Looking 4ward to nxt thurs

Nxt Thurs I gg down to hwa again to let the welfare exec interview mi, 2 become a member, hpe that i can tackle her questions easily, . Hpe that the membership matter w settle by nxt thurs, den no need to worri anymore. dear, thxs 4 ur concern when i tell u this matter. Again I gg to cross any new hurdle.

Cook own food

2 day i am alone again, but i hv done smth that I hv nvr tried before, that is cook rice, open can food, fried egg and luncheon meat on my own, yes, i hv crossed another new hurdle in my life, i hv crossed a lot of hurdles in my life to cum thus far, i w continue to cross many hurdles ahead of mi in the future, i w not b defeated so easily, noe that there are my dear, friends out there supporting mi all the while.

My Life story

Hi Friends Below will be my life story,

My Life Story

Lee Kai Ling Kathy arrived into this world at Mount Alvernia Hospital. It was traumatic as I was born 3 months premature and weighed in at 850g. I came so fast that there was no one to attend to me so I fell into a pail! The doctors and nurses were busy preparing things at the other side of the delivery room. They ran to me in shock. Since I cried and was very much alive, they rushed me to Alexandra Hospital for further checks.

Small as I was, I had 3 major operations before I even turned one year old. According to my parents, the longest operation lasted 7 hours. When I was wheeled out from the operation theatre, the doctors said that there was only a 2% chance of my surviving. It was heart wrenching for my parents to see their first born covered with wires and having to experience such pain. In the Intensive Care Unit the tender loving care from the nurses and doctors made it possible for me to recover sufficiently only to find myself being, once again, pushed into the operation theatre for the next major operation. They cut off part of my intestines so I could digest food properly and not walk around with a distended stomach. They left me with three long scars but alive to share my story!

Throughout the one year stay in hospital, the doctors and nurses took great care of me, especially Dr Ho; she carried me and brought me around whenever she went to visit the patients, which cause a big fuss at my ward where the nurses could not find me on my bed. I spent my first birthday at the hospital. When I was discharged from the hospital, I cried aloud as I did not want to leave the hospital, I reached home but I was not used to the new environment so I cried and cried, My parents found it weird and bought me back to hospital, there I smiled as I found the place familiar.

I uttered my first word calling my parents at the age of 3 that was when my parents burst into tears of happiness. I started schooling at a very young age; the 1st school was rainbows centre, followed by Margaret Drive Special School and the last special school was where my whole life changed for the better that was MINDS Jurong Gardens School

In this school, I met my teacher cum benefactor, She is Ms Lim Seok Lin, who transformed my whole life, without her, I will not become what am I today. Below is the article on how Miss Lim transformed my life:

How Ms Lim Seok Lin transformed my life

I am Lee Kai Ling Kathy, was an ex- student of Ms Lim, she is my benefactor cum friend I could say. The reason why I called her my benefactor was because she transformed me into what I am today. She taught me when I was only 3 years old when I was in Jurong Gardens (MINDS) School. I was very fragile at that time, as I had difficulty in my hand coordination and had problems in walking properly. Ms Lim and two other teachers were taking care for a few children at the same time including me in a small group. They really take great pains in taking care for me, especially Ms Lim, I could remember that those were times that I was singing National Anthem and she stood behind me to support me as she was afraid that I would fall. I learnt how to write my name and numbers 1 to 100 and a couple of words. Throughout the one and the half years in Jurong Gardens (MINDS) School, the most memorable birthday that I ever had were when I was 4 years old, she celebrated with me. She recommended me to Salvation Army( Bukit Batok) after discovering that I had the ability to write my name and numbers 1 to 100 and read a couple of words.

When I enrolled to Salvation Army (Bukit Batok) for my nursery, I was rejected by the classmates. The teachers found it tedious and problematic attending to my toileting needs. Ms Lim was worried for me as she was afraid that I could not adapt to the new life there. She would continuously visiting me secretly in her car watching me how I am to adapt to the life there, she could wait for me till end my class and send me back home. I finally overcomed all the difficulties in Salvation Army (Bukit Batok) and proceeded to Rulang Primary School.

