Discovering My Passion for Volunteering: A Journey Across Borders

Hi, I am Yvette! I want to share my journey of discovering my passion for volunteering. It’s been an incredible ride, fulfilling, and filled with learning, growth, and cross-cultural experiences.

Finding My Passion

Growing up in a very dysfunctional family (abuse and drugs), I have always loved sports. It was the only thing I felt good at and something that resonated with me deeply.

In my early teenage years, I was raised in a children's home with sixty-five other girls. Our foster parents, Andrew and Grace, along with the staff team, taught us at a very early stage of our lives to give back to the community. This has been one of the most powerful learning journeys for me. Going into ITE amplified my love for para-sport and volunteering.

My volunteering journey began during my school attachment, where I was introduced to para-sports. It was a perfect blend of my interests and a way to give back to the community.

For anyone looking to start volunteering, my advice is to explore different areas. Whether it’s working with children, teenagers, or the elderly, find what resonates with you. It’s all about narrowing down your interests and finding the right fit.

Starting the Volunteering Journey

Not everyone grows up in environments that encourage volunteering. For those interested but unsure where to start, be open to opportunities and try different activities. Exposure is key. Look at various areas like sports, working with children, or even elderly care. See what fits your interests and schedule. Not every experience will be a perfect match, but each one is a step towards finding what you love.

Have I been to other volunteering services? Yes, but somehow I have always felt connected to para-sports and para-athletes and making a difference in this community.

Feeling accepted and included within the volunteer community is crucial. The right organisation should engage you meaningfully and make you feel valued. This sense of belonging was essential in my long-term commitment to volunteering.

Managing volunteers effectively is crucial for any organisation. It’s important to check in with volunteers, understand their strengths, and place them in roles that suit their abilities. Volunteers should feel engaged and appreciated, and their contributions should be recognised. It’s a delicate balance between managing beneficiaries and volunteers, but both are essential for the success of any volunteer-driven initiative.

Organisations should not waste volunteers’ time but rather engage them in ways that align with their interests and skills. They should keep their doors open for potential volunteers and provide various options that fit different interests and capacities. It’s about finding the right match and creating a supportive environment where volunteers feel connected and valued.

Volunteering Overseas

My volunteering journey took me beyond Singapore’s borders, and it was an eye-opening experience. I worked with various organisations in countries like Germany and Ukraine during the war. The need for support in these places was immense. Volunteering overseas required a mindset shift, humility, and the ability to adapt to different cultural contexts.

One of the biggest lessons I learned was that how we do things in Singapore cannot always be applied elsewhere. For example, in Germany, I worked with Ukrainian refugees. The cultural differences were significant, and I had to learn to adapt and respect their ways of doing things. It taught me a lot about humility and wisdom and, above all, the value of relationships.

However, one thing I realised during my time abroad is how efficient we Singaporeans are. We are known for getting things done quickly and effectively. This was particularly evident when I compared it to my overseas experience, where the pace was generally much slower.

Volunteering: Making a Difference

Volunteering has taught me resilience, courage, patience, and the importance of compassion. My experiences with refugees and other vulnerable groups have deepened my understanding of the world’s complexities and the need for empathy. Volunteering is not just about helping others; it’s also about personal growth and learning. It has made me bolder, more confident and more determined to make a difference.

My journey has been a testament to the transformative power of volunteering. I have seen lives shine and excel. It’s about finding what you love, being open to new experiences, and making a meaningful impact. Whether locally or overseas, volunteering enriches lives and fosters a sense of community and compassion. I hope my story inspires you to explore your passions and contribute to causes that resonate with you, making the world a better place.

I started volunteering for Para Cycling while I was still a student, by doing simple tasks like keeping the bikes, cleaning them, and assisting the athletes. Slowly, I moved on to coaching the athletes. Seventeen years later, I am still with PCFS and today I lead PCFS as their President. 

I hope my story will inspire you to volunteer and that you find joy in volunteering. 

Blessings,

Yvette