didn’t win the first time, but i finally did now 🏆

hello lemon!

sharing a personal story of myself - something very raw. i’m someone who always wants to strive for the best, so when given a chance, i genuinely will try my best. if you know me also, i’ve faced many failures… taking the long route… some say i’m a late bloomer, which use to trigger me, but i’ve learnt to embrace it.

in 2022 - i was still figuring myself out, and i had really big BIG dreams. so when i went into the interview segment, i did share some BIG dreams but they weren’t exactly aligned with myself. i went into it telling them answers i hoped they wanted to hear. i was very naive and i believed that this version of “me” would be what they wanted.

fast forward - i failed to receive the award that year. super heartbreaking, because i felt that i had worked so hard, especially on my studies. continuing on from ite to polytechnic, i decided ok i’m just gonna experience poly life and just have fun.

i ended up doing so many events under my cca, and i believe i’ve been on ecda/niec’s socials quite often. i knew this time would be a second chance to obtain it. just nice, my advisors also knew how dedicated i was.

when i submitted my answers this time round, it truly felt like a reflection of me. every word, every sentence came from my heart. i was more realistic in my answering - and even though it didn’t seem like ‘big’ dreams, they were my big dreams. big dreams to mentor other people who were lost like me once.

and ta-da! they finally gave me the recognition i feel that i’ve been waiting ❤️

i guess what i’m saying is to always keep trying, and put yourself forward, because nothing beats being your genuine and authentic self.

2025/11/1 Edited to

I recently learned so much about the ECDA Skills Framework through my experience, which emphasizes continuous learning and professional development in the early childhood sector. Understanding the framework helped me align my goals more realistically and authentically during my award application. The process of applying for the ECDA Training Award at Ngee Ann Polytechnic was both humbling and enlightening. It’s not just about winning recognition but about reflecting deeply on your journey, your values, and how you want to contribute to the sector. I found that being authentic and sharing my true aspirations, even if they seemed smaller or different from what I initially thought others wanted to hear, resonated more with the judges. I also gained insight into the significance of mentoring within our community. My motivation to support others who felt lost mirrored the spirit of the ECDA award's focus on impact beyond academics. It reminded me that real success is about guiding others and making meaningful contributions. For anyone aiming to apply or just interested in the early childhood sector, my advice is to understand the ECDA standards and awards genuinely. Taking the time to reflect on your experiences honestly and aligning them with the sector’s values can make a real difference. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks; perseverance and authenticity are key. Keep building your strengths, engaging with your community, and being true to yourself – recognition will come when you least expect it.