Halt!

You’ve heard about “Our Song” and here you have “Our Book”!

We are absolutely honoured to present our very 1st compilations of

extraordinary stories to our fresh YV souls – “Our Book: 1nspi-Vatte”

[Ǻn.spaǺ'väəteǺ]!

Volunteering has brought many of us, YV Old Birds, through a

long way and provided much encouragement and enrichment to our

lives. Many a times we find ourselves so engrossed in volunteering that

our lives start to revolve around it; the next activity is volunteer camp,

the next outing is with volunteer friends… It has turned into a serious

addiction, which can be worse that how our parents are addicted to

caffeine in their daily dose of coffee. These led us to picture how Our

Book should be like: in this no. “1” volume, of 1nspi-vatte, we hope to

share with you how inspirational and heartwarming this volunteering

journey has been for us and invite you join us in this caffeine-like

addiction.

While you read on, some stories may be new and interesting;

some may be what you have read before. Nonetheless, they are bits

and pieces that form up the message we want to share with you. Even

the tiniest detail you find in this book means a thing. If you fond of

playing detective, you will fancy the thrill of cracking the secret message

in this book. It may be just 3 simple words but it means a lot and even

the reason of Our Book’s existence. (:

Enjoy!

Our Book Editing Team e

Generic cover

The 3 hours of inconvenience

Last Saturday, my husband and I went on a train ride

to San Francisco. When we got on the train, I

was appalled to see a lady already comfortably

sitting on my seat. In response to that, my

husband gestured me to take his place beside this

lady, but did not ask the lady to shift elsewhere. Upon taking a

closer look, I understood why he did so – the lady had some

disability in her right leg.

Throughout this long three-hour journey, my

husband had to bear standing on the train, but he

did not give any hints to the lady to vacate his

seat at all. My heart ached for him, but I remained

silent.

Upon alighting, I asked my husband, “Giving up

your seat is an act of kindness, but that was a

three-hour journey! You could have told her to return you your seat

at some point of the journey, couldn’t you? After all, we paid for it!”

“This lady had her inconvenience for her entire lifetime, in contrast,

we only had to bear with this little inconvenience for barely three

hours,” my husband replied in a soothing tone.

I was touched.

6 “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean

are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” -Mohandas Ghandi

Translated from http://www.slideshare.net/kh7883/three-short-touching-stories-505392

Life Struggles

A man found a cocoon of an

emperor moth. He took it home so

that he could watch the moth

emerge from the cocoon. On the

day a small opening appeared, he

sat and watched the moth in the

cocoon for several hours as the

moth struggled to force its body

through that little hole.

The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared

to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten

as far as it could and could go no farther. The man, in an act

of kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of

scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen

and small, its wings wrinkled and shrivelled. The man

continued to watch the moth because he

expected that, at any moment, the wings

would enlarge and expand to be able to

support the body, which would contract in

time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest

of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and

shrivelled wings. It never was able to fly.

The man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand

that the struggle for the moth to get through the tiny

opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the

moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon

achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight

would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of

a struggle, he deprived the moth of flight.

Sometimes struggles are exactly

what we need in our lives. If we were to

go through our lives without any

obstacles, we would be crippled. We

would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give

every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and

don't forget the power in the struggle.

8 "People are amazing, when you allow them to be." -Peter A. Hunter

http://www.bestinspirationalquotes4u.com/blog/48/why-life-struggles-are-so-important/

Beyond Love

My mom only had one eye. I hated her – she was such an

embarrassment.

She cooked for teachers and students in my school to support the

family. There was this one day during elementary school when

she came to say hello to me. How could she do this to me? I was

embarrassed. I ignored her, threw her a hateful look, and ran out.

The next day at school, one of my classmates said, “EEE, your

mom has only ONE eye!” I badly wanted to bury myself, and

wanted even more for my mom to just disappear. So one day, I

confronted her: “If you’re only gonna make me a laughing stock,

why don’t you just die?!”

My mom did not respond.

I did not even stop to think for a second because I was full of

anger. I was oblivious to her feelings. I wanted to

leave that place, so that I did not have to face her

in my life ever again. So I studied real hard, and

got a chance to go to Singapore to study.

Then I got married, bought a house of my own, and

had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my

kids and the comforts. Until one day, my mother came to visit me.

She hadn’t seen me for years and that was her first time seeing

her grandchildren. When she stood by the door, my children

laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited.

I screamed at her, “How dare you come to my house and scare my

children? GET OUT OF HERE NOW!”

And to this, my mother quietly answered, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I

may have gotten the wrong address…” And she disappeared out

of sight.

One day, I received a letter regarding a school reunion at my

house in Singapore. After the reunion, I went back to the old

shack where I used to live, just out of curiosity.

My neighbours said my mother had died. I did not shed a single

tear. They handed me a letter from her.

“My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I’m so sorry I “My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I’m so sorry I “My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I’m so sorry I “My dearest son, I think of you all the time. I’m so sorry I

camecamecamecame to Singapore and scared your children. I was so glad to Singapore and scared your children. I was so glad to Singapore and scared your children. I was so glad to Singapore and scared your children. I was so glad

when I heard you were coming back for your school reunion. when I heard you were coming back for your school reunion. when I heard you were coming back for your school reunion. when I heard you were coming back for your school reunion.

But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m

sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you

were growing up. were growing up. were growing up. were growing up.

You seYou seYou seYou see… when you were young you got into a car accident e… when you were young you got into a car accident e… when you were young you got into a car accident e… when you were young you got into a car accident

and lost an eye… As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you and lost an eye… As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you and lost an eye… As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you and lost an eye… As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you

grow up with only one eye. grow up with only one eye. grow up with only one eye. grow up with only one eye.

So I gave you mine.So I gave you mine.So I gave you mine.So I gave you mine.

All thisAll thisAll thisAll this while I have been proud of my son who saw a whole new while I have been proud of my son who saw a whole new while I have been proud of my son who saw a whole new while I have been proud of my son who saw a whole new

world for me, in my place, with thworld for me, in my place, with thworld for me, in my place, with thworld for me, in my place, with that eye. at eye. at eye. at eye.

With my love to you,With my love to you,With my love to you,With my love to you,

Your Mother.”Your Mother.”Your Mother.”Your Mother.”

10 “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” -Mother Teresa

http://www.slideshare.net/uniqme/a-touching-story-1004672

Giving BloodGiving BloodGiving BloodGiving Blood By Kevin Rayner

A little boy was told by his doctor that he could save his

sister's life by giving her some blood. The six-year-old

girl was near death, suffering from a disease which

the boy had made a marvellous recovery two years

earlier. Her only chance for recovering was a blood

transfusion from someone who had previously

conquered the illness. Since the two children had the same rare blood

type, the boy was the ideal donor.

"Johnny, would you like to give your blood for Mary?" the doctor asked.

