What I Learnt from Volunteering
Over the years, I’ve volunteered in various capacities—packing and delivering goodie bags to families in need, preparing meals for the elderly, and befriending and feeding mentally and physically challenged patients at homes, to name a few. However, my volunteer work was mostly sporadic and inconsistent. While I enjoyed the experience, I didn’t feel deeply connected or committed, often seeing it as a one-off activity rather than something that could be an ongoing part of my life.
That changed when I discovered Happee Hearts through my organization’s annual give-back initiative. Founded by Dr. Chen SL, Happee Hearts is a movement dedicated to supporting individuals with mental challenges and their families. The organization’s holistic approach, emphasizing not just medical support but emotional and social well-being, resonated with me.
I was deeply moved by Dr. Chen’s vision and mission, and soon after, I began volunteering with them as a medical escort—driving patients and their families to medical appointments. Over the course of 8 months, this role was still on an ad-hoc basis, largely due to my work schedule. But even in this limited capacity, I saw firsthand the impact my small contribution had on those I helped.
As I became more involved with Happee Hearts, I got to know other volunteers and staff. I learned that volunteers play many different roles—whether it’s befriending patients through phone calls, educating higher-functioning patients on day-to-day activities, or simply providing companionship. Each of these roles is vital, and together, we shape the overall experience of the patients and their families.
Last year, I decided to commit to weekly volunteering, feeling that I could contribute more to the community. One realization that helped me was that my work schedule, which I had once viewed as a barrier, was actually an advantage. By having a structured routine, I could set aside dedicated time for volunteering instead of letting it become something I would “get to when I can.” Currently, I’m serving two families—befriending them and helping with grocery shopping. Every time I leave their homes, I feel energized and fulfilled, and I’ve come to truly appreciate the quiet joy that comes from these simple, meaningful acts of service.
Over time, I became more comfortable with my new routine, and as I interacted with the patients more frequently, I started to develop expectations for their growth. I found myself hoping to see clear signs of progress, whether it was in their communication, independence, or overall well-being. When reality didn’t meet these expectations, I sometimes felt discouraged and disheartened. I struggled with the sense that I wasn’t making the difference I had hoped for.
One day, I decided to focus solely on bringing positive energy and be fully present with the patient. During that session, she was cheerful and engaged throughout. By the end, she gave me a big, joyful smile—a smile that struck me deeply. In that moment, I realized that volunteering is not about me, my expectations or how much I can “fix.” It’s about being there for someone else, offering a listening ear, and providing companionship, without needing to measure success by visible progress.
This experience has not only changed my perspective on volunteering but has also reshaped my understanding of what it means to give. While we often think of volunteering as an act of service for others, it’s just as much about personal growth. Volunteering forces us to look beyond our own lives and confront the challenges and needs of others. In doing so, we open ourselves up to lessons we didn’t expect—lessons in humility, patience, and empathy. Volunteering teaches us that we don’t always need to “fix” things or have control over outcomes to make a meaningful impact.
I also came to realize that if I could set aside time for weekly volunteer work, then I certainly had no excuse to say I didn’t have time for exercise or personal well-being. Who would have thought that an act of service could come full circle and contribute not only to my emotional and spiritual well-being, but also to my physical health? It’s amazing how different aspects of our lives are interrelated and influence each other significantly.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth, not just for those I help, but for myself as well. Through this experience, I’ve learned that sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is simply our presence—our willingness to listen, support, and show kindness without any strings attached.
