The assignment was to write an essay(about 1200words) to discuss about a social issue. This social issue had to be relevant to social in the Singapore Context. Some important aspects that had to be included in the paper were:

• Trends and Statistical Evidence
• Assessment of the current policies and programmes
• Assessment of the gaps and problems related to the issue.

The issue I chose was Social Isolation. My target group were elderly living alone in rental flat. I decided to address this social issue as it was a prevailing issue in Singapore society currently.

Before starting the essay, I did as much research as I could on the issue. This was important to me, as it built the starting ground for my essay. I made sure I was able to get a fair amount of information on the issue.

It took me about 5 days to complete and submit my essay. One of the problems I encountered was that, I was not able to get substantial information on the policies related to my issue. This is because, there weren't any policies that had related directly to the issue. Hence, I started worrying that I might not have substantial information, and therefore, not answering the question directly. However, I continue writing the essay, with the points I had and tried to expand on the points to the best of my abilities. When I submitted my assignments, I was still filled with a bit doubts and I was not fully satisfied with my work.

The other problem might have been that, I spend too much time on researching. In a way, I had dilemma on what to include and not to include in my essay. But with a help of a few friends, I had rough idea on what was necessary to include.

I really enjoyed the researching process. I was able to really learn about the situation of the social issue. It gave me a clearer idea on what the ministry is doing, and made me look at the social issue in different perspective. Not only that, as I was equipped with the theory and knowledge of social work

For my service-learning project, I have started volunteering at a youth drop-in centre called Youth Guidance Outreach Services (YGOS). YGOS is a youths-at-risk organization that covers a range of youth work from school social work to out of school youths, and youths in gang referred by the law enforcement agencies. My key role as a volunteer is to engage and befriend the youths during the drop-in sessions. This included engaging them in sports activities and playing board games with them.
The first day of volunteering was nerve wrecking as I was the only new volunteer from SUSS. However, the YGOS staff were warm and welcoming. They gave an overview of what the centre does and their expectations of volunteers. After the short briefing, I was asked to go ahead and befriend the youths. Funnily, the whole scenario reminded me of first day of school where one would try to approach people and talk them. Furthermore, I could see that the youths were wondering who I was as well. I decided push through the awkwardness and make small talk with a few youths who just entered the drop in centre. I introduced myself and asked them whether they are up for playing board games. Thankfully, at that moment one of the staff came by and encouraged the youths to go ahead and play board games with me. 

I think the board games were a great icebreaker. It was easier engage in small talk while playing games. I was able ask them what school were they from, their CCAs, their interest and how long they have been coming to the drop in centre. There were actually lesser youths than I expected and then the staff told me that, tuesdays (which was the day I was volunteering) usually tend to have lesser youths compared to fridays. As the numbers were small, the staff decided to bring all the youths to play basketball and so I tagged along. I enjoy sports in general and therefore I had a pretty good time playing with the youths. Before I knew it, it was the end of the drop in session. The youth said their farewells and I had a debrief with the staff. I shared about the awkwardness and the need for me to step out of my comfort zone. The staff affirmed me that it will be easier once I come to the session regularly and when the youth becomes familiar with me. 

Putting my own discomfort aside, I actually enjoyed myself during the session. It really brought me back to my secondary school days when talking to the youths. There was also a camaraderie culture within the centre, where there was mutual trust among the youths and staffs. All in all, it was a good first volunteering session and hope the the upcoming sessions would be great as well.