Mahee Rathore

In Secondary 2, I led a student-initiated project aimed at promoting recycling among primary school children. As the team leader, I coordinated with my peers to plan and conduct interactive sessions that introduced creative and practical ways to recycle everyday items. One of our key activities involved teaching the students how to repurpose used milk cartons into coin pouches. This experience taught me the value of environmental education, leadership, and engaging younger audiences in meaningful action. It also sparked my interest in youth outreach and showed me the impact of combining creativity with sustainability.

I also volunteered at House of Joy, a volunteer group , where I had the opportunity to engage directly with the elderly. During my time there, I helped organise recreational activities, facilitated group exercises, and spent time conversing with the residents to provide companionship and emotional support. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of empathy, patience, and respect—values that are essential not only in community work but also in the legal profession. It also strengthened my belief in using my time and abilities to serve others, especially those who are often overlooked or vulnerable.

As part of a class-based volunteering initiative, I worked with my peers to organise and conduct activities for children at a local childcare centre. We planned interactive games, storytelling sessions, and simple crafts to engage the children in a fun and educational way. This experience helped me develop stronger communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to connect with younger age groups.

As an ad hoc volunteer with the National Library Board (NLB), I supported various community engagement initiatives. My responsibilities included shelving and organising books to maintain a welcoming and accessible environment for library users. I also took part in planning and assisting with a community fashion show, where I helped with event logistics and coordination. These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that supports public services and taught me the importance of organisation, initiative, and adaptability in serving the community.

During my O-Level break, I worked part-time at a local bakery, where I was introduced to various baking techniques and the daily operations of a commercial kitchen. I learned how to prepare different types of pastries and desserts, while also gaining a strong understanding of kitchen safety, hygiene standards, and time management.

As a volunteer tutor at Woodgrove Community Centre, I taught English to primary school students from diverse backgrounds. I worked closely with them to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills, tailoring my teaching approach to suit different learning styles and needs. This experience taught me how to communicate complex ideas in simple, accessible ways.

As a volunteer with Team Nila, I assisted in the organisation of a national-level sports meet, where I took on responsibilities such as ushering participants, guiding officials and ensuring smooth event flow.