The boy hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble. Then he smiled, and

said, "Sure, Doc. I'll give my blood to my sister." Soon the two children

were wheeled into the operating room – Mary, pale and thin; Johnny,

robust and in the pink of health. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met,

Johnny grinned.

As his blood siphoned into Mary's veins, one could almost see new life

come into her tired body. The ordeal was almost over when Johnny's

brave little voice broke the silence, "Say Doc, when do I die?"

It was only then that the doctor realized what the moment of hesitation,

the trembling of the lip, had meant earlier. Little Johnny actually thought

that in giving his blood to his sister he was giving up his life!

http://www.theoldtimegospel.org/dev/quote.html

It Will Take A MiracleIt Will Take A MiracleIt Will Take A MiracleIt Will Take A Miracle Tess went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its

hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on the floor

and counted it carefully... three times, even. The total had to be just

right. No chance for a mistake here. Carefully putting the coins back

in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and

made her way to the Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief

sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give

her some attention but he was busy.

"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an

annoyed tone of voice. "I'm talking to my brother

who is visiting from Chicago and whom I haven't

seen in ages," he said.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back

in her soft voice. "He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."

"I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.

"His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside

his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So

how much does a miracle cost?"

"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,"

the pharmacist replied, softening his tone of voice a little.

"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get

the rest. Just tell me how much."

12 "The best leader knows how to make his followers actually feel power themselves, not

merely acknowledge his power." -Mary Parker Follet

The pharmacist's brother had been listening to this conversation.

He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle

does your brother need?"

"I don't know," Tess replied with tears welling up in her eyes. "I just

know he's really, really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation.

But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."

"How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.

"One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered, barely audible. "It's

all the money I have."

"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven

cents is the exact price of a miracle for little brothers."

He took her glass jelly jar in one hand, and in the other, he

grasped her little hand inside the mitten and said, "Take me to

where you live. I want to see your little brother and meet your parents.

Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need."

The man from Chicago was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,

specializing in neurosurgery. The operation was completed without

charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and

recovering well. "That surgery," her mother whispered, "was a real

miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost... one

dollar and eleven cents... plus the faith of a little girl

http://www.bestinspiration.com/stories/What's_the_miracle_cost^.htm

Writers’ cover

Beyond Boundaries Beyond Boundaries Beyond Boundaries Beyond Boundaries

----RonghuiRonghuiRonghuiRonghui

It all started with a simple monthly volunteering experience of

delivering groceries to this aged wheelchair-bound Uncle Tan (not his

real surname). He opened his door suspiciously each time we arrived at

his doorstep. When I entered his one-room rental unit to put down the

groceries, I saw the badly-stained concrete floor and walls. There were

only a few pieces of furniture that were chipped and dirty. My heart

went out to this Uncle Tan and I wished I could do more.

I asked if we could help clean up his house. Uncle Tan

declined. Month after month, as he saw the same familiar face, he

opened up and finally allowed us to help him with the simplest

chores. At one of the visits, we saw his open wound with blood and

pus oozing out. He certainly needed medical attention. He refused to

see a doctor. Admittedly, it would be challenging to bring him to the

clinic too. As such, two friends who were nurses were roped in to help.

They attended to him whilst I had the extended time to scrub his floor

which was stained with human waste and to change his bed-sheets

which were littered with cockroaches’ eggs. The visits became more

regular and intensive due to the medical attention his wound needed.

Similarly, his house needed this ‘intensive attention’. The house was

often dirtied in a span of two to three days.

16 “It is not where you start – it’s where you finish that counts.” -Zig Ziglar

It dawned upon me then that to improve the quality of life of

Uncle Tan was almost, ‘at the mercy’ of me. I could simply

continue in my monthly delivery of groceries and minimum clearing,

or perhaps wait for the Staff from the Agency to initiate something for

him. Yet I know it was a choice within me: to do as required or to do

beyond required. Only the latter, I realized, together with a genuine together with a genuine together with a genuine together with a genuine

heart to love and to give will truly heart to love and to give will truly heart to love and to give will truly heart to love and to give will truly bring a smile on to Uncle Tan’s face, bring a smile on to Uncle Tan’s face, bring a smile on to Uncle Tan’s face, bring a smile on to Uncle Tan’s face,

and to turn his house into a home.and to turn his house into a home.and to turn his house into a home.and to turn his house into a home.

It was no longer about a volunteer versus a beneficiary. It was

about a relationship: a relationship forged by God between two total

strangers in two different socio-cultural

backgrounds. Uncle Tan shared about

with me his life story and his family. As I

wheeled him around for a walk or to

enjoy his favourite ‘kopi’ and roasted

meat rice at the nearby coffeeshop, he was always proud to introduce

me as his ‘granddaughter’. You never fail to see him grin from ear

to ear whenever he said that. What a privilege I had!

Nonetheless, it reaffirmed a fact. It was more than acts of

kindness that he experienced, but a relationship: a relationship hebut a relationship: a relationship hebut a relationship: a relationship hebut a relationship: a relationship he hadhadhadhad

never had whereby he felt love, joy and never had whereby he felt love, joy and never had whereby he felt love, joy and never had whereby he felt love, joy and sense of belonging.sense of belonging.sense of belonging.sense of belonging.

We are created to be relational beings. No man is an island.

Volunteering is more than a choice and more than just practical acts of Volunteering is more than a choice and more than just practical acts of Volunteering is more than a choice and more than just practical acts of Volunteering is more than a choice and more than just practical acts of

kindness.kindness.kindness.kindness. Volunteering is only the entry point to which such

relationships can be formed. It is through this relationship in an

atmosphere of trust, respect and love that lives can be enhanced and

transformed-- not only in that of the ‘beneficiary’ but ours as well.

It is precisely this relationship that has kept me going to share

love and joy! Join in this whirlpool of relationships to see lives

change!

18

“It is good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it is equally good to

check once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t

buy.” -George Claude Lorimer

It only takes a spark,

to get a fire going... - Xue Ping

Coming to 10 years in my volunteering journey, there were

times where I felt lost, where I lost hope and felt like giving up. But every

time when I went back to YV, I felt reenergized to continue my journey.

It was right after my last ‘A’ levels paper when I received

a call from a good friend, Wenxu whom I first knew in YV’2000.

She called to ask me to help out as a facilitator for YV’03.

Disheartened by some incidents encountered in my past

few years of volunteering, I declined. She persisted. Her

passion and encouragement touched me. Though I agreed to be

part of the team, I went back to YV only with the intention to share my

experience and have it as a closure to my volunteering journey.

I had a team of 5 vocal and fun-loving participants. Amazed by sign

language when we came into contact with people with hearing disability,

we decided to perform song signing during ‘Afterglow’ in late

January 2004. This decision made us come together more often and we

continued to meet up for practice after attachment ended in December

2003. There was this Malay participant in my team who was quite a

heavy smoker. Personally I don’t like it when people around me smoke. I

started encouraging him to smoke less. The rest of the team joined in to

encourage him. By ‘Afterglow’, he decreased his smokes from about 2

packs per day to 3-4 cigarettes per day. It was a life changing effect that I

felt we had created together. I am certain that this would remain as one

of my greatest achievements in life.

