One of the most memorable things about my internship was my interaction with a student named “A.”
“A” was an intelligent boy who struggled with self-expression and dealing with negative emotions, and who insisted on following set routines. When these routines were disrupted, he would yell and lash out, disrupting the rest of his class.
At first, I was frustrated because I didn’t understand why he had such frequent outbursts. It took me a while to realise that it wasn’t him that was causing me distress, but my own lack of knowledge about ASD.
Soon I was tasked with providing direct support to “A” and although I knew it would not be easy, I was determined to approach the task with an open mind.
I sat next to him every day during class, observing and silently supporting him. With the guidance of teachers and therapists, I learned strategies to help “A” regulate his emotions and navigate daily activities. As I became more sensitive to his needs, I began to see the world from his perspective.
For “A”, changes in daily routines are very difficult to accept and understand. For example, the recess bell rings every day at 11am, but if for some reason the bell doesn’t ring one day, he wonders why. As he doesn’t get an immediate answer, he reacts with an emotional outburst.
A moment of certainty
Over time, I realized that these outbursts were simply his way of expressing bewilderment at the unexpected changes in his daily life — he wasn’t trying to be disturbing, he simply couldn’t express his upset in any other way.
As I got to know more and more about his likes and dislikes, I gradually got more comfortable with him and we were able to build a closer relationship.
One day, after watching a video that answered a question he had been having for a long time, he suddenly burst into a smile and jumped around the classroom.
He was overjoyed. I had never seen him so happy before. He hugged all his classmates and even hugged me.
It was a landmark moment not only for him but for me as well.
I felt like for the first time I had a clear understanding of the importance of providing the right supports and environments for children with ASD to thrive.
I felt a strong conviction that this was the path I should take in life, to contribute to providing support to children with special needs and at the same time address the prejudices and biases that the general public holds against people with such disabilities.
I decided to pursue a career in psychology with the goal of eventually specializing in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Reduced economic burden
I wanted to continue volunteering while studying, but I was worried about finances as my mother was still undergoing treatment.
My father encouraged me to apply for Grab’s Emerald Circle Scholarship, which provides cash grants of up to S$10,000 to cover the university fees of the children of Grab driver-partners.
When I applied for this scholarship in April 2024, I was hopeful yet nervous. However, my mother reminded me that the process is more important than the result. Her encouragement helped me stay calm and confident throughout the scholarship interview.
When I received the news that I had been selected for the scholarship, I was filled with joy and gratitude. It was such a relief to know that it would ease the financial burden on my family.