Aaron’s Journey: Facing Life’s Twists with Strength and Spirit

Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Digital Development and Information, presenting the Education Award to Aaron Tan

“My dream? If I was being honest, my dream would just be for my family, friends and loved ones to be happy and live a blissful life,” shares Aaron Tan. “But if I had to choose something for myself… I’d say that I would want to be a palaeontologist, a scientist who studies the history of life on Earth through the examination of fossils.” 

Currently pursuing a Higher Nitec in Communication Design at ITE College Central, Aaron’s path hasn’t been an easy one. Born with Pfeiffer Syndrome Type II — a rare condition characterised by a cloverleaf skull, midface underdevelopment, and other complex skeletal and neurological challenges — Aaron has had to navigate a world not quite designed for someone like him. 

“I look a little different,” he says candidly. “So it was hard for me to communicate, leading to minor anxiety since I was afraid of being judged.” 

His journey took an even more difficult turn in Primary 5, when he developed epilepsy. “I had to control my stress levels but with school, it’s a little hard.” On top of that, Aaron experienced two major leg fractures — once in Primary 6, and again in Secondary 2 — both of which affected his mobility and learning, especially during the extended recovery periods when lessons moved online. 

But even through these setbacks, Aaron kept going. 

His introduction to Club Rainbow (Singapore) came through KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and he joined Club Rainbow in 2018. Since then, Club Rainbow has become an anchor of support — providing tuition for subjects he found challenging and inviting him to express his creativity through art-related activities like painting and drawing, something Aaron deeply enjoys. 

One of his proudest moments? Passing his PSLE — a milestone that came in a year filled with frequent epilepsy episodes and missed classes. Recently, Aaron was also honoured with the Special Commendation Award at Club Rainbow’s Education Awards Presentation Ceremony on 28 June. “I didn’t really have high hopes that I’ll pass my PSLE... And when I found out I was awarded the Special Commendation Award, I was actually confused and stunned... I didn’t expect to get it.” 

Despite everything he’s gone through, Aaron’s spirit remains grounded — and quietly inspiring. When asked if he had any words for others facing similar challenges, he shares a piece of wisdom he often tells his friends: 

“Life is tough and the path that we’re on is never a straight line, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dreams and life. When facing challenges, there are two things that you can do – either face it head on or stay where you are and do nothing. If you face challenges head on, there will be results and though the results may not be what you want, it’s a sign of improvement and growth but if you just do nothing, there’ll (not be any) progress, and life will just slowly fade away. Life is short and you’ll never know what may happen so sometimes, it’s better to just go for it and make use of the time you have.” 

And Aaron is doing just that — one bold, creative step at a time. 

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