I was really thankful that I had been a part of YV’03. The entire

experience with my team, particularly the above incident, made me

want to continue volunteering. Till date, I still

go back to YV to relive my days in YV, and to

recharge for my journey ahead!

20

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” -Helen Keller

“Passion of the Heart, Power of the Mind”

- Chang Loo

I remember that it was in year 2000 when I was ‘volunteered’ by my

teacher to join this Youth Volunteer Involvement Program, as the venue

of the camp was my school. I had to leave my CCA camp midway to

attend this camp, so I entered with mixed feelings, and not knowing

anything about volunteering. I was Secondary three at that time, and

back then there was no such thing as CIP or any active publicity of

volunteering avenues.

The turnout for the camp was huge, around 200 participants as I

recall. Asking around, I managed to find my group, and was also

introduced to Zulfikri and Regina, my Team Facilitators, which I found

out later to be called “TF”. My group consisted of around 16 students

from all over Singapore’s secondary schools, ITEs, JCs, and

Polytechnics. After some discussion, we decided to name our group

“Captain Planet”.

From then on, everything happened really quickly. We were taught

sign language, wheelchair handling, and communication with the

elderly. We also played team-building games, which built up strong

bonds within our group, and got allowed us to remember everyone’s

name by heart. We attended a very memorable campfire, with former

participants joining in to share their experiences. Afterwhich, we went

for a two-week attachment program at a VWO, made friends with the

beneficiaries and the VWO persons-in-charge, and got to know our

friends from camp even better. We become youth

volunteers, with hands to serve and hearts to love.

I was impressed with the ideology of giving back to

society, and doing it in the company of friends whom we

can relate to, and thus decided to stay on in the YV family. YV has

given me so much more other than an introduction to volunteering. It

has become a lifestyle, a family of friends, and a place where I find

common understanding in the way people should be treated in this

world. I knew this was where I wanted to be.

Tears have been shed, perspiration had soaked too many shirts, and

through the years that we toiled and fought to reach out to more

students to achieve our YV Vision- “Passion of the Heart, Power of

the Mind”, continues to challenge students to come out with

ingenious ways to help the less fortunate, even though we may not

be there physically all the time.

This introduction to CIP has helped to make more people aware of

volunteering, yet in some way it has also diverted attention from

selfless-giving to non-academic achievements in the report book.

Ultimately, it does not matter which program or what type of

volunteering you do. As long as you are sincere in your actions, and

mindful of whom you are helping, every little act of kindness is

worth every second spent.

Since then, 9 years have passed, and the YV spirit still lives on.

Whether you are a direct volunteer, a committee member, or a team

facilitator who helps to train up new student volunteers, everyone grows

as a person and learns something new as a result of volunteering and

giving back to society, so it is always a win-win situation. I wish the

YVIP team all the best in the programme this year, and many years to

come.

Students and beneficiaries alike, everyone needs a helping hand at

different points in their life.

Who have you helped today?

22 “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of

it; the tree is the real thing.” -Abraham Lincoln

TTTThoughts on houghts on houghts on houghts on Volunteering Volunteering Volunteering Volunteering –––– Yi HuiYi HuiYi HuiYi Hui Many do not believe in the Community Involvement Programme (CIP)

implemented by MOE many years back. Why force someone to volunteer?

Seems to contradict directly with the spirit of volunteering itself.

Others question the effectiveness of CIP (just like the many policies of

MOE). Why enforce such a system when students just go through the

motion to “get over and done with”? Often, they don’t really learn

anything in that process. It is really quite a pity that things turn out this

way for some but I appreciated the programme. When I think back, if it

was not compulsory I wondered if I would have been distracted by

something else at that point in my life and pursued the diverse activities

that a youth would. It was from CIP that many youths started

volunteering and became aware of community involvement. It was from

there that many stayed on volunteering. At the end of the day, Singapore

has had a much greater flow and stock of volunteers than before the days

of CIP.

I think CIP pretty much evolved the youth volunteering landscape in

Singapore. That was already 10 over years back for me. To me, the

“Volunteer” in us just needs to be awaken with the “right”

experiences. Even as I try to comb my memory to highlight the one

significant event, one touching moment or one memorable person

that have shaped me into the volunteer I became, there was not

such a momentous memory for me. It was a combination of

people, experiences, thoughts and feelings.

As a thinker more than a feeler, I will let others better at

bringing out emotions take you through the story of a

volunteer through feelings. What I can share is how volunteering shaped

my thoughts over the years. For me, my volunteering experiences and the

people I met helped shape my values, provided insights into societal

issues and challenged my perspectives on what volunteering itself means.

What does doing good mean? When you say that you are helping

someone, are you really helping? How effective was that moment of

service? Is that a sustainable solution to help that person?

Why do people volunteer? Must there be a reason? Does the

motivations behind a volunteer matter? At the end of the day, something

good comes out of it, right? How then can we manage when the intended

outcomes are not entirely aligned? Events often appear harmless at a

start but will it be a slippery slope when scale gets out of proportion to

become a “NKF”?

When you see someone who needs help and don’t seem to get it? Can I

do something more than sympathize? When you are upset about an issue

or problem in society? How can the situation improve, can something be

done better and can I do something about that? It is easy to lament about

the problems, systems and policies, but can that help? Can you step up

and take on the responsibility to change and improve the system?

I must admit there are no easy answers to the many questions on

volunteering and the answers keep changing as I meet more people,

experience new things in life. But, it is that thought process that has

made my life experiences richer and keeps me going to find out more.

24 “You can have everything in life, you want if you will just help enough other people

get what they want.” -Zig Ziglar

Making a difference... - Siew Mui

I took part in the Youth Volunteer Involvement Programme in 1995

which was organized by Student Volunteer Corps (SVC). It triggered a

chain of events which shaped my teenage years and who I am. Then, I

was at a young age of 18 years old, having just finished my A level

exams and was looking to make meaning of my life.

The camp was a very simple one but a few of us were sold to

volunteerism after that. While many of our friends spent their time

enjoying other hobbies like shopping and watching movies, we

spent our time organizing activities for beneficiaries of various

voluntary welfare organizations and attempted to promote

volunteerism to other youths.

It was pure passion and friendships that drove us to pour our

heart and soul to make a difference in the lives of those less

fortunate. Those were the days just before the compulsory

Community Involvement Programme and CCA points for community

work was introduced. Those were also the days when there was little

organization in the volunteering scene to tap on the energies of youth

to serve the less fortunate at the various voluntary welfare

organisations.

Today, most of my volunteering friends and I are either working in the

non-profit sector or public service instead of chasing dollars and cents

in the profit sector. For me, after dabbling in volunteerism, I dropped

my ambition to earn lots of money but to pursue a career which I

would enjoy and not work a single day.