In Rulang Primary School, I was keeping in touch with her in emails, and with her care and concern throughout the years, I continued my studies in Secondary School, ITE (Clementi). Then I started helping her in Grace Orchard School whenever I had my holidays in my school. I helped her by being a teacher assistant taking care of the mild learning difficulty and autism children whenever the teacher in charge was not around. I could help her in the office whenever needed is required.

I could vividly remember: one night, I helped her in the office till very late arranging her documents. I enjoyed that moment very much and also other teachers in Grace Orchard School.

The teachers whom I had helped throughout the stay in Grace Orchard School are teachers from mild learning difficulty classes; both in the morning and afternoon sessions, the children were very innocent, cute and hardworking. Some of the students I helped left a deep impression in me, one was a 8 year old girl joined the afternoon Honour class crying in tears, clinging to her mum, refuse to let go during the first day of the class.

Another is an austic child, love to learn and react to music, he amazed me by the knowledge of English when attending music class, the teacher will teach the students the tunes of the music, he will sit behind and start mumbling the song to himself.

Too many students I helped, these are the few students that I have listed, too many memories there etched in my heart. Lastly I thank Ms Lim that she is willing to let me help her as well as the teachers.

I rest in her room in GOS when I just came back from my Phillippines Iloilo trip in 2005 as her school was organising Games Day at that moment as I was so tired.

The teachers that I helped were Ms Neo Chia Ying, Mrs Cassandra Singh and Ms Karen Bay.

Hope the teachers and students are coping well and doing fine in Grace Orchard School.

As my hobby is sailing, she would surprise me by dropping by to visit me in National Sailing Centre but in the end we could not meet as I was in the sea sailing.

Now I am currently working as a data entry worker in Bizlink.

With her determination and perseverance in teaching me when I was young and recommending me to a normal salvation army. I will not become what I am today. Ever since I left Jurong Gardens School, she had been showing care and concern for me throughout the years I studied until now I worked, she still show care and concern and keep in touch with me. This bonding between she and I will never break because the bonding will continue as far as I know.

Whenever I have relationship problems, I would ask her for her advice, whether should I carry on this relationship a not, if her advice is good, I will then reconsider the relationship between the guy and me.

Now she is working with people with disabilities providing counseling, coaching and training to the people around them, glad that she is doing her forte job and she like the job.

She has really transformed my life to what I am today.

She is my benefactor and dear forever as she is my pillar of strength when I am feeling down and low, I will message her about what are the problems I had, and she will reply encouraging messages to me. Thanks for being there for me for this 20 years we had known each other and when every time I needed her comfort, she are always there, no amount of words can represent the bond between us, and I believe it will continue forever.

Jurong Gardens (MINDS) School had even picked me to write an article on how I inspired them and how I overcome all the odds.

Small but Strong: Kathy

A Success Story

She has difficulty with her hand and co-ordination and had problems walking Kathy Lee was a small, pleasant and lovable girl when she joined the Pre- School Class (Afternoon Session) in 1991. There were 3 of us in the class then, Ms Lim Seok Lin, Ms Emily Soh and myself. She was a fragile girl who had difficulty with her hand co-ordination and had difficulty walking properly. Within a few days we realised that she is a brilliant child who had this great desire to learn and to overcome disability. Slowly but surely, she had improved her intellectual and physical ability. Ms Lim, and later Mdm Suriana, whose group she was under, took great pains working with her. By the end of 3rd term, she would write her own name, all the letters in the alphabet, recognise and count numbers more than 30, and even read a couple of words. She was placed in the Integration Programme at the Salvation Army Child Care Centre at Bukit Batok on staggered days at first. Initially she had a lot of problems adjusting to the life over there. She was not accepted by her classmates. The teachers they found it tedious and problematic attending to her toileting needs and so on. But she still persevered; thanks to Ms Jennifer Low, Ms Lim Seok Lin and Mdm Suriana. By the end of the year she was fully integrated into their Kindergarten programme. I met Kathy in the bus one Saturday this year. She could recognise me. She is still the same shy child but she is more confident now. According to her father, Kathy will be attending Primary One classes at Rulang Primary School next year. Though it is rare that an ID child can make it to a mainstream school, Kathy’s success story gives us hope that training can help our children achieve to the best of their potential. Written by: Mrs V. Indrane

Rulang Primary School

The journey in enrolling in this primary school was never easy as the primary school principal rejected my parents application form due to my condition which they found it tedious and hard, the principal, Miss Lim Poh Suan, even tell my parents to enrol me to a special school as there is the place I was supposed to be and not here, my parents reply her was “She was from Special school and being transferred out to have normal education.”

When I was in Rulang Primary School, there were two teachers who took care of me; these two teachers went the extra mile in teaching the students including me. Mr Goh Wei Howe was my Primary 3 and 4 form teacher, I could vividly remember the first meeting between Mr Goh and I was that I went to the wrong class, and Mr Goh come down from the 3rd storey and look 4 his student that is me, the moment he called my Chinese name, I knew I went to the wrong class, throughout the 2 years, he took extra care of me and scolded me whenever I do anything wrong, This teacher made a difference to my life, up to now, I am still in contact with Mr Goh.

The other teacher who made a difference in my life was Mdm Sajini, she was a very strict but caring teacher, she care for me but whenever I do wrong things, she would scold until I shed tears, but due to her wonderful teaching, I passed my Primary School Leaving Examination with flying colours.

Hua Yi Secondary School

After Rulang Primary, I went to Hua Yi Secondary School, throughout the 4 years in Hua Yi Sec, I met a lot of caring and helpful teachers, and the school even had an article written about me in their Contacts magazine, and the principal Mrs Kong even present me a Special Achievement Award in 2002.

Below is the article:

Something about Kathy

Born three months premature, weighing only 850g, her chances of living seems slim. Despite her partial disability- cerebral palsy

Kathy Lee successfully battled all the odds, and was recognized for her efforts by the Chinese Development Association Council (CDAC) which presented her with the Extraordinary Award 2000. Given the award for the first time, CDAC wants to honour students who not only do well in their work but also have to go through great lengths to achieve their aims. “It is the X-factor that we recognize in Kathy, the ability to help herself regardless of her handicap and still able to pull through her studies.” said Mrs Karen Oei, principal of Bendeemer and Chairperson of CDAC Student Award Selection Committee.

With determination and perseverance, Kathy passed her Primary School Leaving Examinations and continued her studies at Hua Yi Secondary School, a student in the Normal Technical stream; she not only strives to excel in her work but also leaves a sense of inspiration and admiration in the people she meets.

Kathy’s active participation and enthusiasm in physical education lessons shows her independence and strength. ‘She doesn’t like to be left out and doesn’t want any special treatment from the school,’ said Madam Tan Hoe Keng, her form teacher, who also teaches her Chinese and Physical Education. Kathy frequently volunteers to help her teachers, ‘Every morning, she would be waiting outside the teachers’ room to help me carry things,’ added Mdm Tan

Her appreciation for her teachers was expressed during Teachers’ Day last year. She wrote a poem and read it aloud in front of the whole school. It was no mean feat for her. Her courage was admirable and impressed her peers and teachers.

Below was the poem:

Dear Principal, Teachers, School Mates

亲爱的校长，教师们，同学们

It is my pleasure to present you a poem

我把一首诗歌献给老师们，是我的荣莘

Teachers are the best

老师最好

Hua Yi has the pleasure of having such good teachers

华义有如此很好的教师

I like your teaching

我喜欢你们的教学

You made the teaching interesting

你们的教学有方

Because you are very knowledgeable

因为你们很有知识

I wish all the teachers a very happy teachers’ day

我忠心祝贺所有的老师门，老师节快乐

HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY

祝贺全天的老师们，老师节快乐

Teachers have definitely played an important role in her life. Their patience and encouraging words have spurred her and motivated her. This bashful yet optimistic girl was all praises for her teachers when asked what she liked about them. ‘They are caring’ was one of the compliments she has for them. Her thirst for success can be seen in her enthusiasm to do her work well and on time. ‘She has a determined and positive attitude. She would come up to me to ask me ways to improve her work.’ said Mr Kwang Liang Yong, who was her Science teacher last year and Special Project this year. With all the hard work and will she put into her studies, she emerged third in position amongst her cohort last year and eighth for her mid year examinations this year. To recognize her spirited drive, the school is awarding her with a Special Achievement award as an example of excellence. I sat for my GCE N Levels with my right hand bandaged because of a nasty fall in the school, took about 5 days to recover. Luckily I can still pass my GCE N levels with good results.

ITE West Campus (Clementi)

I spent 3 years in this campus, here I made a lot of caring and helping friends, one of the best friends I met was Tay Kai Hui, Esther, I remembered the 1st time meeting her was in a computer room doing Office Application project, she was sitting alone at one corner, very quiet and shy girl, when I approached her to become a team member of our project, she is kind of quiet type but she followed me and eventually became a member of the project, that is where our everlasting friendship grows, from there we talked about anything under the sun, be it personal problems or school matters, every time whenever I am feeling down, I will talk to her and confide in her, she is a friend where I can confide my secrets to and help me whenever she can, we could go to Jurong East library and studied whenever we had examinations coming up, go to West Mall or IMM for lunch if our lunch break is long enough, and this friendship goes on even we had graduated from ITE. Now we are still in contact no matter using what way, either in msn or sms. She have a boyfriend who doted on her dearly and I hope her relationship with her boyfriend last forever and ever. She is now a personal assistant to her boss. She does her work diligently. Whenever she feels sad, she will also confide to me and I will try my best to help solve the problems. Now she is recovering from the nasty fall that she had for the last few months, hope she will recover in time to come, and we shall meet again to have a wild and mad shopping trip. Esther, Thanks for being there for me throughout these years, enduring my bad temper and whenever I cried, you will be first one to reach out to me, saying comforting words to me, it is my pleasure to have u as my zhi xin peng you, a friend where each of our family background is put aside, u are willing to have me as your dear friend, Hope this friendship will last as long as we live.

As my hobby was sailing before I stepped into the working world, below is the article which I wrote about when Teenage Magazine interviewed me.

The Teenage Magazine Interview article

Sailing Strong

Sailing is a tough sport for anyone… but even more so for 18- year -old Kathy Lee. She has cerebral palsy, a physical disability which causes her to lose control of her muscles. That however doesn’t stop her from going out with the sport and winning herself some medals along the way. Starting out when she was just 14, Kathy was encouraged to try sailing during a recruitment drive by the Singapore Disability Sport Council (SDSC). “An image of sailing (ran) through my mind, as I imagined what it would be like,” she says, smiling at the memory. Excited by the thought of it, Kathy decided to give it a shot- she was looking for something to commit her time to anyway. Recalling how she first started sailing on her own, Kathy says “The big waves came and because of the strong winds, I could not fully control the boat, I was almost scared out of my wits!” Fortunately for her, she had the full support of her parents and coaches. “{My father} told me that you will have to overcome these fears in order to become an experienced sailor.” Though Kathy was determined to persevere, it wasn’t easy overcoming the physical challenges that sailing posed. She explains that her left brain and right side of her body are affected by cerebral palsy, which made it difficult for her to handle the boat at times. After braving the waves over and over again, Kathy learnt to how to sail on her own and grew to be an experienced sailor of four years in counting. In fact, Kathy now helps to train the new female sailors in SDSC, using her own experiences and memories to guide them. “I’ll try my best to comfort them as I know they are new sailors,” she says, remembering how afraid she was when she first started out. When she was 16, Kathy began participating in sailing competitions including the Australian and International Access Dinghy 2004 where Kathy came in third in her category. She came in first in the Sailability Singapore Regatta 2006 recently. Her sights are now set on representing Singapore in the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. The Clementi ITE Administration student also aims to graduate in March next year and move on to a polytechnic to get a diploma. Truly an inspiration, Kathy is a reminder to us that all things in life, there’s nothing we can’t do if we have the right amount of will-power, determination and spirit!

