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My Taylor’s Scholarship Journey and Tips as a Scholar

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19 Aug 2022

5 Min Read

Cheng Su Anne (Guest Contributor), Ailyn Low (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Eyeing for a particular scholarship award? We’ve got you covered with these lived and experienced tips.

Getting a scholarship from any institution is an exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime reward that a selected few lucky students get the opportunity to acquire in one’s pursuit for higher education. But, competition is tough! While many would like to receive an eye-catching scholarship as a testament for the hard work put in to receive it, many don’t end up getting one. Here’s my story.

My Real Journey Applying for a Taylor’s Scholarship

I first stumbled upon one of the various Taylor’s scholarships back in 2018, after extensive research on scholarships available for my course of interest. Naturally, I took a leap of faith to send in my application form once all the requirements were fulfilled and hoped for the best. 

 

To my wonderment, I received a callback from Taylor’s and began my endeavour to secure one of the best chances I’ve got! The process, upon successful application, consisted of two rounds, beginning with a group interview with the scholarship department and subsequently commencing to the final interview with a panel of interviewees from the representatives of the school as well as partner company representatives.

Anticipating the Results of My Scholarship Application

Some of the most agonising waits include the ones where you’re waiting for a simple ‘yes’ that never seems to arrive. Well, I guess every once in a while lady luck would decide to smile upon me, because I finally received the rewarding confirmation! I remember the joy and disbelief I felt when I received an email on being awarded a scholarship. 

 

Fast forward to the start of my Degree in Pharmacy journey, there was an award ceremony held for the scholarship recipients from various schools graced by honourable guests and industry representatives. Such leaders from the partner companies could very possibly be your future colleagues when you undergo your internship in the respective partner industries too!

 

Now, enough about me. I’m sure you’re interested to apply and would eagerly want to know what it takes to be a scholarship recipient yourself. Honestly, there’s simply too much to cover! However, here are my 3 general tips on how you can better prepare yourself for a potentially enriching adventure ahead!

What You Should Do When Attending a Scholarship Interview

Tip #1: Practice Makes Perfect.

It’s cliche mostly because it’s true. Prior to the interview processes, countless practices and revisions were made on my presentation pitch to prep myself for any daunting questions that might be darted my way.

 

Of course, no amount of practice can ever brace yourself for the real-life scenario but, similar to your practices for exams and competitions out there, some practice is always better than none.

 

It’s crucial to allow yourself to reflect and refine on gaps that you’d never have come across without your mock preparations.

An Indian girl practising and prepping herself for a scholarship interview in front of a camera

Tip #2: Live Up to Your Dreams.

Dreams are just dreams until you actually start chasing them, but you’ll also end up getting yourself lost if you completely stop dreaming as well. 

 

Don’t limit yourself to what you believe you can or cannot achieve. If you’ve low confidence in a particular field or skill, a good place to start is always now rather than never. 

 

To inspire yourself to take on a new venture or a fearful path, know this: even the grandest masters very often start as a beginner. And just because you’ve succeeded at something, doesn’t mean you just stop there. Being rewarded the title of a scholar, I vowed to never take this blessing for granted by upholding my status and proactively enhance my interpersonal skills while challenging myself to achieve personal and professional milestones whenever possible.

A confident and smiling Asian girl conducting a meeting with her colleague

Tip #3: Try, Then Try Again.

Let’s be real, life is a trial and error process.

 

We often hear about how successful people persevered through countless failures prior to their grand success. Take Thomas Edison’s lightbulb anecdote as a prime example. Personally, I’ve made it a point to make as many mistakes as I can as a student. Owing to the pattern of failures behind every success story, it almost seems as if no achievement is made without enduring failure as a prerequisite.

 

Being a student is the best time for you to truly discover yourself and your purpose during this temporary life span. Learn what works and what doesn’t, in as many aspects as you possibly can.

A silhouette of a guy breaking his chain holding him back with a view of a sunset.

“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” – Thomas A. Edison

 

So, final words from a Taylor’s scholar? I often go by the saying “If you never try, you never know” in most circumstances of my personal development in life. Don’t be afraid to shoot for the moon because even if you miss, you might just as well land amongst the bright trailblazing stars along the same horizon. 

 

Life will humble you in many ways but here’s a final cliche reminder that I’d like to gently note upon any reader in need of this: Don’t give up on what truly matters to you.

Cheng Su Anne is pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Taylor's University as a 2018 Taylor’s Scholar in partnership with Johnson & Johnson. She is also a Graduate Ambassador for #KisahSiswa: Digital Volunteering Programme and the Project Director of the 5th National Pharmacy Research Competition 2022 hosted by Taylor’s University Students’ Society (TuPSS). She’s also active in Malaysian Pharmacy Students’ Association, and the Malaysian Pharmacists Society – Young Pharmacists Chapter throughout her university life.
Think you’ve got what it takes to score a scholarship? Find out about the different scholarships available at Taylor’s here.
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