Repeat student finds motivation in volunteer work

After repeating his first year, Jurong Pioneer Junior College student M. Ahilan turned to serving the community as a way of finding motivation and self-fulfilment.

Hours before receiving his A-level result on Feb 21, Ahilan told The New Paper he felt sad and disappointed when he found out that he was repeating J1.

But through the school's Kairos programme, where repeat students are mentored by teachers, Ahilan felt supported and understood, which helped him regain his confidence.

"I understood that my teachers are always going to be there for me, be it for studies or non-academic matters," he shared.

On weekends and during his free time, he would volunteer, mainly at Keat Hong Community Club.

Ahilan has racked up over 400 hours of volunteer work.

The 20-year-old still remembers his first volunteer experience, which was at a nursing home.

"I saw how just spending two to three hours of my time with the residents really brightened their day, it was something they looked forward to," he recounted, adding that the experience had a big impact on him.

Ahilan, who did better in his A levels than his prelims, hopes to pursue a degree in Political Science or International Relations and be part of the Singapore Army.

"Defence is a commitment I am making to my family, my loved ones and my community."