Sailing Experience

I first started sailing in year 2002, and the reason that I wanted to try sailing is because of a Singapore Disability Sports Council Officer, Alan Tan, encourage me to join as that period is recruitment of new sailors. A sailing image run through my mind as I imagined what would be like, so my mother asked him where is the location, He answered that it was at Changi Sailing Club, which is pretty far for me, but I told my parents that I wanted to try out, as I was influenced by Alan’s speech, so my parents allowed me to give out a try. The first time I went to sailing was quite fun as I met Jo Sis and Uncle Roger, when I asked them to teach me things like how to rig a boat, that is when I met Si Yuan and Max Tan, they are my long lost friends because I knew them when I was in Primary School as we joined Asian Woman Welfare Association at the same time. I was thinking got friends got accompany me, go and try it out. So I started to rig a boat with Sister Jo’s guidance, I learnt pretty fast, she showed me one time, then I know already. A coach by the name of Edward Yow was then leading us and coaching us, later we launched out to sea, as I was new, Desiree, a very experienced sailor, taught me the tactics on how to sail a boat, after 30 minutes, she came up to the jetty, and she let me try on my own. She looked from the jetty, discovered that I did not listen to her just now, so when I came up, she lectured me. I told myself next week I can do better, so the next week came without me noticing, that time, a new experienced sailor, Toh Soon, guides me along and after half an hour, she sailed back to the jetty again and allowed me to sail alone, after which, I am excited because I finally know how to sail a boat. Initially, when the big waves come and because of the strong wind I could not fully control the boat, and when the boat healed until the waves all pouring in my boat, I do not know how to release the main sheet; I was scared out of my wits. So the safety boat came and rescued me, I kept telling them to tow me back to the pontoon (jetty), but whenever I went up to jetty, my father will start nagging and scolding me as he asked me why am I up again, I told him that it was the strong waves and when the boat healed until the waves all pouring in my boat, that I was scared of, but he told me that you will have to overcome these fears in order to become a experienced sailor. Eventually, these fears were overcomed with Edward’s stern coaching and my father nagging and scolding. Finally, I started out by my own, with my fears all overcomed. When any new female sailor wants to try out. I will be the one who will ferry them to and fro to the yellow buoy, and if they were scared, I will try my best to comfort them because they are new sailors. If they want to put their hands out the boat, I will tell them why another boat cannot as if come near them, the hands will be injured. We learnt a lot of sailing tactics from all the experienced sailors then we all passed on the next batch of new sailors. Edward planned a trip to Pulau Ubin to all the sailors to reward us that we had come so far. So they day finally reached with all the sailors’ parents consent, we all went to the Pulau Ubin which was a fun day. Initially I was sailing, then suddenly strong wind come and I being towed by Sister Jo’s boat, and then I was transferred to Edward’s motor boat because I had no more strength already, so I can only pass the boat to Desiree, and watch on Edward’s boat and see them sail to Pulau Ubin themselves when I enjoyed sitting on this boat because no need to use any more strength to sail, only use my eyes to watch, after 15 minutes of sitting on the boat, we finally reached Pulau Ubin, Edward being the overall coach, he prepared all the things such the barbequing all the hotdogs and he do whatever he could before all the parents of the sailors and the sailors reached the seaside. How I wished that will happen again, but I do not think so already. Finally, how times files, two years of sailing had over, Max and Si Yuan and me won the Pesta Sukan Regatta 2004 (the first to third placing) and were sent to Sydney to represent Singapore. Below will be the experience that I wrote when I was back in Singapore on the 3 of October 04.