I still visit my elderly friends at Ren Ci Hospital whom I made during

my volunteering days from about more than a decade ago. Some of

them have passed on but some have also aged just like how I have

matured over the years. One of them was Uncle Fred (my favourite

beneficiary) who would frequently recall the outings and activities my

group had organised. The memories of those activities are still etched

vividly in his mind. His sharing had often spurred me on to continue to

make a difference, no matter how small it is.

When Student Volunteer Corps was made independent in 2004, a few

of us who had grown up together formed the management team of

SVC. We crafted this as the mission of SVC – “To develop students

through volunteerism. Empowering them to

make a difference.” That was exactly how we had

grown up through our youth days.

I remember a camp song which we sung for our campfire

night at YVIP 1995 and 1996 – “This volunteering light

of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! Let it Shine, Let it Shine!”

26 "To find yourself, you first have to lose yourself. Only after which will you be able to

truly find yourself." - Anon

Little actions, Great impact - Kok Wei

Hi new YV participants. Welcome to YVIP. I’m Kokwei from

YV’04. My volunteering journey started when I was in ITE where I

went overseas to build a playground for an orphanage home. That was a

great experience for me, so after I came back, I felt that actually helping

others and when you see the smiles on the children’s faces, the

feeling is very good! Thus, after that, I was thinking of how I can start

volunteering in Singapore. One day, my teacher asked if we are

interested in a volunteering camp. Without hesitation, I signed up for the

camp. However the camp organizers took very long to reply us whether

we had a space in the camp. Only until one week before the camp that

they replied us, “hey guys the camp is next week please be there, where

and what time...” My friend and I were like, “huh so late then you reply

us, we looking for job already leh” so we decided not to go anymore. At

that point in time when my friend and I said we wanted to back out,

there was this very naggy guy, who kept calling us to persuade us to go

for the camp. My friend and I saw that this guy simply won’t give up,

so we gave him face and went for the camp.

But I had no regrets after the camp! I learnt a lot and saw a lot. It

changed my life. Why do I say that? It’s because from this camp you

can make a lot of true friends. You can see how everyone helps each

another and the best part is your attachment period. Though it is tiring,

when you see how your TF and your group members come together,

working so hard to put up a performance or doing something for the

clients, you might start thinking: hey we only knew each other for not

more than a month but everyone is working so hard together, the feeling

is really good. And at the end of the day you see all the smiles and all

the happy faces of the clients, you will feel that you had done something

and touched someone’s heart. You will feel very happy too because

you know that you had put in so much effort and you had done

something good.

I remember at my attachment, I was attached to this old man. He

is a Malay guy and he can’t really talk. I hardly know

Malay also so could only ask him simple things. During

my attachment, it happens that his birthday fell on that

week, so my group members and I decided to make a

simple birthday party for him. Thus, we did some

simple decoration and prepared some games for them.

They were so happy and the most

touching part was that after we sang the

birthday song, that guy actually cried. After what I saw,

something struck me. To us, it is not a big thing. It was

only a normal birthday celebration which we will do for

our friends also but to them, how often will they have

people visiting them and who will ever care to celebrate their birthday

with them. Some of their family members don’t even care to visit them

28 "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." - Albert Einstein

anymore. Thus, from the little little things we do, it can have a great

impact on others.

Guys, I don’t know whether you signed up this camp on your own

accord or your teacher forced you to come, there is one thing I’d like to

say. It is that you will not regret coming for this camp. This is a camp

very different from any other camps. You will also get to learn a

lot of things which your school don’t teach. Ok hope you guys enjoy

this YV and hope to see you guys again. ALL THE BEST. One last

thing, the guy I mentioned who was very naggy (haha) is Vick. He is

really really a very good person, if not for him I won’t have come for

this camp. BYEEEE enjoy the camp!!!

Everlasting ImpactEverlasting ImpactEverlasting ImpactEverlasting Impact ---- Boon BingBoon BingBoon BingBoon Bing

It has been 9 years since I first joined YV camp in 2000. I

had signed up for it just to pass my time during the December

holidays, with little knowledge of what YV is all about. YV

had definitely widened my horizon and exposed me to many

different people and situations. A more memorable experience

would be when I was a TF for the first time and I spent a

period of time in the Singapore Cheshire Home.

It was my first time helping out at a home for the aged and

physically-disabled as my previous attachments were all

working with children only. The residents there were

relatively friendly towards us and seemed to enjoy our

company. I could feel that our presence did inject some

life into the sombre routines of the residents.

There was an Uncle Teo who was like a handyman around the

home. He would make short trips out of the home to help the

residents buy stuffs and 4D. Most of the residents are not

able to leave the home and Uncle Teo, being the most ‘mobile’

resident, would gladly run errands for them. The only catch

was that Uncle Teo himself, was confined to a wheelchair.

I still remember the few trips when I would push him

to the nearest NTUC to buy 4D and a huge,

juicy watermelon back for all the

30 “Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.”

-Oscar Wilde

residents. I remember something Uncle Teo said, “Ah Boy ah!

Lucky got you come with me. If not I would not be able to

carry this watermelon back with me, cannot give all the

residents this little treat. Thank you ah!”

For some unknown reason, I felt touched and sad at the same

time. Touched that Uncle Teo really cared a lot for his fellow

residents, and sad that something so simple, something so something so something so something so

insignificant to normal people like us, could be so precious insignificant to normal people like us, could be so precious insignificant to normal people like us, could be so precious insignificant to normal people like us, could be so precious

to Uncle Teo.to Uncle Teo.to Uncle Teo.to Uncle Teo. From the beam in his eyes, I could really feel

that Uncle Teo knows how happy the residents would be upon

seeing the rare juicy treat he was about to bring back. On

that day, I learnt how to pick a nice watermelon from Uncle

Teo. =)

There was also an old auntie at the home who was confined to

her bed. I really cannot recall her name already. Due to

certain medical conditions unclear to me, her head was twice

the normal size and all the pressure in her head was affecting

her speech too. She could only lie in bed the whole day,

barely turning her head at times to sounds around her.

Every time I visited the home, I would always sit by her bed

and talk to her, occasionally inciting a faint response from

her. The nurse told me that she can hear perfectly but her

responses were limited to faint nods and eye contact. Even so,

I enjoy sitting beside her and chatting with her, telling her

about things happening around the home and the outside world.

Sometimes she would be asleep when I visit her room, I would

then just sit down quietly beside her, putting my hand over

hers and watching her sleep peacefully.

Usually the nurses would just feed and clean her, they are too

busy around the home to spend more time with

her. I seem to be her only connection with

the outside world and I used to think

what’s going to happen to her when I leave?

Her world would be back to facing a dusty cupboard in a small

room, with no one to talk to, with no one to hold her hands.

But there was only so much I could do for her, I felt

helpless.

