A Family Anchor
Dylan grew up in a family of five, often finding himself taking on leadership roles at home. “In the absence of my parents when they travelled, I would take on the leadership and homemaking roles of my parents to ensure that my family stays on track with our day-to-day lives,” he shares. These early responsibilities instilled in him a sense of accountability and nurtured his natural inclination to lead and care for others.
Friendships during his teenage years were not always steady, but instead of being discouraged by the ups and downs, Dylan learned to channel empathy into his relationships. “While their departure left me regretful for being unable to do more, it motivated me to stay focused and to put in more effort to keep those around me loved and protected even better,” he reflects.
These formative experiences shaped him into a sensitive, empathetic person, which are qualities that now anchor his aspirations in psychology.
Leadership in Uniform
Perhaps the most defining chapter of Dylan’s leadership journey came during National Service (NS), where he served as a Platoon Sergeant.
“There were concerns I had to identify and work out solutions for in order to allow each and everyone under my command and care to have meaningful and memorable experiences during NS which could bring about positive impacts to their lives at the end of their NS.”
His leadership approach was rooted in empathy and patience. He listened, adapted, and guided his recruits through their struggles. This role was not just about military discipline but about helping people adjust to life itself.
“These challenges and experiences have constantly pushed me to improve myself and my way of leadership so that I am able to reach out to those in need and to hopefully influence or help them adjust to adopt a healthy mentality in not just NS but also in life in general.”
This experience planted the seed for his choice to pursue psychology. “My experiences working with soldiers who have psychological conditions also motivated me to pick up Psychology as my field of study in order to learn and be trained on knowledge and skills to help these people,” he adds.
Pursuing Psychology at SIM
At SIM, Dylan found new ways to refine his leadership in an academic setting. He served as a Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) leader for two semesters, facilitating study and discussion groups in biopsychology. The role required him to shift from the directive, task-focused leadership he had developed in National Service to a more collaborative, facilitative approach in the classroom. He designed sessions that encouraged participation, used interactive tools, and tailored activities to different learning needs, moving from leading soldiers to empowering peers. For Dylan, it was less about changing his style than about gaining adaptive ways to lead based on circumstances.
Today, Dylan is a full-time BA Psychology student at SIM-University at Buffalo, with plans to pursue a Master’s degree. He envisions becoming a professional psychologist while also exploring teaching as a way to nurture the next generation.
Reflecting on his journey, he describes his SIM experience as “comfortable and holistic,” highlighting not just the academic knowledge he has gained but also the opportunities for personal growth. He hopes to give back to the community through peer tutoring and mentoring, extending the same kind of support that has shaped his development.
A Milestone of Growth
“Being awarded the SIM Award was a proud and humbling moment. To me, it represents validation of my growth, resilience, and leadership journey. It is proof that the qualities I have cultivated – empathy, leadership, perseverance are not just personal traits but also strengths that can make an impact in the wider community.” The SIM Award is part of the SIM Impact Fund, which supports accessibility in education through financial aid, lifelong learning, and experiential opportunities.
“I seek to obtain the knowledge and skills required to be a professional psychologist and am also looking to take up education as well. These will allow me to branch out my influence and be able to reach to and help out more people, and also to contribute towards nurturing the next generation.”
Dylan hopes to continue giving back to society and creating positive impact. “Be curious and take ownership of your learning. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You will be surprised how much you grow when you step outside your comfort zone. Even if something isn’t the perfect fit, at least you’ve tried and can explore what comes next.”
SIM has been more than an academic institution, it has been a bridge connecting personal growth with professional aspirations for Dylan. His story illustrates that leadership is not solely about authority, but about empathy, resilience, and the willingness to grow.
About the SIM Award
The SIM Award is granted to outstanding local and international students who have achieved academic excellence and demonstrated leadership qualities both in and outside the classroom. The award provides S$15,000 to current undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance or notable achievements in sports and the arts.