How I did it: I picked out my career path when I was 13, and everything has been geared toward getting my degree in Marine Biology since.

I took more science classes in Secondary school and studied to get into the science stream. Then I explored my options for pre-university schools and realised that staying in Singapore wouldn't help me achieve my goal, so I looked at overseas programs. Fortunately, I met a friend who was going to do a foundation year program in Perth, something I'd never heard of before. After finding out more about it, I decided that it was the right path for me, and applied.

The school that I was in was affiliated with the University of Western Australia, but after a tour of the university grounds and asking a few questions, I realised that it was not an ideal place to get a well-rounded Marine biology degree, so I asked my teachers for suggestions of other universities. I narrowed down my choices to one - the University of Queensland.

It was four long years away from home, going from a fresh, eager first year to a tired, battered honours year student, but I kept plugging away at it, and I finally managed to graduate with second class honours and my degree in my hand.

Lessons & tips:

• Figure out what you want to major in.
• Ask a lot of questions.
• Be flexible about what college you intend to study in - it's not the location but the quality of your education that matters.
• Find friends who will support and encourage you through all the low points.
• Keep going, even if you feel like giving up.
• Do your readings, your assignments and be active in class.
• If you have time, volunteer with your professors - it will give you relevant experience for the future.

Jan 04, 2009, 06:12PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer