A year ago, anticipation and excitement crackled in the air as SUSS student mentors from the Share, Grow, Excel (S.G.E.) Association met their mentees from New Life Children & Student Care@Teck Whye for the first time. Fast forward to the present, the group reunited at the same student care center – a place where their connection blossomed. This gathering marked the culmination of a meaningful chapter in their mentorship journey.
Start of the throwback segment with the mentees listening attentively to the SUSS student mentors
The day's program kicked off with a "throwback segment," where mentees eagerly showcased their development. It wasn't just their knowledge that had expanded; their values, shaped by New Life Student Care's P.A.N.D.A Champs Character Programme, shone through. A lively quiz, interspersed with snapshots from past events like their Little India excursion, brought these valuable lessons to life. Hands shot up from both familiar faces and newcomers eager to participate. The energy in the room was palpable, and for the SUSS mentors, witnessing their mentees' progress was a truly fulfilling moment.
SUSS mentors and their mentees waiting for their chance to paint
One of the day's highlights was the mural painting activity. This collaborative effort became a powerful symbol of the shared journey between mentors and mentees. Working together, they used vibrant colors and meaningful symbols to express their experiences and emotions, leaving behind a lasting reminder of their bond. This vibrant mural also served as a unique gift from SUSS to New Life Children & Student Care.
One of the paintings done by a group of SUSS mentors and their mentees
The session was filled with laughter and creativity. Mentors and mentees took turns wielding paintbrushes, capturing the essence of their shared experiences through art. As one mentor fondly recalled, "It was truly heartwarming to see the children again and even more so to see how well they remembered our shared experiences." As the day drew to a close, the mentees expressed their gratitude through a heartfelt performance, leaving a lasting impression on the mentors.
Mentee explaining how the painting that was done
This mentorship experience wasn't a one-way street. For the SUSS students, it fostered personal growth. Year 4 Accounting student, Hilmi Ishak, reflected on his biggest takeaway: "The most valuable lesson learned is the importance of understanding another person's perspective. By doing so, we can communicate and collaborate more effectively."
While this chapter has closed, the indelible memories and strong bonds forged will remain. This story exemplifies SUSS's commitment to fostering a vibrant and impactful student experience through service-learning initiatives.
Inspired to make a difference? Learn more about our service-learning programme here: https://www.suss.edu.sg/about-suss/college-of-interdisciplinary-experiential-learning/el/service-learning