The difference we makeThe difference we makeThe difference we makeThe difference we make as volunteers should not only be felt as volunteers should not only be felt as volunteers should not only be felt as volunteers should not only be felt

when we are present, if possible, I have always hoped that when we are present, if possible, I have always hoped that when we are present, if possible, I have always hoped that when we are present, if possible, I have always hoped that

the difference we make will continue to be felt, even after the difference we make will continue to be felt, even after the difference we make will continue to be felt, even after the difference we make will continue to be felt, even after

we have left.we have left.we have left.we have left. All of us have our own lives to lead, and some

of us may have been a volunteer at certain points of our

lives. The only difference we really make are those that are

lasting, even after we have moved on. If not, the auntie I had

left in Cheshire Home would just have to wait for the next

young volunteer to come along. And who knows when will that

happen?

32 “The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live” -Joan Borysenko

You are the Master of your own Fate

- Gary

I was a bum back in secondary school, someone who has no plans

for the future but I never worried one bit for it. I always thought

everything will fall into pieces once I grow up. Enjoying life is my

top and foremost priority. That's Gary. My secondary school never

focused on CIP, thus I never thought of doing volunteering work or

anything like that. To me, it was a boring, mundane and dirty

job. Definitely unglam, I thought. Then one fateful assembly,

my vice principal announced that there was this camp called YVIP

and it’s for youths to get first contact with the social service

sector, something struck me to approach her and asked for more

info. And without even checking if any of my friends joined, I

plunged in, not knowing what I will be experiencing.

I am glad to have my Team Facilitator, Alvin Bai, to guide me

through my first year in YVIP. He was certainly one of the most

experienced people in the camp, holding many positions in the past.

I would say he taught me a lot of things not just in volunteering but

also in life. It seems a bit too much for me to say all this but I

really respected him and even till now, I will dedicate all my

contributions in SVC to him. Without him, I would have never have

continued. Thank you, Alvin. That YVIP '99 was certainly the most

fun camp I ever experienced, and even till now, I still keep in

contact with my group members to reminisce all the fond

memories that we had back then.

The first thing that inspired me was definitely 'Our Song' and

the sign language that came along with the chorus. It was very

interesting to learn sign language and I am sure all of you will agree

with me when you first experienced it. The lyrics and the melody

are just so beautiful that even the birds will sing along! Next are

all the interesting workshops and speakers that were invited to the

camp. They were all very inspiring and have a wealth of knowledge to

share and pass on.

To be honest, after YVIP '99, my group mates and I only wanted

to continue our journey because it’s simply fun. It was fun to hang

out with friends and fun to make new ones. This was definitely not

the best or right reason, but I didn't think too far back then.

However, year after year, when all of my friends whom all joined

initially for the fun and company all dropped out, I reflected and

asked myself, "why am I still here?" The answer is really

simple. The friends and company still play a major part, as it is a

plus to be with them. My best friends are all from YV! :D YVIP

produced some of the finest quality people you will ever know and I

am proud to know and acknowledged them as my friends. But the

driving force has got to be the satisfaction you derive and the

inspiration to help and change people lives. I am sure this echoed

out among all my fellow SVC friends as I have seen them year after

34 “Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his

fellow-men.” -Mohandas Ghandi

year, event after event, never tired and their beliefs never

wavered. Even now I still have friends asking me, "What is

volunteering? Will just one more person will make a

difference?" To that, quoting from Ivan Schier, the broadest,

and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: doing

more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you

consider good. And as shared with other fellow volunteers/friends,

at least we get to help one person's life, and to us, I think that's all

that really all that matter. :)

Anyway, during my 10 years in SVC, after multiple projects, I

have seen alot of sad, some tragic and also a fair share of happy and

joyous events. One incident that I remembered fondly was this old

man that I got to know in Ren Ci. This old man was actually a patient

staying there. Whenever I went there, he would

challenge me to a game of Chinese chess. Ok,

maybe two or three more games if he loses the first

round, and he usually lose. The spirit of him being so

fun loving and nice to me touched me. I was still a young boy who is

starting out on this journey and unsure of what not to say and do

but this man's warmth made me feel at ease strangely. I always

thought that I would be very devastated if I am in his position but

this man proved to me that you are master of your own fate. No

doubt he has illness and was chronically sick, he never failed to do

something to make his life more interesting. I always look forward

to the days when we, SVC volunteers, would pay them a visit,

because I would get to see his evil grin and his wonderful smile

when he finally beat me in chess. That experience there changed my

life. Back then, I was in a lot of trouble and my life was really a

mess. But amidst all that, I saw some light at the end of the tunnel,

thanks to the experience sharing and guiding by all the friends we

made at the Hospice. I would boldly say my life would be in a

downward spiral if not because of them.

Ending off with a quote that was told by

this patient from Ren Ci Hospice - Volunteers

don't get paid, not because they are

worthless, but because they are

priceless.

36 “What I am looking for is not out there, it is in me.” -Helen Keller

Confession of a Confession of a Confession of a Confession of a YoungYoungYoungYoung VolunteerVolunteerVolunteerVolunteer

1 Dec 19951 Dec 19951 Dec 19951 Dec 1995 Hello, my name is John and this is my story…..

2 Dec 19952 Dec 19952 Dec 19952 Dec 1995 I am 15, and I am sad.

I had planned a fantastic weekend getaway from 3-5 December with my girlfriend, Kathy (no she is not a

cat) at Pulau Ubin.

I had planned to surprise her with a boat ticket to the little island where we can cycle, swim, and make a

………………. picnic.

On 30 November, after I had bought the ticket, and prepared the swimming trunks and goggles, my teacher hauled me up to her tiny cubicle and bellowed, “JOHN! you have to represent our school at this youth volunteer camp from 3-5 December because no one wants to go and you look cute enough for the old folks to pinch your

face with (I was chubby then but NOT fat)

My response was ……………………..

3 3 3 3 – 5 Dec 19955 Dec 19955 Dec 19955 Dec 1995 I hate this place! It’s dirty, dank, and it stinks of cat

poo! and Kathy is not here!

There is no sea, no cycling trails and definitely no……… picnic.

I have to spend 3 days listening to some old fart talk about helping people for the next 3 days? Help me!

Wait, there are some cute girls here.. they all have caring looking faces!

wait, this old man makes sense, “there are people dying, if we care enough for the living, make a better place for

you and for me….” was what he reportedly said.

Wait, these wheelchairs are really difficult to use. I wonder how those who use it everyday feel….

Wait this other old guy makes sense too!

Wait, i think this world is really a place where i can make a difference helping people in need.

Wait! What have I become? I have become a volunteer!

