Graduation season is upon Singapore, and one fresh university graduate is Jacqueline Woo, who has recently completed her degree with honours in History.
When she was three years old, Jacqueline was diagnosed with Generalised Dystonia, affecting her ability to fully control her muscles or speak at a regular volume for long periods of time. As such, Jacqueline moves around in a wheelchair and has effectively adapted her communication methods: besides offering short verbal responses and hand signals, she uses her phone or laptop to communicate longer messages.
History was a subject Jacqueline was passionate about. She believed that “it enables a better understanding of people, communities and societies.” And this was clearly reflected in her attitudes toward her studies. Her Honours Thesis supervisor, Associate Professor Bruce Lockhart, commended Jacqueline for her diligence and eagerness to learn in class and through her thesis work.
Besides her zest in academic matters, Jacqueline has also taken her drive to excel in extra-curricular activities. In 2013, she helped organise a “Wheelathon” in school, an event dedicated to promote further inclusion between able-bodied students and students with disabilities. Jacqueline was also a guide for other students and visitors with special needs around the campus.
“It’s nice to know that we’re working together to build a more cohesive community.”
Jacqueline had an extremely vibrant life in campus. Enjoying time spent with friends, particularly the late nights around campus, or catching up on her favourite podcast, the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT) Master’s Tea Series were some of the memories she fondly recalls upon. “Whatever the case, it was memorable and I cherish those times,” she shares.
Besides these experiences, Jacqueline also received huge support from the school. Transportation arrangements throughout campus were made, and assignments that required oral assessment and project work were similarly adapted for her.
Since completing her studies, Jacqueline has been on a six-month internship with the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore. Part of her hopes for the future is to create a society that displays “greater awareness, acceptance, respect and inclusion of people with all types of special needs in society.”
“I want to be a useful contributing member of society, revolving my work around the ‘heartware’. I’ve always believed that what involves the heart will be worth doing.”
Her enriching experience in school has been consistently supported by her family, friends, and faculty members. With that, Jacqueline remains optimistic for what the future holds, and similarly encourages everyone who has obstacles on their own to persevere and never lose sight of their goals.
“You may stumble along the way — and it’s perfectly alright to — but the key thing is to pick yourself back up again. You’re a stronger person with every setback you bounce back from. Press on and have a little more faith, always!”