I can fondly remember entering the gates of Ngee Ann Poly for the very first time in July last year, to attend a Direct Polytechnic Admissions (DPA) talk as part of Poly Experience 2010.
It was a very interesting experience as it was the first time in my life that I had ever seriously considered taking the poly route. After much deep-thinking, II’m not the JC-material and I want to do what I love. This was why I’ve set sights on NP’s Diploma in Mass Communication. I’ve heard many people sing praises about the School of Film and Media Studies (FMS) in NP and even my teachers supported my choice. So I wanted to find out more and came down with my mom to the talk. It was wonderful as I got a chance to speak with the course lecturers and I brought home valuable tips that aided in my DPA application. With everything in place, I took a brave step, which was to send in my DPA application.
All my prayers were answered when I finally got the phone call I’ve been dreaming for days from FMS. I prepared some of my past works and testimonials from my teachers as part of my portfolio. But I must say, the interview was indeed nerve wrecking :/ but I came to a realisation that I’m making a life-changing decision. Nonetheless, I think I’ve made a right choice when I clicked on the big blue button on the DPA portal that read, “Accept offer”.
As a DPA student, I attended the Ngee Ann Preparatory Programme (NPP). It was a foundation programme specially tailored to give DPA students a headstart in the poly journey. It was truly an amazing experience and made my DPA application one of the best choices I’ve made so far. To kick off, we had a 3D2N orientation camp in the beginning of this year, which focused on team building and breaking of boundaries. We were guided by fellow DPA seniors and they have provided valuable insights into poly life as well.
Having a ball at the 3D2N NPP Orientation Camp! (I'm the one in orange!)
(Photo credit: Lim Guo Hao)
We literally started school in NP the following week, right after we have received our O level results! The 27 of us who enrolled into FMS via DPA took classes together and it was epic.
Building a rollercoaster model for Idea Jumpstart!
We have forged lasting friendships and shared much laughter together. We had such a great time together and we even had a ‘Uniform Day’ on the very last day of our NPP.
Our last day of lessons together T.T
The highlight of the NPP was our 3 day overseas leadership trip to Bintan. Through all the fun and games, we picked up valuable lessons such as leadership styles, team formation and conflict management in our leadership module.
Cheers to DPA! (With orange juice!)
All good things will come to an end eventually :( For us, its the end of our NPP journey. We had a NPP Graduation Ceremony on 6 May 2011 to mark our completion of NPP 2011:
As a result of the NPP, I have earned credit exemptions for the modules I have completed and I’m able to devote more time now to my projects and CCAs. My classmates are envious of all the free time I have now :P
It’s been a year since my DPA application and after 7 months in NP, I’ve almost forgotten how it has all started. It all started with a dream and the courage to take the first step. As I continue my journey in NP, I will remember the wonderful friends I’ve made and the memories we all share in the NPP.
By the way, if you're still unsure about the DPA route and need some advice - come down for course counselling and DPA talks today at Ngee Ann Poly's Convention Centre (11 July: 3.15pm, 4.15pm, 5.15pm) and tomorrow (12 July: 3.15pm, 4.15pm), and hear from our friendly lecturer representatives from the various faculties!
For more info on DPA: http://www.np.edu.sg/ngeeanndpa/documents/dpa_why.html