14 Jul 200914 Jul 200914 Jul 200914 Jul 2009

Someone told me to write my story, this is my story. What is your story? My name is John

inspired by real events

- Jason

38 “Where there is love there is life” -Mohandas Ghandi

My Life Turning Point” My Life Turning Point” My Life Turning Point” My Life Turning Point” ----VickVickVickVick

I joined as a YVIP participant in 1998 and I never thought that I will

stay in YVIP for more than 10 years. I joined this camp not because I

wanted to, but I was “forced” by my senior. Initially I was thinking that

the Camp was too long, 4 days 3 night and plus 2 weeks agency

attachment! How am I going to survive? But after all, all my pre-

assumptions and thoughts before the camp were wrong. In fact, after I

went through the whole camp, I realized that it was too short; I

can’t even finish learning what I have learned in the YVIP camp

and also, the volunteers there are very good. There are just too much

wonderful things to learn from there!

I treasure the time I spend in YVIP 1998 as a participant. Even till

now, I still can remember very clearly from the day I went to the camp

till the end of Afterglow. The picture inside me now, is still warm and

touching. I really enjoyed the camp very much, especially with my 2

wonderful TF (Team Facilitator), Vivian and Meiling. I saw how much

struggle and effort that they had went through and put in for us that

time to let the group to learn, have fun, to be inspired and not

forgetting to learn about what volunteering is about within a short

frame of 4 days. My team was another group of fantastic people. They

all came from different schools (which this is one of the beauties of

YVIP). They were also very friendly and helpful people. Although the

first few days of the camp we were all very shy, don’t dare to talk, but

after awhile, we became very good friends. Throughout the whole

camp, I have learned to understand the beneficiaries better as well as

the various ways of handling them during our attachment. I enjoyed

the things we shared in our team. The whole camp programme was

very good and the campfire was one of the very memorable times I

had. Many of us can’t help, but tear while singing “Our Song” during

the campfire. It’s a wonderful song, even after 10 years, I’m still

singing it. To me, it’s a song full of meaning and brings many memories

to every individual participant.

In the journey of YVIP, especially 1998, I met many

wonderful people. In camp, I met my best

friends, Rui Biao and Keith, in attachment, I met

Uncle Lian Gui and Uncle Fret who are Ren Ci

patients and also very valuable friend of mine.

They are the few people who had changed my life so much in my

journey of volunteering. Although many years have passed, some

people may come and leave my life, like Uncle Lian Gui, who passed

away 3 years ago. I learned many wonderful things from him, his smile,

his jokes and his great art works. I really miss this very good friend of

mine, although physically he may no longer there anymore, but his

40 “You are as happy as you make up your mind to be.” -Abraham Lincoln

presence will always live inside my memories that I will and never

forget in my entire life. Throughout all the experience I had in my

volunteering journey, I have learned to treasure the people

around me so much that, each time I saw them, I would ask how are

they doing? Are they being doing well lately? Are they in any trouble? I

will always do my best to encourage and inspire this people and make

sure they see the positive side of life and especially to my love and

close ones.

YVIP camp, to most people, it may just sound like any other camp

that is full of fun, but to me, it is really more than that. It is a life

changing camp; it’s a place that allows you to see things you don’t see

in our daily lives.

Taking tTaking tTaking tTaking the FIRST Step he FIRST Step he FIRST Step he FIRST Step ---- Meng ShyanMeng ShyanMeng ShyanMeng Shyan

It started back in year 2004, when I was a participant in YVIP

camp. It was my first local volunteering experience in the social

sector. Not knowing what volunteerism is about, I attended the

camp like a blur mud headed boy. However now, in year

2009, volunteerism means a lot to me. There’s a lot feelings

inside me; I am unsure of how to express.

What makes me, a participant in YV’04, come back as a

committee member for continually 3 years? There are a lot of

reasons. Vick is one of the reasons why I choose to volunteer in

SVC. He left me with a deep impression and impacted my life

since then. His passion in volunteering and belief in spreading

volunteerism have deeply touched me. This allows me to carry

out my passion for volunteerism and to inspire others, which is a

turning point for me to do something which I

never tried before.

At first, it was never easy to make the

first step doing something which I never

tried before. For example, discussing or

giving comments during committee

meetings. Vick always gave me opportunities to express out my

thoughts about various topics and trained me hard in my

communication skills.

Organising skills is one of the key areas which I have

always been working on. In order to get better in this, I chose to

42 “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt,

only more love.” -Mother Teresa

be in the committee a year after another, which is something I

always wanted to explore.

I am thankful for the chance I have been given to develop my

communication skills and organisational potential in my voluntary

group. Most importantly, I am sincerely grateful to have Vick and

many other friends mentoring me throughout this learning

journey. I have learnt a lot of things in SVC by committing to

various projects. It’s something that can’t be learnt in school

- socialising and working with people, from different

backgrounds, and yet who share the same thoughts

towards volunteerism.

The most interesting moment was when my buddy, Kok Wei,

and I joined YVIP’04 for the pre-camp. We reached the meeting

location on time. However, we followed a group of people from

the wrong organisation. Then, we spent our whole day drinking

coffee and laughing at each other at a kopitiam. Hence, we are

pissed off and wanted to drop out from the YVIP project. Vick was

able to persuade us to stay on this project and we finally turn

up for the camp. The growth from a participant who nearly

dropped out to a volunteer writing this story at my desk now, it’s

amazing!

My advice for all of you reading this: dare to try something

different and take the first step to initiate it. Give yourself a

chance to volunteer in anyway which you could contribute - in a

nursing home or a voluntary camp. You may find other interesting

side of you doing something you like.

Opening windows to Opening windows to Opening windows to Opening windows to a wider worlda wider worlda wider worlda wider world ---- Wei Wei Wei Wei XXXXinginginging

My volunteering experience first started when I was still a

secondary student and while I am writing this, I am amazed that it

has since been 5 years! There is this saying that time flies when you

are doing things you enjoy and I must say it is definitely true.

I have been volunteering at Metropolitan YMCA (Sims

Avenue), the place I was originally attached to during my YV period.

Though the attachment period only lasted a week, I was fortunate to

work with different sectors of beneficiaries. It was this period that

various useful skills that I have learnt during the YV camp first came

into practice. The communication skills and scenarios based learning

are exceptionally useful as it prepares me to relate to my

beneficiaries better and also to reach out to them. After that short

attachment period which I couldn’t get enough of, I braced myself

to continue volunteering there to further enrich myself in spite of

the daunting travelling time from the west to the east that I have to

go through.

It is an exceptionally great volunteering experience when you get

to help out while doing the things you like. I am happy that the staff

at MYMCA offered me that opportunity to do so. I have been handling

publicity matters and I was given the chance to co-organized Fiesta

Arts, an arts programme for special children which believes in

developing the children’s motor skills through arts and music. I get to

arrange arts and crafts sessions for these children and during special

44 I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I

can do. - Jana Stanfield

occasions like the mid-autumn festival, we manage to bring them to

Chinese Garden to enjoy the many giant lanterns on display.

