The struggle is real as a 20-something. Every day, we’re faced with choices that seem like they’d set the course for the rest of our lives. Daunting? You bet. But this decade isn’t as scary as it sounds. Hear it from three young women who’ve made a big commitment and lived to tell the tale.
The struggle is real as a 20-something. Every day, we’re faced with choices that seem like they’d set the course for the rest of our lives. Daunting? You bet. But this decade isn’t as scary as it sounds. Hear it from three young women who’ve made a big commitment and lived to tell the tale.
Be Socially Conscious
Millennials have been accused of many things, including being the most self-centered generation ever. Cindy Poh, 24, shares why there is no better time than now to start getting involved.
“I’m a kennel volunteer with Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD), an animal welfare group that rescues and rehomes stray dogs in Singapore. Every Saturday, I help out at their shelter in Pasir Ris. My duties include taking the dogs out for walks, cleaning up the kennels, getting rid of ticks and worms, and teaching the canines some basic commands.
I’m glad I volunteered in my 20s, because I still have the time and energy to spare at this point. Sometimes, we can be so caught up in our own lives that we forget about the less fortunate among us. Doing something like this is a good way to contribute to society, and it helps us to take a step back and be truly appreciative of what we have in life. I would encourage everyone to get involved in one way or another – besides animal shelters, there are plenty of other places where a little help is always appreciated.
It’s been a year since I first signed up, and it has been an eye-opening experience. Volunteering is a good way to meet new people who share the same interests. Through this experience, you’ll also see some personal development that will carry over to other aspects of your life. For me, I find that I’ve gained more confidence and patience, and I’m more assertive compared to how I was in the past.
To be completely honest, volunteering work can be exhausting at times, especially when you’re doing labourintensive tasks. I’m always drained after walking the dogs, especially if it’s a sunny day, and occasionally, we have to scrub out the entire unit because of a tick infestation. It’s tiring but well worth it knowing that the dogs are being well taken care of. It’s an extremely rewarding feeling!
I love dogs and I’ve always wanted one of my own. It’s just too bad that my family doesn’t feel the same way! While attending the National Geographic Channel Free Pet Shop last year, I realised that I could contribute in a different way by helping out at a dog shelter. Through that adoption drive, I learnt about the plight of stray or abandoned dogs, and I was determined to help SOSD’s cause.”
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Committing to a Cause
Let’s get real: volunteering is easier said than done. Cindy tells us the three things to take into consideration before signing up.
Is there a specific cause you feel strongly for?
“You’ll only be committed to things that you like. You have to make sure that what you’re doing is enjoyable for you, so that you’ll be motivated to give it your all.”
How much time can you set aside for this?
“We all have different jobs and different schedules. It’s completely fine if you don’t have time to spare – volunteer work comes in many forms. For example, if you can’t spend four hours at the shelter you can still work with SOSD as a transport or fundraising volunteer, where the timing is more flexible.”
How much responsibility are you ready to take on?
“It’s important to do thorough research to know what you’re getting yourself into. If possible, talk to someone who’s already helping out at the organisation. Sometimes, people say yes very enthusiastically without giving it much thought, only to find out later that the work isn’t suitable for them.”
