Briefly, could you both introduce yourselves and your time at King’s up to now?
Rajni: I'm Rajni, a first year MSc Mental Health Nursing student. I've had a great time with my fellow student nurses and it's been lovely learning and working with people who are passionate about the same matter and bring all their diverse experiences to the table at King's.
Rajesh: I am Rajesh, a nursing scholar from Singapore currently pursuing the BSc Nursing Studies (Hons) programme here at King’s. Pursuing my undergraduate nursing degree at one of the most reputable institutions in the world has been the biggest privilege of my life. From forging friendships with students from across the world to networking with luminaries, my King's experience has been nothing short of humbling and enriching, and I'd not trade this for anything else!
What drove you to become Student Reps for your courses?
Rajni: I have always been passionate about advocating for those who have something important to say, ensuring our student experience is top priority to the Faculty and even empowering those who are less confident in voicing their opinions and concerns.
Rajesh: Speaking up for the wellbeing of my peers enables me to play my part in optimising their King's experience. As a Student Rep, I also knew that I would be able to hone my soft skills, while meeting like-minded peers who represent their respective courses.
What do you like the most about being a student rep?
Rajni: Being able to support my peers with any issues or concerns – it's just another way I can do a good deed and make someone’s life a little easier.
Rajesh: Witnessing the actions taken by the Faculty to address the issues that we raise on behalf of our peers. It is always heartening to know that our voices are heard by the Faculty.
What is your favourite thing about your studies?
Rajni: The fact that I am working towards what I'm passionate about with an achievable end goal in sight. I spent many years between my undergraduate degree and Mster’s figuring out what my future would look like and now I am so glad I am on the path that I feel is best for me!
Rajesh: My programme is structured in a manner that gives me ample time to explore life beyond my academics, be it travelling or engaging in my hobbies (I love cooking)! As an international student, this means that I'm able to maximise my time here away from my home in Singapore, which I truly embrace.
International Nurses’ Day was set up on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. What relevance do you think the day still has today?
Rajni: Florence Nightingale underpins the holistic values of nursing which can be easy to forget in current times when the challenges of nursing and working in healthcare are becoming more prominent. Celebrating nurses on her birthday reminds us of the courage and compassion it takes to be a nurse and the value we bring to society!
Rajesh: In spite of our differences in race, religion, colour and backgrounds, International Nurses' Day celebrates us nurses globally as one unit, driven by purpose and devoted to our service. This day also reminds us of the trailblazing efforts of our pioneers in nursing who inspire us to live up to the merits of this profession.
What are your hopes for the future?
Rajni: I cannot wait to graduate and start my career as a mental health nurse and hopefully take a step into leadership to truly maximise the ways I can make change and impact in our field.
Rajesh: Having cherished the value of nursing research in impacting patient care through my time at King’s, I am inspired to make research more conceivable and viable for fellow nurses back in Singapore. In the short term, I hope to leverage social media to share my knowledge in nursing research with others. However, my long-term goal would be to publish my own scholarly work, though I'm still figuring out my specific area of interest in nursing research.
Quick fire questions...
What’s the career you dreamed of having as a kid?
Rajni: I actually wanted to be a children’s TV presenter. It always looked so fun!
Rajesh: Growing up, I always envisioned myself as a teacher! In fact, when I was young, I used to pretend to teach an imaginary group of students after school.
What’s your hidden talent?
Rajni: I can solve the Rubik’s cube in two minutes!
Rajesh: Lately, I've been trying to master adding spices to the dishes that I cook (mostly Indian food) without using measuring spoons. It's just liberating to go reckless with the use of spices in my cooking, and my food tastes pretty good!
Favourite film?
Rajni: My inner child says Kung Fu Panda.
Rajesh: Ratatouille! The idea of anyone being capable of reaching great heights in life resonated with me as an aspiring, young chap who grew up feeling scared to dream big in life.