Embracing the Journey: Alicia Feng’s Path from Struggles to Success as Valedictorian of the Specialist Diploma in Learning Support for Specific Learning Differences (SpLD)

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and faculty members, and my fellow graduates. Thank you DAS Academy for the great honour, to be here celebrating our common success as SPLD graduates. In truth, I am in awe of you, as I am neither an educator, expert or a DAS parent. I am just a mother of 3 children, with very different temperaments and learning abilities. 

When Dr Priscillia Shen wrote to me about speaking here, to be honest, I almost declined, because of my public speaking anxiety. However much I wanted to run away, I thought I should use this as a learning opportunity, to show my kids that Mama didn’t chicken out, so you can’t say no when you have to do something hard.   

My short journey started during the Covid in 2021. I was struggling with my youngest. He was 6, very energetic and very passionate about superheroes… but he couldn’t read. I was getting anxious. Primary 1 was looming. I tried everything… desperate Shopee buys, charts, magnets, games, reward stickers, but nothing stuck. Then I started researching Dyslexia and the OG method. I finished a Coursera course and wanted to learn more, or what my husband would say, “See lah! You are going down the rabbit hole again.” 

Then, being made redundant in my previous role, I had time to ponder my next move. I attended the SpLd Preview on Zoom, and was very impressed by DAS in its nationwide contribution to helping Dyslexia and other learning disabilities. I was convinced and hooked. 

Besides benefitting immensely from the breadth and depth of the curriculum, the virtual modules allowed me the flexibility to attend classes entirely from the comfort of my personal computer, in my pyjamas. These Zoom lessons were no less rigorous, with very applicable teaching techniques. We were kept up-to-date with the latest online resources, discussed in breakout groups, and did most things just like a physical class. Behind the scenes, I appreciated the technical lengths the staff would go to, to ensure our online classes went off without a hitch.     

And with the flexibility to break between modules, I was able to juggle my work and personal life. Hence, 2 PSLEs, 1 P1 orientation, countless kids events, chronic insomnia, a health scare, and 3 years later, here I am. 

I would like to first thank my long-suffering husband, who helped me dabao dinner, send the kids around and shush them during my night classes, while grumbling under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.

I must also thank the very patient Rebecca, the 2 Mdm Siti’s, Priscillia and all the other trainers, who taught with clarity and professionalism. No question was too simple or left unanswered. They spoke with joy and compassion of their own past teaching experiences. 

My best and most demanding teachers, though, are my kids, who motivate me to push myself, to change my mindset and to be better for them. My youngest, forever my guinea pig, tolerated my bumbling ways during my practicum, allowing me the chance to become a less inept teacher. With the lessons I have learnt, we made baby steps together; we broke down words phonetically and slowly broke down the walls of fear and anxiety. 

Finally, I am so fortunate to meet many coursemates from all walks of life, who were much more knowledgeable than me. Those who are teachers, tutors and other parents, who shared their own struggles with their children. In that short span of a course, we supported one another and built camaraderie. I wish I could have met them in person rather than virtually, but I am glad we crossed paths. 

So today, we walk away together with our heads held slightly higher than before, ready to take on the world, whether in the classroom or at home. I have faith that what we have learnt will aid us in helping children with varied learning abilities, so they can confidently build new paths of their own. Their journeys will be different, but their rewards will be hard-earned and glorious.  

Thank you!