Growing up, Xena Kang , a third-year business student at the National University of Singapore (NUS), stayed in a two-room rental flat with her grandparents, developing a strong bond with them. It was therefore a huge loss to Xena when her grandfather passed away due to COVID-19 a few years ago.
While Xena misses her grandfather dearly, she channelled her sadness into a call to befriend the elderly. This led her to enrolling in the NUS Elective Reconnect SeniorsSG. This would mean that Xena spends every weekend volunteering with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), unlike many of her friends who will spend their weekend sleeping in or going out with friends and family
“It can be challenging to initiate conversations when they do not know you. It takes a while, but once they open up to you, it feels like you have made new friends,” commented Xena. In fact, “The seniors’ faces always light up when I knock on their doors,” she added.
Xena (front left) with her fellow exchange students at Peking University
Financial support to enjoy university life
Like the seniors that Xena worked with, she too is a recipient of the NUS community’s kindness and generosity. When Xena received news that her application to NUS was successful, she was ecstatic! However, her joy was short-lived when she realised that her NUS course fees and living expenses will be about 30 per cent more than her polytechnic school fees.
Xena turned to the NUS student admissions website for information on financial aid, and to her relief, the application process was easy. A heavy burden was lifted off her heart when she was awarded multiple bursaries, some of which were contributed by generous seniors who have gone ahead of her, that covered her living expenses, tuition fees, and accommodation on campus.
“The financial assistance has been a game-changer, offsetting my fees and expenses,” Xena reflected. “This has given me the freedom and opportunity to experience and enjoy my school life fully. I did not have to take up part-time jobs, which gave me time to participate in hall activities. I even had the chance to represent Raffles Hall in table tennis at the Inter Hall Games, and now I’m coaching my juniors in the sport I love.”
Xena with her grandmother
For those concerned about the application process, Xena says: “Make sure to have copies of supporting documents like family income records ready for upload, include your admissions application number, follow the instructions provided, and pay attention to the stated deadlines.”
New semester, new future
Empowered by the support she received, Xena has embraced every opportunity that NUS offers, from connecting deeply with the seniors in her community to excelling in her student life. These experiences have not only shaped her into a more empathetic and driven individual but also strengthened her bond with her grandmother. “I am spending more time with her as she stays alone and we are now closer than ever,” said Xena.
A new semester has begun at NUS. For Xena, she is now on an exchange programme at Peking University! “This has been the furthest I have travelled so far, but I am glad to have the opportunity to broaden my horizons and hone my soft skills in a new environment,” she exclaimed.
And what does Xena’s grandma have to say about her NUS journey? Xena said, “She doesn’t say it out loud, but I think she’s proud of my progress, and I believe my grandfather would agree. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me, and I’m grateful for the support that has made it all possible.”
