I have always dreamed of being a doctor. But alas, today I know that dreams never come true for me.
I applied to YLLSoM during the application period and was shortlisted for the essay and interview round. I remember studying really hard for the interview and the essay in my bunk day after day.
Soon after I was left with the agonising wait. On the 13th of May, I heard that the admissions results were released. My medical attachment friends and a classmate got in. But as for me, my status remained "processing". My heart sank. I hoped desperately that I had been wait listed.
On the monday of that week, I sat at Jurong Point downcast and dejected. I pondered over my chances and bleary eyed I gave myself a sense of false hope.
Hope left me yesterday the 25th of May. My application status changed to processed. I was rejected.
I still remain adamant that I am deserving of a place in YLLSoM. I built my knowledge around medicine, taking H3 Biology and even winning a Biology essay competition. I joined the students' council and the interact club outof building a compassionated spirit in myself. These things I have done for naught.
And yet I know my classmate never wanted to do medicine, never had this field of accomplishments and yet managed to gain entry into YLLSoM. I am happy for him, but I'm upset by the unfairness of the way the interviewers accessed me.
I know another person who was my ex-classmate several times who got into medicine. He did not even have 3 H2 distinctions. But worst off, he had long been known to be someone who looked down on the weak and "uncool". He was someone I knew would never have compassion for the poor and the downtrodden whom will be the patients he will have to care for in future.
I am not alone though. All the 3 people I knew who went to my interview room did not gain entry into YLLSoM. All of them had portfolios just or more outstanding than mine. My bunk mate had 7 distinctions and track and field achievements. My friend had 8 distinctions but not many non-academic achievements. But I believe that my friend, with his gentle demeanour and superior intellect would have made an excellent doctor.
I have lost faith in YLLSoM's admissions criteria and the ability of local doctors to deliver quality healthcare to us, because doctors that lack the passion and the compassion will never have their patient's interest at heart.
Even if YLLSoM were to accept me tomorrow, I will think twice. Do I want to be in a community that is build on elitism and cronyism? Do I want to work with people whom I know will not share the same values as I? But knowing myself, I would say yes.