Mckayla Esther Tanoko shares an introspective view of her journey as an overseas Singapore Sustainability Scholar with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Currently pursuing a Master of Environment Technology at Imperial College London, she shares how living and studying overseas have equipped her with invaluable life skills to succeed in her future career at SFA.
Gaining New Life Skills and Perspectives
The SFA scholarship has been life-changing. It gave me access to an education and experiences I could not have had otherwise. Living and studying in London opened my mind to new perspectives and allowed me to explore neighbouring countries, further broadening my worldview.
The thought of living abroad alone was daunting initially. I had never travelled solo, let alone lived independently in a foreign country. Adapting to this new lifestyle meant taking on responsibilities I had previously taken for granted. Over time, I came to appreciate the independence and maturity this brought. Living abroad has made me more grateful for the small things, from a home-cooked meal to finding a good deal on groceries. Each experience taught me valuable life skills like budgeting, self-care, and accountability.
Additionally, the opportunity to intern with SFA before my university studies provided invaluable hands-on experience, I am deeply grateful for the support and opportunities this scholarship has provided.
Learning Through Every Experience
During my secondary and junior college years, I was encouraged by my mother to pursue a sport, which for me was badminton. While sports offer a range of benefits, the biggest takeaway for me was learning to be resilient. Badminton taught me to keep pushing forward even when I felt physically exhausted. This resilience translated into my academic journey. I learned to embrace setbacks and view failure as a stepping stone to success. I realised that failure is a natural and essential part of growth, and there is nothing to be ashamed of when things do not go as planned.
Beyond sports, my leadership roles on various boards also strengthened my ability to manage multiple responsibilities, balance competing expectations, and work effectively with others. These experiences have shaped who I am today and given me a solid foundation for future challenges.
I believe these qualities will serve me well in my career at SFA. In five years, I see myself contributing actively, sharing insights, and learning continuously from my colleagues. I hope to be well-versed in Singapore’s food security landscape and sustainability efforts, understanding these issues beyond what is taught in classrooms.
Words of Advice for Aspiring Scholars
I like to remind myself that it is okay if people disagree with my actions, as long as I act with integrity and respect. Doing the right thing may not always please everyone and learning to accept that is an important part of personal growth. Developing these habits has helped me face challenges with a healthier mindset, understanding that setbacks and differences of opinion are simply part of the journey. Embracing this mindset makes me more resilient and adaptable both as a scholar and in my career moving forward.
Hence, I believe every scholar should be resilient, open-minded, and humble. Resilience helps you stay strong and bounce back from challenges, open-mindedness allows you to adapt to new ideas and cultures, and humility keeps you grounded and ready to learn from others.
For those considering pursuing a scholarship, my advice is to go for it with an open heart and a curious mind. Be bold, eager, and open to new experiences. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek help when required. A scholarship is a humbling experience as it reminds you that, given the right opportunities, anyone can make a meaningful impact. So, if the chance is there, embrace it fully—you will not regret it!
MCKAYLA ESTHER TANOKO
Singapore Sustainability Scholarship (SFA)
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (2nd Upper Class Honours), Imperial College London
Now: Pursuing Master of Environment Technology, Imperial College London