In no more than 500 words, tell us why you would like to be a member of the College community.

Your essay should describe what you envisage a residential college to be, and emphasise connections to your aspirations, achievements, character and sense of self. Universally, most people believe that university education is merely a means to an end: securing a good career. While it is essentially so, the four year period is also a chapter of intellectual growth and personal development. It is therefore critical that colleges are able to help students progress holistically. I believe NUS Residential College possesses such quality. Students in the residential college are privileged to opportunities to engage in public discourse. The college provides an avenue for students from multi disciplines to exchange ideas, challenge each others views and develop critical thinking skill. Being an inquisitive person, the college would provide an ideal community where open minds alike may flourish. Hallways buzzing with discussions, colorful cultural diversities, a lively community where life does not revolve merely around the classrooms, I would love to be a part of that community. As vague as the future might be, I have always known my ultimate career aspiration: to land a stimulating job that builds on my university skills and knowledge. In reaching my dream, I believe I would need an education system that equips me with the necessary hard and soft skills and also, a strong network. Residing in residential college would allow me to forge stronger bonds with my peers as we would have more opportunities to interact and get to know each other better by working side by side. Building a strong network is paramount to survive in the working world. After all, we must agree that people with connections have better chance to thrive in the community. Not only so, I am also a firm believer of friendships that last a lifetime. What better way to form camaraderie than by working and living alongside your friends ? I believe the UTCP would provide plenty of opportunities for me to showcase and polish my leadership skill. Soft skills such as communication, leadership and critical thinking are what employers are looking for nowadays. Having worked and being a part of school events before, I can safely say it is critical to have soft skills to make it out there. Yes, good grades are important but soft skills, now that is how you can be distinguished.

Truthfully speaking, I am a determined individual and also a rather ambitious one. I see the residential college as a way to make most of my four year period in the university. Given the chance, I would like to benefit as much as possible from NUS. It would be a privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of the NUS residential college family.