Hanifar Bin Said and Francine Tan
Hanifar Bin Said:
Volunteering increases self-confidence. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity, which helps you stay physically healthy. The benefit of community is that you’d want to join to learn from one another:
Connections
Inspiration
Resources
Support
Life constantly teaches me new things and every day is a new day for me. I believe that I have worked hard over the years, striving to succeed and overcoming challenges that come along the way. The important lesson that I have cultivated over my lifetime is to serve others without expecting anything in return.
I was actively involved in community work for the past 25 years and have organised and participated in minor and major community events that bring changes to society and a smile to the public. Over time, I have learnt and understood the true value of bonding, especially with the ones around me and people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
I believe that my purpose in life is to serve others with dedication and commitments, that I was truly recognised for my invaluable contribution to the community.
I can say with full conviction that I am close to a lot of people in their hearts and always am the one to lend a helping hand. That is what keeps me going younger and younger every day. This is my legacy I would like to live behind but will not be forgotten.
Francine Tan:
When I was young, my parents were busy with work so I was taken care of by my paternal and maternal grandparents. My grandparents are kind and caring people who looked out for everybody, from their loved ones to friends and people who need help. They are my role model and I aspire to be like them. With so many things that are constantly happening around us and the world, everybody deserved kindness! Like people always say, “A little goes a long way”.
I really enjoy baking in my free time. This hobby was introduced by someone dear to me, my grandmother, “Ah Ma”. Ah Ma took care of me since I was a baby! I remember as a child, I often saw Ah Ma bake delicious cakes like banana cake and marble butter cake. As I grew older, I would help Ah Ma by bringing the ingredients to her while she uses the electronic mixer to beat the batter. Even till today, baking is still a bonding activity that Ah Ma and I enjoy. We love trying new and different recipes. Ah Ma would then distribute the cakes to my uncle and aunt so that they can also enjoy with their family. I really enjoy spending time with Ah Ma as grandparents have so many stories and experiences to share.
The proudest moment in my life was when I did well for my N Levels and entered the Polytechnic Foundation Programme. When I was in primary school, I did not do as well as I expected for PSLE and went to the normal academic stream. As a 12-year-old, I was extremely discouraged for a period of time. As I embarked on my secondary school journey, I started putting in more effort into my work. I started seeing improvements and managed to score well for N Levels. This will be a constant reminder to myself not to give up when things aren’t the way you want it to be. Things will get better, slowly but surely.
In July 2021, my grandmother was in close contact with a COVID-19 case and was issued a quarantine order. I was afraid of letting her quarantine alone as she has medical conditions which require someone to take care of her. I volunteered to go to the quarantine facility until her quarantine order was over. We spent a total of 4 days at the facility and I managed to spend some quality time with her in the midst of my busy academic semester. Life at quarantine was mundane and we were glad that we had each other’s company! Following her to the facility made me feel that I was finally able to reciprocate the love and care she showered me with since I was a baby by taking care of her.
I remember visiting the National Museum of Singapore in 2018. I visited the Singapore History exhibit and read about the history of Singapore since 1800s. Singapore has come a long way from a fishing village to a city that is home to many people. Our forefathers fought a war so that we could have what we have currently, and in the future. We should not take it for granted and we should treasure what we have so that future generations can enjoy as well.
