To be awarded both the President's Scholarship and the SAF Scholarship is truly a remarkable feat, and I applaud Miss Natasha Ann Lum Mei Seem for her achievement ("Late bloomer is school's 1st President's Scholar"; last Wednesday).

She is a great role model for students who are sitting on the fence when it comes to pursuing their passions and goals in life.

She chose to join the Singapore Armed Forces - a decision considered the road less travelled for many Singaporean women.

This is significant for the future of Singapore in terms of the role women can play in the military.

That officer cadet Lum rose from "a middling student" to attain such distinguished awards clearly reflects how people can succeed if they believe in themselves and strive to be the best they can be.

Her decision to join the SAF will also spur more young people to contribute and give back to the country in their own ways.

She will continue to inspire students across Singapore to step out of their comfort zones and discover what they can achieve.

Han Xin Yi (Miss)