SG60 List: At 16, She Chose Kindness over Grades — A Youth Volunteer’s Journey

At just 16 years old, student Bella (pseudonym) decided she wanted more than good grades—she yearned for purpose. What began with a volunteer visit to a lonely elderly woman sparked a transformation. Seeing the difference a human connection made, Bella dedicated herself to regular visits, offering companionship, food, and handwritten letters to residents in the community.

From Schoolbooks to Senior Smiles

Bella balanced schoolwork with community visits, reminding herself that education extends beyond textbooks. She formed heartfelt bonds with seniors, learning stories of resilience, sharing laughter, and becoming a fixture in their routines. Bella’s choice reshaped how she viewed success, seeing caregiving and compassion as equally valuable as academic achievement.

Empathy as Everyday Leadership

Over two years, Bella’s visits expanded to include food deliveries, digital photo albums, and role modelling for other students in her youth group. As word spread, more peers joined her efforts—gardening, festive visits, and holiday cheer became collective initiatives. Bella emphasised: “Sometimes what someone needs is just someone showing up.” Her leadership through empathy transformed school-based volunteering into sustained social action.

Young Kindness Fueling National Identity

As Singapore marks 60 years, Bella’s story reminds us that every journey toward nation-building starts with one act of kindness. Her simple decision to visit an elderly stranger became a ripple effect, touching lives, inspiring peers, and weaving care into the community fabric.

SG60 isn’t just about past achievements—it’s about the values we cultivate today. Youth like Bella embody the future of Singapore: compassionate, community-minded, and rooted in action.