From 2009 to date, I have been actively involved in volunteering my time or spending my time acquiring additional skills with the Singapore Children’s Society, Family Life Center, and the Singapore Deaf Association.
For the Singapore Children’s Society, I applied and was selected to be trained as a hotline volunteer for the “Twinkle Friend” program. To be qualified as a hotline volunteer, I had to undergo training over 8 sessions. After the initial training and a couple of sessions under direct supervision, I was able to operate independently as a hotline volunteer. I had to listen to the issues brought up by the children calling in, and had to guide and empower these children to improve on their problem solving skills so that they can make good decisions for themselves.
As a volunteer for the Family Life Center, I am assigned as a mentor on specific character building camps for adolescents and teenagers. As a mentor, I help these less privileged students to raise their self esteem and to acquire skills to integrate better with society. I have special fondness for such camps, as I identify myself closely with these less privileged students who may not excel in their studies and due to similar background, I am motivated to use myself as an example to inspire them to challenge themselves to scale greater heights.
I have not started any volunteer tasks with the Singapore Deaf Association as yet, but i have already completed 2 levels of sign language. I will have to pass another 2 more levels before i achieve my goal of an intermediate level. In the future when i am able to spare more time, I will like to help the deaf as their main means of communication is through signing, and there are just too little people with this expertise at the moment.
My experiences volunteering and acquiring signing skills has shed some light into the search for meaning but as a volunteer our impact and contributions can be limited due to the restriction in our time and executive responsibilities. This has further strengthened my resolve to complete my Bachelor Degree in Psychology so that I can be a recognized professional working as a full time employee in an organization that allows me to help the less privileged or any individuals that suffer from mental disorders.
In addition, I am also a frequent blood donor and chalked numerous donations. For this milestone, I was awarded a commendation letter in recognition of donations exceeding 35 times.
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| Certificate of Commendation from Blood Bank |
I have a habit of constantly challenging myself not only in academic terms but also when it comes to various leisure activities that most do not consider. Once of such activities is sky diving which i did while on a trip to Australia in 2009. It created such an adrenaline rush and for once i felt free like a bird.
