Ruhani Salim and Rae Isaaq
Story of My Life… Life Goes On!
Ruhani Salim:
I was born and raised in a Fireman's Quarters in Tanjong Pagar well known for large ships anchored nearby. The memories that still lingers is when I got to meet Queen Elizabeth when the Royal Ship stopped by one day. Staying together with my late parents who have raised us 5 siblings, being myself the middle child in our simple home, we live in so much happiness and love. Walking to school 30 mins from home every day has never been tiring. My childhood was filled with memories of kampong games, helping mum sell kueh to help in dad's income. Graduating to secondary school was exciting, we got to take the bus to school. The moment of all that I went through was the best and it will always be forever in my heart.
Teenage years were another phase in my life. At 14, we moved to a flat in Ghim Moh Road. After school was filled with activities such as kendarat (helping out in wedding events), dance groups, and the Islamic Choir (Kumpulan Nasyid), and thus I was introduced to activities in community centres.
I love dressing up, having a dressmaker mum has been a bonus. Naturally, since I love to keep up with fashion, I took a dressmaking class. Besides dressmaking, my passion is cooking! It contributed to the idea of gathering my friends and organising cooking classes for them.
After my O Level, I started my working life as a receptionist in a company that produces office machinery despite still actively participating in workshops and programs run by community centre and was still involved in the Mosque activities too. From all these experiences, I met new people, made new friends, and shared some hobbies and interests.
Being a single mother of 2 grown-up kids, it's one of the toughest periods in my life but it's worth the hardship to see them growing up. Besides, I am a proud grandmother to 2 beautiful grandchildren. At the end of the day, it's worth the hard work, effort, motivation, and strong-will to achieve our targeted goal in life. Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE, the word itself says I'M POSSIBLE!
Rae Isaaq:
I was born and raised in Bukit Panjang. Staying together with my grandparents and parents who have raised my sister and I. My childhood was filled with memories of going out with my grandparents to events held at the community clubs and seeing my cousins frequently e.g. someone's birthday.
I went to Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), then Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road). I made a lot of friends in both schools and I am very close to some of them, especially those from my secondary school. I made good memories in both schools but had the best time/memories in secondary school. I took dancing aka 'SYNERGY' as my CCA in primary school and Drama in secondary school. In total, I participated in SYF, a total of 3 times.
I love dancing. I have loved dancing since I was really young, even till now! Besides dancing, I love singing. I never took singing lessons. I just sing for fun during my free time. Not only that, I love drawing. It makes me put my creativity into good use.
After exams, I like to go out with my friends to relax. We like to watch movies or go shopping.
Throughout life, I had many ups and downs. However, I learn many new experiences during good and bad times. Although I may not do good at something, I am good at something else and I try to think on the positive side.