One of the touching moments in my volunteering

experience happens when I was in Fiesta Arts. I was paired up

with this quiet boy who always seems to be in his own

world and that initially made me feel as if I was

“transparent”. Nevertheless, I accompanied

him during the arts and crafts lessons and toy sessions and many a

times tried relating to him but to failed attempts. However, what

surprises me was that after Fiesta Arts ended and before the boy

leaves for home, he came up to me and said “thank you, Kor Kor”. I

was instantly delighted and this actually made my day. This further

reinstates the point of not giving up easily, especially in volunteering

where a great deal of patience is needed.

I also get the opportunity to help out with house cleaning for the

elderly and at the same time get to interact with them. Through

the meaningful conversations with them, I have learnt a great deal of

life lessons. Many a times, I felt that I benefit more from them than

what I have offered them.

Volunteering has indeed opened many windows to the outside

world that I have never seen before. It has always been keeping me

thinking and has been revising with me the many valuables life

chapters. In return for my time and service offered, I also got to know

friends who shares common interest and whom I know I’ll keep for

life. All these bits and pieces which have no borders will only keep

building up and further enrich my volunteering experience.

life cover

www.jeremylim.com

Jeremy Lim

Hi! My name is Jeremy Lim. Here’s a story about me, written by

me.

Long, long ago…oops…! I mean, not so long ago, on 29 June 1990,

the silence of Gleneagles Hospital was shattered by my piercing

cries. I believe it must have been louder than that of the other

newborns because I came into this world with a fractured leg.

Not many babies have this opportunity to be born with a broken

bone. So from day 1, I was unique. I cannot remember the pain

but I know it must have been excruciating.

I was diagnosed with 'Osteogensis Imperfecta'. It is a condition

in which my bones break easily because my body lacks the

collagen required for a sturdy bone structure. A tiny sneeze or a

cough can cause my bones to snap.

Over time, I have come to realize that breaking a bone isn't all

that bad. I can always take advantage of the adversity. When I

broke my right arm, I learnt to write with my left. When I

fractured my left arm, I learnt to write with my right. Now, I

am ambidextrous.

48 "The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive." - Albert Einstein

Whenever, I hurt my

forearm and had it

bandaged for a couple

of weeks, I felt good.

Why? Well, I thought

I looked kind of

cool…like Rambo! You

may think I am crazy. However, I realise that I cannot change

the situation but I can control the way I react to it. I can

choose to moan and groan or to look at it in a more positive light.

After all, when you look at the bright side, there will be no

dark shadow in sight.

You can say that I am just like David in the story of David and

Goliath which saw the giant harassing the village children

frequently. Everybody was terrified. No one had the courage to

do anything. The villagers would cower in fear each time the

giant approached.

Visiting the village one day, David asked his brother, “Why don't

you fight the giant?”

His brother responded, “Don't you see? He is too big to hit.”

David said, “No, he is not too big to hit. He is too big to miss.”

The rest is history. David went on to kill the giant. As you can

see, the giant is the same but the perception is different.

My life is full of unpredictable accidents. It is impossible to tell

which bone will break next. However, one philosophy keeps me

going. That is, I may not be able to control the waves in my

journey through life but nothing is going to stop me from

learning to surf.

Life has been one big challenge for me. I have broken my bones

so many times that I have lost count. Each time it happens, I will

be disadvantaged because I cannot attend school for weeks. On

top of that, I will keep the whole neighbourhood awake at night

with my anguished cries like a distressed wolf howling at the

moon. Okay, okay, I was just exaggerating.

Now, my day is crammed full with activities. Besides attending

school at Catholic High, I have tuition, enrichment and

supplementary classes from Mondays to Fridays. My Saturdays

50 “If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living.” -Gail Sheeshy

and Sundays are taken up by extra classes in Oral

Communications and Musical Theatre. Phew! It looks like my

parents are liable to be charged with child abuse.

Of course, I do not mind at all. To me, learning is a joy and is full

of excitement. Attending the various classes gives me the

chance to develop myself intellectually, socially and emotionally.

I love every minute of it. What I cannot achieve physically, I

make up for it through conquests that require brain power.

When I was 4, I used to ask if both my parents would die some

day. If they did, who would take care of me? Now, I want them

to see that I can be independent and reciprocate their care

and love for me.

I am a fighter not a quitter. I will climb the highest mountain to

get what I want. You may say that it is impossible. It is my

mountain. I will climb up or crawl up. Believe me, I will!

Ben's Life by Aquanetta (Ben's Mom) http://www.benunderwood.com

Ben was born in Riverside California on January 26th 1992, and a very

healthy baby indeed, but sometime in February 1992 I noticed that his

right eye had a peculiar glow. Within 3 days, he woke up with his right

eye pupil white and at that moment I noticed he couldn't see out of it.

Two years old, he didn't cry or complain that anything was hurting him.

That day I took him to the pediatrician, and she immediately sent me to

see the ophthalmologist. The first thing he said when he saw Ben's eyes

was "There could be thirty things to turn your pupils white, but we will

be looking for tumors." I believe that was the most frightening news I

had ever heard. That moment began the

year long trial.

The result of the testing was Bilateral

Retinoblastoma (cancer in both eyes).

Ben's right eye was totally consumed by

the cancer so it was removed after the

second month of chemo. After that

experience, we spent another eight

months of chemo and then six weeks of

radiation to try and save his left eye.

Results were a failure.

Ben awake from the surgery and said

"Mom I can't see anymore, I can't see

anymore. Oh mom I can't see." I remember the words of wisdom

spoken to me by my pastor’s wife, sister Devon, "Don't let him feel your

52 “Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street.” -Zig Ziglar

fears." So I said, "Ben YES YOU CAN SEE" and I took his little

hands and put them on my face and said, "See me, you can see me with

your hands," next, I put my hand to his nose and said, "Smell me, you

can see me with your nose," then I said, "Hear me, you can see

me with your ears, you can't use your eyes anymore, but

you have your hands, your nose, and your ears." I tell

you this one thing, Ben has been seeing

ever since.

I believe Ben started clicking probably right away.

He was playing video games, riding bikes, skating,

climbing trees, and doing everything he always

did as if he never lost his sight. I treated him as

though he could see and spoke visually. I don't

know if I was in denial, but I made sure he saw

everything. I say whatever works for him, do it.

I'm not in a blind person’s shoe, so I'm not going

to judge.

When Dr. Ruben saw Ben playing his game boy,

he was totally amazed. He looked over at me and said, "His eyes are

nucleated." I said, "Oh yes, he's blind." The doctor said, "How the heck

does he play video games?" and I replied, "He does everything; ride

bikes, rollerblades, electric scooters, you name it, he will try it." Totally

blown away, he thought this must be told to others. People think it

is the end of the world when they lose their sight, he tells

them that they can still lead a productive and healthy life.

Since then, Ben has been on the front page of the May 7th Sunday

paper of the Sacramento Bee and the Observer and various other

publications.

