As an integral part of SUSS's learning ecology to inspire students to act on their sense of social responsibility, all full-time students were required to engage in 2 years of Service Learning (SL).

Upon exploring the various options of SL groups available through the school's SL recruitment fair, I decided to join the following 2 SL groups to which their core beliefs resonates well with my personal values and beliefs. Also, due to prior SL experience back in my secondary school days at CHIJ St. Theresa Convent - where i embarked on several house visits to elderly homes to interact with, tidy the homes and create a small, yet positive and memorable experience for the elderly in their golden years, I too got a glimpse into their daily lives and poor living conditions. And... they were a shocking and heartbreaking sight. Most were living alone for reasons where they didn't want to burden their children, while some, were abandoned by them. I pondered with frustration 'How could their children be this unfilial and heartless to leave their parents all alone? They are the ones who took care and brought us up.' Already frail and old, they too weren't able to work nor do much cooking. Hence, their main source of food consumption were unhealthy processed foods (eg. canned food). Some were even expired food. One elderly I encountered lived with 3-5 inches layer of dust laying all around the floor, with a collection of more than 50 years worth of life belongings strewn all over the place as he had difficulty moving about and hence, was unable to clean his rented home. Others, plagued with illnesses or disabilities, go by their days waiting for their time to part. Moreover, we were informed that there were elderly who passed on in their homes unbeknown to others until someone passes by and smells something odd. And there were cases where those found in such state (a little too late), were already decaying.

Without a doubt, they were a saddening sight. However, I still had a great time helping wherever I can and I'm beyond thankful for the opportunity. The experience had left a lasting impact on me till this day, as it has not only expanded my worldview, taught me the importance and value of such initiatives, but also, sparked an innate sense in me to constantly make a positive difference in the lives of others as well as to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Hence, it was only natural for me to be particularly drawn to extend a helping hand towards 2 groups of vulnerable target beneficiaries - the young and the elderly.