It was a month-long wait before this day arrived. I was excited, even more excited than the Psych students, I think. We are going to Shan You Counseling Centre, one of the many Volunteer Welfare Organizations (VWOs) and definitely one of the more remarkable ones for taking responsibility on reaching out to poor families and needy individuals.

“Shan You seems to be a very interesting place and I am particularly interested in helping out during events as event coordinator as I've been in camps like this one before…looking forward to the upcoming activities.” Thank You. Shanu (6550)

This day, 31st of May is a special monthly affair for the centre’s clients: the centre is busy for jumble sales, packing and delivery of goods to the family recipients, and accommodating our REC Psych students. ­all of these events definitely cater to them.

It was indeed quite remarkable that provisions came flooding the place amidst the increase in basic commodities, most especially rice!

“…i would like to express my appreciation to you and to the school management for the arrangement of this educational trip. Personally i had gained extra than what i expected from this trip. Especially, i would like to thank Mr. Ang Hwee (hope i didn't spell his name wrongly)about the 'breathing exercise' and his words inspired me to take alook and review on my present life pace and schedule. I did practice the 'breathing exercise' few of these nights and i realise it really helped me to sleep better. But, we really need to practice and really relax and concentrate and i also realized that the next morning i do wake up with fresher mind and feel better. (well...is that a psychological effect??lol), i will keep practice and monitor.”

“Besides, with the food ration day, i am glad to know that there is help that physically goes to the needing people rather than those donation on TV show which i always doubt where the money really goes. Well, i hope the school should have more of this meaningful trip, besides the 'academy' purpose, also be a part to created a awareness and inspire student to have a more meaningful life. “
"Study-Life Balance'...;-)
Angel (Chieng Hoe Ming)

Initially, our group just expected to come in and tour around the place, and know more about the extent of services which the centre is offering, but much to our delight, Mr. Ang Hwee, the Centre Manager, gave us more than that. He exceeded our expectation by sharing the breathing technique with us – a form of therapy which the centre is well known for. This technique stressed the importance of living in the present rather than living in the unchangeable past or in the blurry future. He showed us the centre’s counseling room where he entertains peopleand listens to their problems free of charge most of the time; the conference room now packed with goods donated by able and generous people who used their own resources to transport these to the centre.

The students learned some things in a different way and in a different setting - they saw reality– of helping and being helped, of giving and being given.
Some decided to involve themselves in the centre’s upcoming community outreach activities.

Over all, the orientation program in Shan You was fruitful, an eye opener, most especially to most of us in the group who are more fortunate and who have the ability to help others.