Student Advocacy: Finding My Purpose in Service
Aside from leading volunteering projects with St Luke’s Hospital and Bukit Batok Care Home, Juliet, a recent Dulwich College (Singapore) alumna, actively participated in the College’s Community Action Service CCA and supported initiatives such as food drives and community walks. We had the opportunity to speak with Juliet about her volunteering experience.
How did you get started in volunteering, and what drew you to these projects at St Luke’s Hospital and Bukit Batok Care Home?
I have always enjoyed helping others and was always interested in healthcare. When the opportunity came up to volunteer at the hospital and care home, I took it, because it combined both my interest in healthcare with my passion for service.
The conversations and connections I built was beyond what I could have learnt in my day-to-day classes. I remember my first volunteering experience at St Luke’s Hospital. I was nervous at first, but overtime I built a strong rapport with the seniors.
What does a typical session look like?
Before each session, my team and I plan the activities, prepare the materials, rally the student volunteers and sort out the schedule.
Some days with the seniors are more structured, with activities like crafts or board games, while others are slower-paced, where we just spend time talking. They love sharing their stories, and I love hearing them.
What has been the most memorable part of your volunteering experience?
I still remember many of the conversations with the seniors, each one unique and shaped by their personalities and life experiences. One that stayed with me was when a senior shared how important it is to cherish friendships, reminding me that they matter more than grades and achievements. It really made me stop and reflect.
Why do you think community service is important for young people?
Volunteering gives you the exposure to different people and their stories. You get a different perspective to the things that happen around you, and in return, it empowers you to step up and act. That sense of purpose is what drives me to keep volunteering. Community service does not just provide support to those who need it, I have built friendships and meaningful connections that I know will last. Volunteering has really created a positive impact on my life.
How has volunteering influenced your future goals?
I am more certain now that I want to pursue a career in healthcare, philanthropy, or in a field where I can continue supporting others in my community. Volunteering has shaped me to be a more empathetic, thoughtful person, where I continue to be kind, present and considerate towards others.
What would you say to students interested in volunteering but unsure where to begin?
Be brave and take that first step. Volunteering can feel nerve wrecking at first, but it is not something you can fully prepare for, you really learn by doing. Volunteering does not always have to be big and daunting or translate to grand gestures. It can be something as simple as having a conversation, or doing quick check-ins.
This article first appeared in THRIVE magazine volume 9.