Aspiring vet picks poly over JC

Many of her friends who got good results for their O levels yesterday are hoping to take the junior college route to university.

But Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School student Amanda Wong has her eyes set on the polytechnic route, with the junior college option being her back-up choice.

The 16-year-old wants to pursue a diploma in veterinary technology in Temasek Polytechnic (TP).

"I've loved animals since young. Whenever I see one, I would feel very happy and want to spend time with it," she said.

"I feel that the junior college route is stressful and the curriculum demanding, so I'm afraid I might not be able to cope.

"But if I don't make it into veterinary technology, then junior college will be my second choice."

Amanda was among the 950 students at TP's Beyond 'O' Level Seminar last Saturday, to find out more about their options after their secondary school education.

INSIGHTS

A panel comprising five TP graduates spoke at the seminar, sharing their personal experiences.

Mr Sean Lim, 25, who has a diploma in culinary and catering management, and who co-owns Sin Lee Foods and Ah Bui Curry House, said: "Follow your gut and think carefully. "Take note of what your parents say but know deep down what you want to do."

Aemilio Pereira, a Secondary 3 student from St Gabriel's Secondary School, attended the seminar with his parents and younger sister.

The 14-year-old is an avid gamer and is looking at diplomas such as digital forensics and game design & development in TP.

His mother, housewife Dione Pereira, 43, said: "This seminar gave us a flavour of what polytechnic life is about and allowed us to realise that there is so much available in the polytechnics."

mheng@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on January 12, 2016.
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