Scholarships can transform lives, offering students like 23-year-old Chong Jun Xiang the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Currently studying abroad in Scotland, Jun Xiang is pursuing a degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics (P&O) with the goal of improving the lives of amputees like his father.
As parents, you often wonder what path your child will take, who will inspire them, and how their journey will unfold. Chong found his inspiration in his own home.
Jun Xiang’s father, an above-the-knee (AK) amputee, lost his leg when Jun Xiang was just seven years old. Watching his father’s struggle with mobility became the catalyst for his career choice. Now a final-year P&O student at the University of Strathclyde, supported by the Healthcare Merit Award scholarship, Jun Xiang is driven by a deep desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who, like his father, face daily challenges as amputees.
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A Personal Journey Fueled by Family
Every parent knows how life-changing family experiences can be for their children. Jun Xiang’s father’s journey as an amputee wasn’t just a personal challenge but a powerful influence on his son’s future.
After a road traffic accident caused his father to lose his leg, Jun Xiang became keenly aware of the physical and emotional hardships that amputees face. Growing up, he observed his father’s struggles with different prosthetic devices, which fueled his determination to enter a field where he could offer real solutions.
Source: Mothership/Jun Xiang
Jun Xiang’s decision to study Prosthetics & Orthotics is a direct response to these experiences. His goal is clear: to improve the quality of life for amputees, starting with his father and extending to others who face similar obstacles. For Jun Xiang, family isn’t just a source of support — it’s the foundation of his career and the motivation behind his dedication.
The Road Less Traveled: Pursuing Prosthetics & Orthotics Abroad
Opting to study Prosthetics & Orthotics abroad is not a common path for many Singaporeans, but the Healthcare Merit Award scholarship opened doors for Jun Xiang to follow his passion. As parents, you might wonder how your child would adjust to studying so far from home, but for Jun Xiang, it has been a journey of growth and opportunity.
Source: Mothership/Jun Xiang
Living in Scotland, far from the familiarity of Singapore, has not been without its challenges. The time difference alone makes staying in touch with family difficult, but Jun Xiang has learned to manage his responsibilities with resilience. Studying abroad has also offered him invaluable hands-on experience through clinical placements with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Working directly with patients has given him insight into the physical and emotional journeys of amputees, reaffirming his commitment to the field.
Giving Back: How a Scholarship Paved the Way for Jun Xiang to Help Amputees in Singapore
As parents, it’s always heartwarming to see your child take what they’ve learned and use it to help others. Jun Xiang’s dedication to improving the lives of amputees goes beyond his studies.
He has already started exploring advanced prosthetic solutions, like osseointegration, which fuses a titanium rod with the bone to eliminate many of the discomforts traditional prosthetics cause.
While he looks forward to applying these cutting-edge techniques to help his father, his broader goal is to bring these advancements to Singapore, where above-the-knee amputations are less common and specialized prosthetics harder to come by.
Source: Mothership/Jun Xiang
After graduating, Jun Xiang will serve his scholarship bond at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore, where he plans to use his skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact on the amputee community. His journey is not just about academic achievement but about giving back to a community that includes his own father.
The Challenges of Independence While on a Scholarship Abroad
For many parents, the thought of their child living abroad can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Jun Xiang’s experience in Scotland has been one of personal growth as he navigates life independently. From learning to cook his own meals to managing finances and adapting to a new cultural environment, Jun Xiang has embraced the challenges of living on his own.
The independence gained from studying abroad has prepared him to take on the challenges of his future healthcare career. While living far from family hasn’t been easy, Jun Xiang knows that these experiences are shaping him into the professional he aims to become.
What the Future Holds
After graduation, Jun Xiang is eager to return to Singapore and begin his work in the field of Prosthetics & Orthotics. His passion for helping amputees stems from a deep personal connection, and he is driven to create prosthetics that can improve lives. Though he knows there is much more to learn, Jun Xiang feels ready to face the challenges ahead.
For parents, hearing stories like Jun Xiang’s serves as a reminder of the incredible potential that lies within each child’s unique journey. With the right support and opportunities, children like Jun Xiang can grow into individuals who not only succeed but also give back in meaningful ways.
What Can You Do to Support Your Child’s Dreams?
Jun Xiang’s journey is a testament to the importance of following one’s passion, no matter how unconventional the path might seem. As parents, your role in nurturing and supporting your child’s dreams is critical. Scholarships like the Healthcare Merit Award offer young individuals the chance to pursue careers that make a real difference. By encouraging your child to explore their passions and providing them with the resources to succeed, you can help them achieve incredible things.
As Jun Xiang’s story shows, following a personal mission can lead to incredible rewards — both for your child and for those whose lives they will touch.
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