As a means to contribute back to the school community, I volunteered to be a tutor at Saints Tutorly 2024 to teach my fellow JC1 juniors General Paper. Having not undergone this experience before, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone to try new opportunities and learn to teach others. This chance was vital as it not allowed me to strengthen my knowledge on the subject, I was also able to forge closer bonds with my juniors, cultivating the SAJC spirit as One Family Unbroken. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to spread my love and joy for the subject and if given the chance again, I would not hesitate to take up this opportunity once more. 

 On the 21st of April 2024, I had the privilege to helm a volunteering event alongside my fellow peers from Saint Advocate, which aimed at working together with foreign domestic workers by providing them with a platform to interact with youths. Hosted at our very own St. Andrews Junior College, we conducted a series of diverse activites, including learning Korean-Pop (KPOP) dances and engaging in bracelet making. Even though the session was only a few hours, it enabled me to gain a greater understanding of the persepectives of foreign domestic workers living in Singapore, with one even being a TikTok influencer. In particular, one of the most significant interactions I had was when one of the attendees graciously offered me a taste of their homemade Indonesian sauce, known as Gado Gado. Since it was a new experience, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity that Saints Advocate has blessed me with, and in the future, I aim to host similar sessions with our friends again. 

On February 9th, I took part in a volunteering initiative at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, where I assisted in transporting elderly individuals to St. Andrew's Junior College to partake in a morning of vibrant Chinese New Year festivities. Despite assuming the role of Service Director, I remained actively engaged with the elderly throughout the entirety of the three-hour program, seizing every available opportunity to communicate with them. This experience underscored the significance of cherishing moments with our loved ones, particularly during celebratory occasions. I am grateful for the opportunity to have enriched my festive season through meaningful engagement with the residents of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWSH). Should the opportunity present itself anew, I would readily embrace the chance to extend assistance once more, endeavoring to bring joy and brightness into the lives of others.

On the 11th of November, 2023, I participated in a Home Refresh program held in Toa Payoh. Our responsibilities included the examination of residences to identify any defective leakages, along with engaging in conversations with the elderly to gain insights into their daily routines. One particularly impactful interaction I had during my visit to the residence of a paralyzed woman who faced challenges in accessing the entrance of her home. Despite her circumstances, she remained bright and cheerful, and politely declined any of the additional help that was offered by the staff of CBM on duty. This interaction, though small, allowed me to realise the importance of cherishing our own lives, and appreciate the blessings that have been bestowed upon us to allow us to become who we are today. If within your means, interacting with these elderly who has dificulties can prove to be a small gesture that can transcend big impacts to their  lives. 

On August 8, 2023, I took part in a class service learning project with SparkleTots, a place, a childcare learning centre near our St. Andrews Junior College campus. 

Since it was my first time volunteering with children, I did not know what to expect. Of course, the intial interaction did not present itself as an easy task, since I struggled to communicate and interact with the children there, I soon learnt an important value -- the value of patience, especially when it comes to interacting with kids. 

In summary, this service learning opportunity proved to be both enlightening and transformative. It compelled me to step outside of my comfort zone, facilitated personal development, and evoked a deep appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to the education and well-being of children. I eagerly anticipate the prospect of engaging in similar enriching experiences in the future, each contributing to my holistic growth and perspective.

In March 2023, our team, comprised of four individuals, participated in Sparkseed III organised by the National University of Singapore Students' Community Service Club. As active participants, we formulated comprehensive proposals aimed at engaging the elderly residents of QueensTown under the auspices of our designated organiser, FaithActs. Preceding the event, we devoted several months to deliberating upon various activities, ultimately settling on a micro green cultivation initiative, allowing the elderly to cultivate their own green plants for subsequent consumption. Despite our team's efforts, we did not win in the competition. Nevertheless, the experience afforded me invaluable lessons, notably the importance of receptivity to feedback and the necessity of maintaining an open-minded approach.

Embarking on an international venture, my involvement in the co-curricular activity (CCA) took an exceptional turn as we extended our services beyond Singapore to Bintan. Venturing into uncharted territory, even for recreational purposes, rendered the experience especially exhilarating, and my sense of anticipation was palpable. Following weeks of meticulous preparation, undertaken even amidst the demands of our J1 Common Test in May, our journey to Bintan commenced.

The service proved to be a profound learning experience, offering a multitude of insights. Among the most prominent lessons learnt was the imperative of thoroughly acquainting oneself with the beneficiaries prior to embarking on the service. Frequently, our preconceived notions guide our efforts, leading to a service that aligns more with our perception of their needs rather than their actual requirements. This realisation oversees the importance of transcending self-interest and striving for a genuine comprehension of the beneficiaries' circumstances.

Over the course of three transformative days, my engagement with the individuals at Towdah Orphanage facilitated profound personal growth. The connections forged during this period were indelible and serve as a testament to the power of authentic interaction. This experience catalyzed an enhanced sense of gratitude for my own circumstances, while also reinforcing the idea that, whenever feasible, an in-depth understanding of beneficiaries should precede any form of service.

In summation, this venture underscored the value of empathy, cultural awareness, and selfless dedication when engaging in service activities, reaffirming my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Being afforded the privilege to contribute my services at the nearby hospital is an esteemed opportunity for which I am profoundly grateful. Engaging with the elderly demographic has presented a plethora of formidable challenges, surpassing even those encountered during my service at Lions Befrienders. Furthermore, the necessity for heightened precautionary measures has been paramount, given their constrained mobility.

Nevertheless, these encounters have proven to be immensely enlightening, endowing me with invaluable insights. The most important one was the significance of linguistic proficiency, particularly in one's native tongue. Moreover, a pivotal lesson learned is the imperative to prioritise an intimate understanding of the beneficiaries' needs before embarking on the service, thus ensuring a tailored and effective provision of assistance.

Commencing in 2023, my initiation into the realm of volunteer service transpired through my regular bi-weekly engagements with Lions Befrienders. Within this capacity, my altruistic endeavours have been directed towards the betterment of the elderly populace residing in the Boon Keng. This endeavour has profoundly highlighted the significance of extending compassion to our those closest to us, with the realisation that even modest gestures such as companionship possess the capacity to significantly brighten their daily lives. The cherished instances dedicated to these service activities have indelibly etched themselves into my consciousness, fostering an unwavering commitment to continue this meaningful pursuit in the forthcoming years.