her leadership skills as Vice-President of the NUS Communications & New Media Student Society.
Describing what her experience has taught her and how quickly she adapted, she says "I think it is important for students to seek their own opportunities, instead of waiting for them."
"If you want to do something you should give it your best. Although clichéd, life is short and I want to live life without regrets."
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