Trip to Sydney

I set off on 30 of September to participate Australian and International Access Dinghy 2004 with my team with my coach Uncle Henry, my friends (Max and Si Yuan). We depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 0915 hours. The flight to Sydney is 6 hours. Finally after the long flight, we reached there late at night We reached Camp Breakaway after a long ride in the transport; we were very tired so we fell asleep right away. The next day arrived with a bad day as it was raining cats and dogs, so the training was cancelled due to this, instead we went for a tour which we were not expected to have with the Japanese Team who lived with us. We returned to Belmont 16s Sailing Club to have lunch and waited for us to be registered. The next morning, we all set off to Belmont 16’s Sailing Club to prepare to have races, but the sea was too rough to have races then the organizing committee said to wait till the afternoon, so we went to the zoo with the Japanese Team with a help of the volunteer Grahme Brother, we reached there with excited faces eager to see the animals but not we expected as the goats were totally surrounding us. We went to have a ride while sitting on the tram. At first, I was not scared but I was gradually scared as too many goats surrounding me, I screamed and run for my life. Finally I decided to sit and take photos of them feeding the goats. The third day, the day seemed to be different as it was sunny and it was good for sailing races, we all cheered up at that thought so we were all prepared for the race that was coming ahead of us, we reached there with smiling faces, we three were all be racing in the afternoon which was a advantage to us to see the races of the divisions which was racing in the morning, but seems that some of the races were abandoned as it was over the time limit, we three just hope our races were not being abandoned too. Finally it was our turn to be in the races, they did not have our weight taken, and that was a big advantage to us. Soon the races finished with no abandoned races. I came third while Max came in first and Si Yuan came in fifth. Singapore won the team trophy. Soon night came and we all gathered at Camp Breakaway’s Japanese cabins to have our last night fully spent. We hate to say goodbye to them as during the three days, I made friends with them. Finally, the last day arrived with most reluctance as the day we were going to part had finally come. We board the bus going to the airport with hearts hard to part with them. We reached the airport and arrived to our home late at night. Overall, I found this trip spent fruitfully, I learnt not to turn another round during the race when I supposed to finish. I hope to achieve more than this achievement in the future, aiming to represent Singapore in Beijing Paralympics in 2008 Till now, I have sailed for 3 years- two more months to 4 years. I learnt a lot a sailing tactics from them, and made a lot of new friends in my 3 years of sailing, let me tell you, the only female sailor who stay put till this date is me, the only female sailor in the morning session, so I am willing to teach the new female sailors on how to sail the boats as well as to rig a boat in a proper manner. All the old times will not be back again but trust me, how I wish that old times will reappeared in my sailing life.

I have entered the working world 3 years ago, been working in Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd, a organization where provide employment opportunities for the disabled, here I had made a lot of caring friends cum colleagues, I worked as a data entry operator, the organization is located in east area of Singapore but I stay in the west of Singapore but luckily I had transport to ferry me through and fro my workplace. Hope this will be my first and last job.

Below will be some write ups about me by my dear friends

Mrs Tambyah’s Write up (16-08-2006)

"I first met Kathy several years ago. She used to drop by with her mother, to visit her good friend, Ms Lim Seok Lin, who was Principal of AWWA School at that time. Kathy was always cheerful and had a smile for everyone. More recently, I have caught up again with her as she is now with AWWA's TEACH ME Integration Services. She is a thoughtful and helpful young person. I have seen her personally encouraging friends in distress. As always, Kathy continues to be cheerful, giving of her best to whatever she does. She is now quite a confident young woman who currently works at telemarketing. I wish her God's blessings in all that she sets out to do." Hope this is fine with you Kathy. All the best and God bless and guide you day by day. Mrs Tambyah

Dawn Lee Write up (16.8.2006)

About Kathy Lee… I first met Kathy at Salvation Army child care centre (BT Batok), she was about 6 years old, and she looked frail then. Time flies, she’s grown up. She’s now ‘big and strong’. I thank God for sending many kind souls (including teachers, volunteers, caregivers, Christians) into her life. I also thank God for bringing her into my life, she taught me not to take things for granted, and I have learned to appreciate life and health. Written by dawn lee

Jeremy Tan Write up (14/8/2006)

Dear Kathy, I am Jeremy Kor Kor, your ex- Volunteer swimming coach in SDSC. It wasreally nice knowing you, a positive and joyful young woman. You changemy life unknowingly. Despite your disadvantage, you never give up and your lovely smile really brightens up my day. Making your weaknesses into strengths is not just remarkable and your strength too. Your families and friends around you are irresistible by your beautiful personality and determination. Life is always a journey of challenges, facing them courageously marked your distinction! No amount of words could ever describe the amount of challenge youmounted. Take care! Kindest Regards, Jeremy Tan

Likes and Dislikes

Like to:

• Be with a group of friends



• Take care and help others



• Make lots of friends



• Surf net



• Read chinese novels



• Listen to music



• Make friends with hearing impaired people (I can interpret using my poor sign language)

