Transforming Lives Through Education: The Journey of Diana Lim, 2024 Valedictorian of the Specialist Diploma in Educational Therapy

Good morning distinguished guests, faculty members, colleagues and fellow graduates.

I am deeply honoured to be standing here today to represent the incredible group of educators who have journeyed with me through this specialist diploma in Educational Therapy. This moment is not just a celebration of our academic achievements but also a reflection of the passion and commitment that brought us all together.

For many of us, this journey began with a deep-seated passion for making a difference in the lives of students with special needs. My own journey started when I was teaching English to pre-schoolers and primary school students as my first job. One of my students was a sweet and shy little girl who was attentive in class and ready to learn. I soon noticed that she had difficulty during spelling and that her letters were often flipped. When I pointed out that the letters were flipped, I could see her starting to get visibly frustrated. It became apparent that this was not the first time that she had heard that. She immediately grabbed her eraser and started erasing the paper vigorously, determined to get rid of any evidence that she had made a mistake. I could see that she was trying her best but I felt helpless, not knowing how to help her. I did some research online and came across articles mentioning that flipped letters could be a sign of dyslexia. I then chanced upon videos by the Dyslexia Association of Singapore which explained what dyslexia was and how the Orton-Gillingham method was helpful for children with dyslexia. I was curious about the program and wanted to learn more about how I could support my students better. The distinct challenges of my students called for more than just empathy—they required specialized strategies, tools, and understanding. It was this realisation that motivated me to apply to be trained as an Educational Therapist and pursue the program, seeking opportunities to deepen my knowledge and equip myself with appropriate skills to support these unique learners.

The Specialist Diploma in Educational Therapy program has indeed equipped us with valuable knowledge and the necessary skills and tools we need to become effective educators. We have also explored various theories, strategies, and practices that can transform our classrooms into inclusive spaces where all students, regardless of their abilities, can thrive. Throughout this program, we have also experienced moments of challenge and triumph. Looking back, I wonder how we managed to survive intensive full-day lectures, assignments and teaching but we definitely could not have done it without the support and encouragement from our mentors, colleagues, family and friends. With that, I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my parents who are here in the audience today for being my pillar of support and encouraging me to pursue my passion. It also happens to be my dad’s birthday today, making this moment even more special.

Today marks the completion of our specialist diploma but our journey as educators has only just begun. As we continue our work with our learners and families, let us also continue to remind ourselves that apart from continuing our efforts to push for inclusive practices and advocate for our students, it is important that we ALSO empower them to advocate for themselves and other struggling learners too. Our students have the brightest minds and kindest hearts, showing resilience in the face of adversity and overcoming challenges with grace. Each and every one of them has the potential to achieve great heights and become future leaders. Their journey does not have to stop when they leave or graduate from the literacy remediation program at the DAS. Together, ALL of us can make a difference.

Thank you, and once again congratulations to each and every one of us on reaching this amazing milestone.