Talented student making great impression at La Trobe (Issue 1, 2013)
Yong Ern Lim started her Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics at La Trobe University in 2010 after being offered a scholarship from a hospital in Singapore. She was always interested in working in the health sector so it was an easy decision for her to make the move.
Yong Ern spent her first year in Australia living on-campus at La Trobe’s Glenn College. She made many friends during this time and believes it is a great help for new international students to settle in to the environment.
‘I’m currently living at Barnes Way with three other friends who I met at Glenn. I guess friends are the closest people you have here, just like my second family,’ says Yong Ern.
Yong Ern found life in Australia pretty different to Singapore, so it took her a while to adjust, but the deep friendships she has forged here will be treasured long after she graduates. Some of these friendships were found through her volunteering. As well as studying, Yong Ern dedicates her time to help members of the community and has even achieved a Silver La Trobe Award – a prestigious Award that will be printed on her graduating certificate.
As well as volunteering Yong Ern has been a part of many extra-curricular activities designed to help her fellow international students feel at ease coming to Australia. She was part of the Exco Singapore Students’ Society and was Secretary of La Trobe Singapore Students’ Society (SingSoc) who run events to help other Singaporean students feel welcome.
‘We try to make our fellow Singaporeans feel at home as much as possible. Being the secretary of SingSoc and being part of a really great team is probably my most memorable experience in La Trobe.’
Yong Ern has also been lucky enough to travel around different parts of Australia with friends.
‘Travelling around Australia with friends I’ve become very close to are all great memories. During my stay here, I have been to the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Cairns, and to places in Victoria like the Grampians, the Great Ocean Road and Philip Island.’
Yong Ern is a dedicated and talented student, this was demonstrated by her making the Dean’s Honours List in 2011.
‘I enjoy my classes as I have really nice lecturers and friends. The lecturers are really approachable and friendly and they are always eager to help you out when you’re in doubt. I study with my friends and go for practical sessions together.
‘In my third year, I had field trips to Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Australia. It was really interesting and I learnt a lot about low vision rehabilitation, as well as what the organisations do and the services they provide. We also had a week of clinical placements at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear hospital, which was our first time at an actual clinical setting to prepare us for our clinical blocks in fourth year,’ says Yong Ern.
Yong Ern believes that clinical placements have enhanced her study here.
‘I like going to clinics for placement as I find it very exciting that we actually get to put in use what we learn in class. Seeing our own patients also gives me a sense of responsibility and commitment to study harder and making sure I can help them to the best of my ability.’
She also believes studying at La Trobe University has made her a more independent and social person. She had to step out of her comfort zone and be more outspoken to make friends and get know more people and the different culture.
Her plans for the future are looking bright.
‘I will be working in a hospital in Singapore as an Orthoptist. If I have the opportunity, I would like to travel to developing countries to help the less fortunate with the skills I have, e.g. to do eye screenings.’
