Beating Cancer and
Other Life’s Challenges

Since Siti was a teenager, she knew she wanted to work in a sector that helps others. Her first job was at the Singapore Association for Mental Health, where she has been working for the past 11 years.

“Part of my job involves planning meaningful activities for people with mental illnesses (PMIs). Besides equipping them with skills to reintegrate back to the community, we also encourage them to give back to the community through volunteer work such as packing rations for needy families,” Siti says.

She shares that she wants to continue making a difference in the mental health community, especially after her recent battle with Stage 3 cancer.

“I met a wonderful medical social worker who helped me to navigate my insurance claims. She inspired me to be a social worker as well,” says Siti, who is now pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at SUSS so that she can do more to help PMIs beyond planning activities. 

Her ordeal with cancer has also taught her the importance of taking things easy and not be too stressed. Hence, she chose to reduce her work hours to 30 per week after her cancer treatment. Receiving the award, which helped to cover her following semester’s fees, helped to ease her financial load. Any remaining amount will be saved up for other school expenses. 

“Health comes first before everything! I am very thankful for my parents, husband and sisters who have been my cheerleaders from day one, reminding me to just focus on getting better,” she says. 

With the gruelling episode behind her, she is confident that she can overcome other life’s challenges.

“I often remind myself that if I can beat cancer, I can also beat any forms of stress or difficulties!”