Raphaella Renanthera Gautama, 20, defied the odds to graduate despite facing significant health challenges. Diagnosed with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, a rare condition causing muscles and tissues to turn into bone, Raphaella navigated her time at Temasek Polytechnic with much grace while coping with the personal loss of her father.  

Raphaella reflected on the challenges of 2020, marked by her year of diagnosis, her father’s passing, and academic stress. Despite the adversities faced, she managed to find support from TP’s special education needs team and her lecturers, who provided encouragement and accommodations to better suit her learning.  

Inspired by her mother’s legal battles over her father’s assets after his passing, Raphaella was inspired and pursued a Diploma in Law and Management. Her remarkable journey was recognised with the Ngee Ann Kongsi Most Outstanding Overcomer Award, acknowledging her academic excellence and perseverance. Raphaella also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of seeking help and maintaining a positive mindset.  

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