Ben started writing a Novel in his 4th grade, he writes at College level,

and types about 60 wpm on a regular keyboard. His novel is Science

Fiction, and I think he has written at least 20 chapters. He also wants to

invent video games. I believe he has written it. This kid is so full of

ideas and I encourage him to pursue them all. The sky is the limit

and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to if

you try. Don't stress on failure, because from it only

comes perfection.

One thing that I truly get back from Ben being blind is

that he truly sees people from within. When he hears

someone say that someone else is ugly, or anything negative towards

someone else, he says, "That's what’s wrong with sighted

people, you all look at one another and

judge what you look like," I see that statement

as being so true. The most powerful part of it is that

he can't judge from looks, only from spirit. This

world would be a much better place if we all couldn't

see.

54 “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others” -Mohandas Ghand

His 30-minute rule

MR ROBERT YEO, 84, cannot

remember when was the last time he took a bus, let alone

a car ride.

The sprightly man, who has

been caring for his 82-year-old wife Yeo Mui Neo since

she lost her eyesight to glaucoma 10 years ago, lives

by a '30-minute rule'.

He will only go to places - usually coffeeshops where all

their meals come from -

which are within a 30-minute walking distance from their

one-room Toa Payoh flat.

'I can't leave her alone,' he says.

Talking to the childless couple, it is impossible not to

be moved by their love and the quietly dignified way they

live.

He is her eyes, hands and

legs. 'He does everything for me. He's a very good

husband,' says Mrs Yeo, who is bedridden because of weak

legs.

When she has to use the toilet, he has to lift and carry

her from the bed to the

wheelchair and back again.

Their relative, Mrs Molly Seow, 71, calls him a

'superman'. 'He's a one-man

show. He never complains. The minute she calls 'Bert',

he'll be there next to her.'

Mr Yeo has declined suggestions to place his wife

in a nursing home, opting instead for regular visits by

health professionals from

Touch Home Care.

Asked if he ever feels burnt out or worried about the

future, he says: 'My

greatest joy is in taking

care of her. I don't

worry about tomorrow.

We'll just take

everything in our

stride.'

Her blind duty

ABOUT five years ago, she lost her eyesight because of

failing corneas. Then, she was diagnosed with colon

cancer.

Instead of being cared for,

Madam Choy Chew Gip, 76, looks after her 80-year-old

husband How Fook Cheong, who was diagnosed with

dementia three years ago. 'When we go out, people

think he is leading me. Actually, he loses his way all

the time and I've to give him

the correct directions,' Madam Choy says in

Cantonese.

She has lived in Toa Payoh for more than 30 years and is

no stranger to adversity.

Mr How abandoned her for 24 years and kept a mistress

after he returned in 1980. Their grandson committed

suicide in 2000 and their gambler son also walked out

on them.

Relating her past in her two-

room flat in a stoic way, it is apparent that she is looking

after Mr How not because it is her duty as a wife, but

because she cares about him.

After all, they have only each other now.

Although she is blind,

she makes sure he

takes his pills by giving them to him personally three times a day. While their

meals are delivered by Touch

Home Care, she insists on brewing soup for him

occasionally.

Smiling wistfully, she says: 'My life is very simple. I'm

unhappy when he refuses to take his medicine.

'I'm happiest when he

doesn't rant at me.'

http://www.caregivers.org.sg/article

s/Carers%20need%20care%20too%

20(The%20Straits%20Times,%20Ap

ril%2027,%202005).pdf

56 “Loneliness is the most terrible poverty.” -Mother Teresa

Chinese Girl Has Basketball for a Body http://www.weirdasianews.com/2008/12/22/qian-hongyan-basketball-girl/

Qian Hongyan, who was forced to use half a basketball as her prosthetic

body, has inspired millions recently with her ambition to compete as a

swimmer in the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Qian swims about 2000 meters a day and trains really hard.

“Qian Hongyan studies hard. She never grouches in training although

she was confronted with many difficulties at the beginning, ” her coach

said.

The 10 year-old was injured tragically in an auto accident when she was

only 3 years old. To ensure her survival, the doctors were forced to

amputate her legs.

Qian’s family, living in Zhuangxia, China, was unable to afford modern

prosthetics and instead, used a half a basketball to get around on. Once

on the ball, she uses two wooden props to help her move around.

Qian now has a pair of proper prosthetic legs, but says she still likes to

use the basketball from time to time as it is easier for her to get in and

out of the pool with.

58 “The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being.” -Lee Iacocca

Will you continue writing Our Book?

~ Credits ~

The team would like to extend

our greatest appreciation to all

who have contributed to

Our Book: 1nspi-Vatte in one-way or another.

This book would not have been possible

without your heart-felt sharing

and inspiring inputs. (:

“It’s fascinating to witness awesome friendships being forged year after year, at this meaningful camp. Just like how I met most of the writers and Editors of Our Book. It is such sharings that keeps the YV spirit going on and on... It is such friendships that keeps us coming back to support one another , just like how the Editing Team agreed to help me out with revamping the YV file. Thank you, Nina, Hui Bin, Zhi Ying and Kenny for all your time and efforts in those 2 months. Thank you, Vick and Tracy for encouraging me to take up this challenge. And thank you, for reading Our Book.” (: - Sylvia

“First of all, I would like to thank Sylvia for inviting me into the Our Book team. This has been something I have wanted to do all along and I’m glad that our efforts have paid off! It has not been an easy journey since we started to compile Our Book. From the designing of the concept and cover page, calling old birds to contribute their YV life stories and searching for generic stories, all the editing and compilation, yea its really not easy but I’m glad I have took part in this amazing and satisfactory journey. Last but not least, I really hope that everyone can take a good look at the stories we have found or collected. I’m sure they will touch you in the heart because I have been touched.” =) -Kenny

“Time flies. It has been 5 years since I started my YV journey. Many people step in and out of my life but I have never regretted picking up the YV application form from the school’s general office. This book is a miracle to be completed within one month with the help and contribution of so many people. Most importantly, thank you, Sylvia, for being brave enough to take up this challenge and believe in the impossible. Of course, not forgetting the other editors, Zhiying, Huibin and Kenny for their effort put in to make this book a success. It doesn’t matter how you start, as long as it don’t end” (: -Nina

“Although I’ve only joined YV for a short period of time, YV gave me so many learning experiences and lessons in life. I’m really glad to be part of this team, and thank you Sylvia for this opportunity. Also, to Huibin,

Nina and Kenny, good job guys! It wasn’t easy to compile this book and I th ink we d id an awesome job. Oh and, thank you to others who contributed to this book too! So I hope that, after reading Our Book, you will be inspired and one day will write

your own story too” (: - Zhiying

Our Editors

“It has been loads of fun doodling on our book and compiling the stories, especially with the team of YV peeps! Here, I thank each and every single soul who contributed sweat and blood to our book. To the YV’o9 participants, you’ve read their story, so now, it’s time to unlock YOUR story!” (: - Huibin