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Hi, this is Mark, final year student from Bachelor in Counselling, Singapore University of Social Sciences [SUSS]. I am honored to have been offered a 19-week internship placement with 365 Cancer Prevention Society [365CPS] as a Counselling intern. My previous working experience as a Pharmacy Technician in the Community retail setting had inspired my quest towards helping patients through a more integrated and holistic approach, rather than through mere pharmacological means. This quest had served as a contributory factor to my application for internship with 365CPS, and my internship journey has indeed been an enriching experience for me.

Having known about the dreadful side-effects that accompany cancer treatment, the cancer-fighting journey is readily acknowledged to be an arduous one. It was through my Counselling work with cancer patients that had opened me up to fresh perspectives – Individuals are often tougher and more resilient than most would perceive them to be; and those that have undergone great trials and tribulations emerge even stronger and positive. I have also been taught the beauty of hope by my clients – where hope provides meaning for perseverance to fight on through tough battles. These first-hand witnessing of client’s resiliency and growth have inspired my growth and development, both as a person and as a Counsellor-to-be.

My mentors from the Counselling department have been committed to my learning and growth. They have been affirming towards me when I experienced self-doubt and anxiety in the initial phase of Counselling work. They have also empowered me through emphasis on my areas of strengths, and exhibited warmth and nurturance as I worked around my areas of weaknesses.

Despite my short stint with 365CPS, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learnt from my mentors and clients, as well as the experiences of real-life working scenarios in the role of a Counsellor. I would also like to thank colleagues from other departments that have extended great warmth and support towards me. Thank you 365CPS for the wonderful and memorable internship experience!