Since joining SJI International in 2018, how has the school changed, and what are some of the most impactful changes you've seen?

Since 2018, enrichment at the school has massively flourished. That's been the most significant change, and I've seen that students actively demand leadership opportunities within enrichment. I lead the Service Learning Team, and in 2018, there were around 15 student-led Service CCA groups and now there are 60 plus, and it is all down to student demand and is student-led. They go out and find their partners; they are the ones who build relationships with our partners, and it allows them to develop a vast range of leadership skills, as well as empathy. These soft skills are vitally important and are needed in today's world more than ever.

Looking back on your time at SJI International, what are some of your most cherished moments, and what made them so special?

There have been so many, but I was blessed to have the opportunity to go to Manila and visit the Tondo community. We have a very special partnership with the UpSkills Plus Foundation. I went for the first time in February 2023, for only a day and a half. It was a whistle-stop tour, but we managed to see everything. We interviewed all of the staff members and department heads from the Upskills Plus Foundation, asking them about their most significant challenges and how the school can work with them to improve their lives. It was the most emotional meeting because all the staff members were incredibly humble and grateful for our care. I felt proud to represent SJI International and support a community struggling with everyday things. This led us to connect with EARCOS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools) and apply for the prestigious Richard T. Krajczar Humanitarian Award, which was subsequently awarded for our work to reduce period poverty. We ensured that girls had access to period products every month and educated the community, meaning that girls didn't have to stay inside for a week every month. Since that trip in 2023, I have visited Tondo four times; it gets me each time. But it gets me because the community is so hopeful and full of joy; they give everything they have to you and are so humble.

How do your roles as Service Learning Coordinator and Business Management Teacher complement each other, and how do you encourage students to apply business principles and innovative thinking to service learning?

The reason I chose the school was because of the values at the school and because of the significant element of service. And I knew there would be opportunities to integrate and embed the business curriculum into my service activities with service partners connected to the school. Within three months of my arrival, I had Walker, Founder and CEO of UpSkills Plus Foundation and the Tondo team, who all came over in 2018.  Fifteen scholarship students and six staff came, and I had them in my lesson running a recruitment exercise with our students to create UpSkills Plus Foundation ambassadors. Could we use our lessons to allow our students to understand issues better, as well as the strengths and assets they have? From then on, I ensured that every unit we studied within the business was linked to a service project, working with them to solve a problem, issue, or need. 

Service learning is often a formative experience for our students and alumni. What advice do you have for professionals looking to integrate service and social responsibility into their careers or personal lives?

We start every school year with a Service Learning week. As part of that, we invite alumni to return to school and share their journeys. For students attending SJI International, it's very easy for them to continue the life of service because we Enter to Learn and Leave to Serve. They have been on a journey in school, and because our work is about supporting the students, they understand service and develop an authentic service-learning mind. When they leave school, their hearts are open. And that's my rule. My role here is to open their hearts. Some students come into school already with that open heart; the journey is a bit longer for others. But the aim is that by the time the students leave, their hearts are open, and they are ready to Leave to Serve. We often hear from alumni that they are continuing with these practices. 

What advice would you offer to our alumni community as they navigate their own journeys?

Never forget your roots, and know that your actions can make a positive impact. There's always an opportunity to leave things better than you found and get involved. Coming from Singapore, particularly within this school, we've experienced significant privilege. As Brother Larry always reminds us, 'Count your blessings.' This resonates deeply, highlighting the opportunities I've been given. It's about creating time and space to share our education and skills while recognising that this process is reciprocal. It's not just about giving; it's about mutual learning. We offer what we have but actively seek to understand and learn from others. Our privilege empowers us to act, and the lessons we gain from engaging with others are just as valuable.

As you prepare to leave SJI International at the end of this term, what legacy do you hope to leave for the Service Learning programme?

I've focused on building a strong service-learning mindset. In my first year, I led a group of 18 staff members to develop our school's Service Learning framework. This framework, now widely used across the school, incorporates our core values like quality education and empathy. I hope this framework will be a lasting legacy, guiding all our students on what it truly means to serve and how they can leave things better than they found them.