npTribune | Strands of Hope

The Student Voice of Ngee Ann Polytechnic

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Strands of Hope

By Gillian Shen ⋅ October 4, 2011 ⋅

While others may see going bald as a sign of sickness or loss of youth, one girl does it
to support cancer patients and to embark on a route of self-discovery. By Gillian Shen

There was a queue at the ladies’ in Makan Place and she was waiting in line to change into her NP Ambassadors T-shirt. “This is a girls’ toilet right,” remarked a middle-aged woman standing in the queue.

While this may sound like a harmless question, it probably was not the case for Clarissa Sih, a second-year Mass Communication (MCM) student. Being bald as a girl meant that instances like these were to become part of the course. “I got stares everywhere. That point in time, I started feeling self-conscious when I went to the toilet. There was a lot of staring going on.”

After learning about the Hair For Hope (HfH) event two years ago, Clarissa made a choice to shave her head bald to support the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF).

What sparked the idea of participating in HfH was Clarissa’s family’s long history of cancer. “My grandfather died of cancer and a few relatives were also victims of the sickness. I want to put myself in their shoes to know what it’s like.”

Naturally, Clarissa’s passion inspired others to follow in her footsteps. “When I heard that Clarissa was organising Hair For Hope, I told her that I would help her. I’m very proud of her for doing this because not many people would have the courage and drive,” says Nur Izdihar Zainudin, a second-year MCM student.

Even though her efforts may not be seen by any cancer-sufferers, that does not make it any less worth fighting for. As Clarissa says, “Shaving is symbolic and although it won’t benefit them directly, it shows them support and tells them they aren’t alone. They’ll know that it’s okay to not have hair.”