Let the weak say I am strong. I was once riddled in pain, bound by the shackles of my own body. My own muscles fought against me. Strength I had not, only pain. As if my prayers were answered, my chiropractor Dr Timothy restored my strength through his treatment, my aunty, as a physiotherapist, taught me exercises to keep getting stronger. I have learnt that the weak can be strong. Now, I aspire to let the weak and hopeless find their new resolve.
I hear their cries and moans. I listen to them, hoping to be a refuge for their agony. Helping my mother in her dialysis centre at the National Kidney Foundation of Singapore (NKF), I discovered the void behind their affliction, pleading to be lifted, momentary I was helpless. Now having graduated from junior college, and finally able to pick an university major that I want to pursue. I will do whatever it takes to be strong and capable, learning as much as I can to excel in my physiotherapy profession.
As a former member of the 11th Student Council, having served Dunearn Secondary School, I ploughed through the nights staying back in school till the late hours of the evening, continuing to endure sleepless nights to complete my homework only to repeat the same arduous routine for a new event. Looking back at the endurance I had, I pride myself in planning for events such as Prom Night and Secondary 1 Orientation Camp. I have seen the once strong and abled men and women, now taking baby steps and falling, because life’s misfortune had hit them suddenly. Would I abandon their exercise routine simply because it is time for me to clock out of work? Not until my patient has taken his first step to signify more to come, that life for him can return, as he had lived it, or even better.
Progressing to Junior College, I was part of the Class Leader Committee (CLC). During the O level open house admission, I not only led the parents and O Level graduates to see their respective subject heads, I went out of my way to give some curious parents a tour of the school as they wanted to see the facilities. It was exhausting to fulfill the wishes of these parents, then attend to those that just arrived at the school. However, it was my duty as a CLC member to completely satisfy the needs of these parents and graduates before making a crucial decision in their lives. I centred my attention on these students and parents, even though it is more troublesome and tiring because their decisions for their future in life is of surmount importance compared to my convenience. The wellbeing of my patients comes first compared to my time and energy, even if I have to break my usual routine to fit theirs to see them heal completely. My eyes must see them rise up from their mishaps, rise up to strength again.
Having lived through the rigorous education system of Singapore, I have endured tough school days and dreaded nights rushing to complete my assignments. In addition, I had to attend tuition classes to ensure my grades were the best it can get. Despite the entirety of more than ten years trudging through the pain of studying, my efforts were not entirely rewarded. I had to persist through the reality that the results of my national exams were sub par to the agony I bore with the days and nights ascertaining academic excellence. Now with newfound determination and strength, I am willing to face this torment all over again. This time, not only for myself. This time, for my future patients.
As an aspiring physiotherapist, my greatest wish is to see my future patients leave my office finding new strength in their lives. I will spend as much time needed to see my patients through, expecting them to restart their lives renewed. Having received help to regain my weakness, I shall now be able to transfer the strength to those who may have been deprived or may have thought the end of their lives. Let the weak say I am strong.
Jason's World 