Endeavour Scholarship
Recipients in the 2023/24 Academic Year

Singh Manisha Kaur Ocampo
Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in Psychology
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
My name is Manisha, a third-year student majoring in Psychology at The Hong Kong Metropolitan University. I am truly blessed to have been awarded this scholarship. In pursuit of becoming a psychiatrist, I plan to save up the pecuniary reward for postgraduate studies. In addition, I will spend a small portion of the bursary on my favourite pastimes, getting myself some art supplies, musical instruments and running gear as presents for the modest achievement I have attained this time.
At the age of seven, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye disease which causes low/tunnel vision and night blindness. Since then, my vision has been deteriorating. When I was in Secondary Five, I found it difficult to read texts in smaller fonts, like 12 or below. What I could do was to apply different strategies in an attempt to overcome the hurdle.
In everyday class learning, I choose to concentrate on listening to the teachers and write my own notes, rather than aimlessly copying the lecturers’. This saves me the hassle of capturing notes on the screen or whiteboard with my phone or tablet, and more importantly, fosters my comprehension of the teaching content. When it comes to revision, this helps me master the subject matter more effectively. In preparing for presentations, I learn all the content by heart beforehand and deliver the speech without referring to any script, so I can focus on the accuracy and fluency of my delivery. I feel fortunate that I have practised public speaking since Primary One. This helps bolster my confidence and eloquence in presenting my thoughts.
Frankly speaking, the most challenging aspect of my school life is not anything about the tough learning, but my social life on campus. During tests and exams, there are special arrangements to cater for students, like me, with special educational needs (SEN). However, every time when I am allowed to take a test separately or do a tailored question paper, or given extra assessment time, I feel embarrassed and stressed. Moreover, it is not an easy task for me to inform my group project members of my visual impairment without being seen as a weak link. Full of anxiety and self-loathing, I often feel like a burden to others. To relieve my stress, I always cheer myself up by reciting these lines in the Bible, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14-16), and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). These encouraging lines give me strength. My empowered spiritual mind supports me to keep moving forward and reminds me not to give up in my academic endeavours.
To all students with SEN, embrace who you are and cherish what you have. Believe in yourself, give full play to your potential, and most importantly, allow your individuality to stand out and shine. I know it is easier said than done, but please have faith in yourself. You can become the person you desire to be. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Therefore, enjoy your experiences throughout the journey, instead of focusing on what and how much you will get in the end.
Hong Kong people nowadays are more concerned about their mental wellbeing and aware of the importance of having a stable and positive mind. Aspiring to be a psychiatrist, I will pursue postgraduate studies to pave the way for my career. I would like to help the emotionally or mentally challenged, from children to the elderly, by offering them quality mental healthcare and support.
Last Review Date: 05/08/2024