Servant Leadership

Participating in the YMCA - Youth For Causes 2024 and collaborating with the Singapore Cancer Society on the Cancer4Dummies project was a deeply rewarding experience. The initiative, which I spearheaded, aimed to raise cancer awareness through a multifaceted approach involving both a scavenger hunt and an interactive website.

Organizing the scavenger hunt was particularly fulfilling. It was designed to educate participants about various cancers, their symptoms, and prevention methods through engaging stations and informational activities. This not only increased awareness but also generated funds for cancer research and support programs. The experience taught me valuable lessons in logistics management, volunteer coordination, and ensuring an engaging and educational experience for participants.

Creating the interactive website was another significant component of the project. It featured comprehensive information on different cancers, supplemented by educational infographics that enhanced user engagement. Developing this resource helped me appreciate the importance of clear, accessible information in raising awareness and supporting cancer education.

Overall, this project allowed me to blend my passion for community service with my interest in healthcare. It reinforced my commitment to using innovative approaches to address public health issues and highlighted the impact that well-organized initiatives can have on both awareness and fundraising efforts.

Participating in Chrysalis 2024 was an enriching experience that allowed me to share my passion for volunteering and community service with others. Setting up a booth to teach students how to plan and start their own volunteer opportunities was a fulfilling aspect of the event. I focused on providing practical advice and strategies for initiating projects, including how to identify community needs, organize resources, and recruit and manage volunteers.

In addition to the practical guidance, I also emphasized the skills needed for successfully launching and sustaining initiatives. These included leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities—skills that I have developed through my own experiences in volunteering and organizing events.

Sharing my reflections from volunteering with a kindergarten class was another highlight of the event. It was meaningful to discuss the impact of my interactions with young children and how those experiences shaped my understanding of community engagement and service.

Overall, Chrysalis 2024 offered a platform to inspire and empower others to embark on their own volunteer journeys. It was gratifying to contribute to fostering a spirit of giving back and to see students motivated to make a difference in their communities.

My journey as a facilitator, refining leadership skills while fostering growth personal growth as a servant leader

From April to June 2023, I had the privilege of serving as a Facilitator for ChrySAlis 2023, SAJC's highly anticipated Student Leadership Summit. Working together with my group, we invested countless hours in meticulous preparation and planning, aiming to create a fruitful experience for student leaders from our school and affiliated secondary schools. What set ChrySAlis apart from any other events was its unique approach of a Leadership Summit organised 'By Student Leaders, For Student Leaders'. This philosophy drove the EXCOs to curate a comprehensive programme consisting of team-building activities, leadership conversations, and workshops, all carefully curated to equip participants with practical skills to lead and nurture others. As facilitators, we brought their plan to life and played a crucial role in executing the 3-day summit alongside us.

Undoubtedly, the journey leading up to the summit was mentally taxing. As facilitators, we had to test out and help the EXCOs refine their plan to ensure a productive learning experience for participants. However, looking back at the 4 months we spent as the EXCO team, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and fulfilment. Witnessing the culmination of our efforts during the summit, I realised the immense impact we had on the growth and development of our fellow student leaders.

During the summit, which took place from 30th May to 1st June 2023, I was genuinely heartened to witness both facilitators and participants fully immersed in the experience, and embracing their leadership roles. Despite the challenges posed by safety restrictions and the inherent obstacles within the games, I was inspired by the determination and resilience displayed by the participants. Many of them took the lead and organised their teams, successfully navigating through each challenge. What truly distinguished ChrySAlis from other events I had previously led was its unwavering focus on building servant leaders. Every activity had a clear and specific objective geared toward achieving this aim. Team-building games, for instance, served as powerful tools to teach the importance of distinguishing between planning and execution, instilling vital organisational skills, and teamwork. Equally significant was the inclusion of team reflections at the end of each activity, which proved to be my personal favourite. These moments compelled participants to voice their thoughts and engage in self-reflection, an essential avenue for personal growth. Moreover, us facilitators will then have the opportunity to validate and affirm participants' emotions and sentiments, fostering a supportive and empowering environment.

In conclusion, my involvement in ChrySAlis 2023 as facilitator was a remarkable leadership journey. It allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact we can have on the development of others when we work together with passion and dedication. The summit not only cultivated servant leaders among the participants but also fostered personal growth and enrichment within myself, my facilitator teammates, and groupmates. The memories created, the lessons learnt, and the bonds formed will definitely leave an indelible mark on my leadership journey, fueling my desire to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Being a member of Saints For Christ has been a deeply rewarding experience, both spiritually and personally. Through planning and organizing events such as Principal Meet Christians and Easter Week, I have honed my skills in teamwork, planning, and effective communication. These events required a great deal of collaboration, patience, and coordination, all of which have contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Working with others to bring these events to fruition taught me the importance of being cooperative and adaptable, as well as the value of careful planning and organization. These skills are not only vital for event management but also for any collaborative effort in life.

Moreover, my involvement with Saints For Christ has been instrumental in deepening my faith and strengthening my relationship with God. The support and kindness of my fellow members have created a nurturing environment where I have been able to grow spiritually and personally. The friendships I have formed within the CCA have been a source of encouragement and have enriched my experience in meaningful ways.

Overall, my time with Saints For Christ has been a journey of faith, learning, and connection. It has equipped me with valuable skills and has reinforced my commitment to serving others and growing in my faith.