the forked path.
The end of examinations marks the start of a busy week - preparations for scholarship applications and UK university admissions.
Which is another way of saying I finally have to confront my future in the face and let myself know what I truly desire.
Having a university education in Scotland is probably one of my longest-standing dreams. I love Scotland, and old universities with castle-like facades (think St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Edinburgh). Most of all the subtle yet vital differences in their degree structure - which is probably one of the most flexible ones as it allows an undergrad to study up to two more subjects apart from one's intended degree of study. From my perspective it is almost a heaven-sent - I see myself taking up a Biology-related subject and philosophy with hardly any fuss. (And probably a psychology module or two if I can afford the time.).
In Singapore there is also a similar phenomenon - though it comes in the form of a major/minor, double major or double degree (in ascending amount of workload and therefore exhaustion, but a double degree shows the most saliently one's hard work at the end of it all; herein lies the element of proportional sacrifice).
I am currently sitting on the fence between Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience - the latter being a more specialised version of the former. It leaves me rather insecure if I were to seek specialisation at such an early stage (when I may be still far too young and immature to decide for myself what is best, when I have hardly dipped a foot into societal waters, with its abundance and also piranhas and all). Unlike the UK, Singapore's NUS (which is the only other option I am considering, given its more massive reputation as compared to our...other establishments) Biomedical Sciences programme is the sole degree and specialisation (neuroscience inclusive) only occurs in the third or fourth year of study.
Not forgetting forensic science modules to steer me in that direction. (Equal parts work and pleasure.)
Scholarships are a perennial mixed blessing - on one hand the plethora of available funding leaves one's head spinning, on the other they come inclusive of bonds, and for one with a partially-mapped out career path, the prospect of being bound (albeit partially willingly) to a company and nursing an occupation which may have nothing to do with one's aspirations is horrifying and dampening. The medical-related professions offering scholarships are VERY, very few. As much as I would like to be confined to a forensics laboratory or carrying out tests and examinations in the mortuary, there exist only two institutions (namely the police force and the elusive health sciences authority) which provide for such avenues. And regardless of how many of the others I have signed up under the (vehement) urgings of my parents who I am sure desire only the best for my future, I cannot help feeling I would end up dissatisfied and disenchanted, possessing only nothing but indifference and false declarations of commitment and passion.
Which is another way of saying I finally have to confront my future in the face and let myself know what I truly desire.
Having a university education in Scotland is probably one of my longest-standing dreams. I love Scotland, and old universities with castle-like facades (think St. Andrews, Aberdeen, Edinburgh). Most of all the subtle yet vital differences in their degree structure - which is probably one of the most flexible ones as it allows an undergrad to study up to two more subjects apart from one's intended degree of study. From my perspective it is almost a heaven-sent - I see myself taking up a Biology-related subject and philosophy with hardly any fuss. (And probably a psychology module or two if I can afford the time.).
In Singapore there is also a similar phenomenon - though it comes in the form of a major/minor, double major or double degree (in ascending amount of workload and therefore exhaustion, but a double degree shows the most saliently one's hard work at the end of it all; herein lies the element of proportional sacrifice).
I am currently sitting on the fence between Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience - the latter being a more specialised version of the former. It leaves me rather insecure if I were to seek specialisation at such an early stage (when I may be still far too young and immature to decide for myself what is best, when I have hardly dipped a foot into societal waters, with its abundance and also piranhas and all). Unlike the UK, Singapore's NUS (which is the only other option I am considering, given its more massive reputation as compared to our...other establishments) Biomedical Sciences programme is the sole degree and specialisation (neuroscience inclusive) only occurs in the third or fourth year of study.
Not forgetting forensic science modules to steer me in that direction. (Equal parts work and pleasure.)
Scholarships are a perennial mixed blessing - on one hand the plethora of available funding leaves one's head spinning, on the other they come inclusive of bonds, and for one with a partially-mapped out career path, the prospect of being bound (albeit partially willingly) to a company and nursing an occupation which may have nothing to do with one's aspirations is horrifying and dampening. The medical-related professions offering scholarships are VERY, very few. As much as I would like to be confined to a forensics laboratory or carrying out tests and examinations in the mortuary, there exist only two institutions (namely the police force and the elusive health sciences authority) which provide for such avenues. And regardless of how many of the others I have signed up under the (vehement) urgings of my parents who I am sure desire only the best for my future, I cannot help feeling I would end up dissatisfied and disenchanted, possessing only nothing but indifference and false declarations of commitment and passion.