Undergraduate /
Extra-curricular activity of being a listener and petition writer - inspirational life experience [9]
In this essay, please reflect on something you would like us to know about you that we might not learn from the rest of your application, or on something about which you would like to say more. You may write about anything-from personal experiences or interests to intellectual pursuits. (Please answer in 500 words or less).One of my extracurricular activities is volunteering in the Meet-The-People sessions in Nee Soon South Group Representation Constituency, where I serve as a grassroots activist. These weekly sessions serve as an avenue of support for residents in need.
I was motivated to volunteer my service as my family was a beneficiary from the session. We were advised by a relative to attend a session in late 2011 when our family's economic condition worsened. During the session, we were attended by a middle-aged female petition writer, Sally Tan, who was very courteous and treated us with much respect that dispelled my parents' concerns of the discrimination associated with people asking for financial aid. She listened to me describe our extenuating circumstances with genuine interest and care, and further helped us explore the sources of financial aid available and proceeded to make applications for us. Touched by how kind she was, I immediately affirmed that I must reciprocate her graciousness by helping other vulnerable residents in need.
I followed in Sally's footsteps and volunteered my service. As petition writers, we first counsel residents on their problems, then write to relevant governmental authorities who are able to provide the solution. For instance, if a resident has trouble paying his utility bills, we write to the utility company to arrange an installment plan for him. While attending to residents, I always bring to mind the session attended by our family, so I can remember how I want the residents to feel at the end of the session: supported and understood. I listen to their problems without being judgmental and condescending, with Sally being my role model.
Once, I attended to an elderly woman who sought assistance interpreting a letter in English about her pension. It was a simple job of translating English into Hokkien (a Chinese dialect) on my part, but she thanked me profusely as she clutched my hand tightly, showing me appreciation that was more than what my effort deserved. She even invited me to her house for dinner the next day. I felt I could do more, and since serendipitously she lived near me (does this work?), I decided I would visit her every week to help translate her letters. I found out that she lived alone, as her husband has passed away, and her children have not visited her for a very long time. Through talking with her, I was shocked by how she transcended suffering and circumstance to still live a fulfilled life. She possesses (or possessed?) incredible emotional strength and became my source of inspiration and go-to mentor in life. Encountering residents in more unfortunate life circumstances has humbled me and helped put into perspective my own problems. I am inspired to keep in contact with some of them after the "official" hours of the volunteer sessions because I could further help them and also learn from them at the same time.
The residents may thank me after the session, but I am more grateful to bear witness and be inspired by their strengths and characters.
