I was honoured to co-win the Best Poster Award at the Interdisciplinary Workshop on Multilingualism and Multiculturalism, held on September 5-6 at NTU. This recognition, sponsored by Languages MDPI, was a delightful surprise—I hadn’t anticipated winning, and I owe much of it to my amazing Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) for their invaluable guidance and feedback on an earlier draft of my poster. A special thank you to Prof Ng Bee Chin, Prof Patrick Williams, and Prof Annelies Kusters for their support and contributions to my dissertation research.
Memorable Moments from the Workshop
A heartwarming moment from the workshop was running into Paolo, a hearing friend who knows SgSL, who came to see my poster. It was refreshing to have someone I could sign to while explaining my work. For other attendees, I used my voice to engage in discussions and answer their questions.
A special highlight of the workshop was the dinner treat for all main and poster presenters at Margarita’s at Dempsey Hill on September 5th. The meal was delicious, and it was a relaxing way to wind down after the day’s events, with around 40 of us being chauffeured from NTU in a coach to the restaurant. Over the course of the two-day workshop, and especially during the dinner on the first evening, I had the pleasure of connecting with different people. The conversations we shared were not only meaningful but also enriching, offering me fresh perspectives and sparking new insights.
Support and Gratitude
I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Jonathan Lim, a staff interpreter from The Singapore Association for the Deaf. Not only did he interpret when I needed it, but he also took on the role of photographer at intervals upon my request, capturing some wonderful moments from the poster session. Jonathan continued to provide interpretation for the presentations after the poster session, ensuring accessibility for me throughout the event.
A Timely Award
This award couldn’t have come at a better time. The journey of writing my dissertation has been exhausting, with the January 2025 submission deadline looming and the finish line feeling distant. While time seems to be speeding up, my productivity has slowed down, especially after a difficult week where I’ve been under the weather.
It all started with body aches last weekend after The Birthday Book launch, which soon developed into a sore throat, runny nose, and mild cough. Since submitting the first draft of my second findings chapter to my TAC on Friday, August 30th, I haven’t been able to work on my dissertation. To top it off, I woke up yesterday morning with a full-blown flu and spent most of the day in bed. It’s not how I envisioned starting the weekend, but I’m hoping to feel rested and ready to jump back into writing by Monday.
Renewed Motivation
Despite feeling unwell, clinching the award has given me renewed motivation and a sense of encouragement. It serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward with my dissertation. The support I’ve received has been a true blessing, and I’m eager to get back on track.
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