Dislike to:

1. Be scolded by best friends v Be shouted at to the extent that I think that the volume is too loud



2. Be alone



3. Eat medicine which consist of big tablets as I cannot swallow them in one go

Overseas Trips

I went to India to participate in the 6th International Abilympics in New Delhi, India organized by Bizlink Centre Singapore Ltd. I also went to Sydney to participate in the Australian and International Access Dinghy 2004 for my sailing competition

Went to Malacca in malaysia for 1 day trip with HFC Volunteers n younger clients to test our independence whether we can go overseas without parents by our side

Philippines Iloilo for my overseas community outreach project together with Ngee Ann Polytechnic Business Administration students and volunteers from Andrew and Grace Home and 4 of my friends from Asian Woman Welfare Association to teach our counterparts from Philippines some basic computer skills.

Penang in Malaysia for my community outreach project with volunteers from a volunteer group called the Happy Friends Club together with those younger clients from Asian Women Welfare Association Teach Me Services.

Lastly, I went to Philippines Manila to participate in the community outreach project with all my Teach Me in- Circulation friends and one hearing impaired friend.

To all my friends out there: Thanks for coming into my life, no matter how often we meet each other, regardless how far we are and how long we had knew other, I believe the friendship will last forever as long as I live. You all being my friends do hold a place in my heart, no matter how deep, I will remember you all. Thanks once again.

Toastmasters Journey

I first joined Toastmasters Club when I first attend the meeting at Teach Me, AWWA, I was influenced by Cheryl's speech as I find it very interesting and fun and it helps me to improve my communication with other people, The club was chartered in 2007 with Shahidah as the president, Me as the Vice president of education, Sabur Bee as the vice president of membership, Cheryl as the treasurer, Yuan Ping as the Vice President of Public Relations as the EXCO Committee members.

Cheryl run through the script and roles with me in the conference room asking me whether I want to become the second highest rank in the EXCO Committee which is the VPE, I hesitated initially but due to her excellent persuading speech, I took up the role.

Initially, it was tough and tedious as I only can email/sms to all the members to chase them to do their projects/ taking up speaking slots and get back to me as soon as possible. With my consistent chasing and messages, some members reply to me, I will then update the programme sheet.

Winson, a friend of Cheryl, he is from Singapore Toastmaster Club come in and help us with the searching of evaluators/ speakers to fill up our vacant spaces of the programme sheet, he really took the extra mile to help us regardless how tired/busy he is, he will definitely take time off his busy schedule and help us.

He might be stern, strict to us but in his bottom of his heart, he do have a heart that wants to help us selflessly.

He will chase us with the programme sheet to check and run through it with us, all of us are scared of him and will do the tasks he assigned to us as soon as possible so that we are spared from his nagging and scoldings.

I would vividly remember one of the afternoons, he treated me, Yuan Ping, Shahidah to eat ice cream as he wanted to thank us for the journey we had come so far, but I choose a cone of ice cream instead of a cup of ice-cream, in the end when I finished the ice cream with my mouth, hand full of ice-cream, I asked for tissue to wipe them off my sticky hands. The taste of the ice-cream was tasty as I choose Oreo biscuits as I liked to eat them. Winson, thanks again for the nice treat and hopefully I will have the chance to eat again with you when you are back from Qatar, thousands of miles away from here.

Here, I wish you all the best there and remember that there is a little girl here waiting to eat your ice-cream again.

Cheryl, thanks for being there for me whenever I have problems; I can tell you, anyway thanks for the Milo drink that u offered me when I was sick at that moment. Your name is the same as the one of the resource teachers who taught me in TEACH ME last time.

So, when I heard your name initially, I thought it was her who come back, but I met you, from strangers become friends, I do treasure those moments with you, especially the farewell party, someday we will meet again and have a chat, I wish you the best in everything you do.

Toastmasters have changed my life throughout the 1 year; it had helped me boost up my confidence and the communication between people.

Even though I had quit from Toastmasters due to financial difficulties and personal problems, I sincerely hope I can walk through with all the members now in Toastmasters be it in volunteering, I would try my very best to find time off from my busy schedule to help you all out.

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me.