Red Cross Youth was not Ms Caylene Mak’s first choice when it came to choosing her Co-curricular Activity (CCA) when she entered secondary school. A recipient of this year’s President’s Youth Award, she looks back with pride — relieved that she didn’t allow her disappointment to get in the way of what has proven to be the highlight of her high school years. 

When Caylene realised that she was going to be a Red Cross Youth (RCY) cadet, she shuddered. Images of tough commanders barking out orders and scrawny teenagers decked out in overly-starched uniforms stomping around the parking lot sent shivers down her spine. She had set her hopes on any one of the other CCAs on her list to have a vacant spot for her — but to no avail. Heading towards the first meet-up for fresh cadets, she sighed, resigned to four years of discipline and drills. Yet, little did she know, she was walking towards  a purposeful and deeply rewarding experience that would form the best parts of her secondary school experience. 

Leaving with a Full Heart

“The view that RCY requires elements of discipline and marching holds some truth. However, my personal experience has allowed me to view RCY as more than that. It was grounds for building connections through the various opportunities offered to members to give back to society. For example, through shifts at the Blood Bank, visits to the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) and engagements for the annual Grateful Hearts Day (GHD) fundraising campaigns, my commitment to community service has been reinforced. These activities became a catalyst for personal growth and instilled values such as empathy in me, reshaping my world view and providing enlightenment on societal issues.

I would strongly encourage students to look towards RCY as a CCA option to consider. I hope that the surface-level perceptions of RCY as a whole can be gradually corrected and looked past.”

Having gained so much in her four years with RCY, Caylene was surprised that she was walking away with one more thing — the prestigious President’s Youth Award. 

“Receiving the President’s Youth Award came as a rather huge surprise, but a deeply humbling honour nonetheless. I would like to express my eternal gratitude to those who have supported me through my RCY journey. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the other fellow nominees and awardees, and commend their devotion and contributions to the Singapore Red Cross.”

Marching Down Memory Lane

“One of my most significant sources of motivation were those I had the privilege of working with. My batch mates served as a constant pillar of support! Shared experiences, such as training camps and planning events as Non-Commissioned Officers, strengthened our camaraderie. 

My seniors within the unit have also left a lasting impact on me. Their dedication to RCY served as inspiration for those within and outside of the unit. Their mentorship and guidance, which extended even beyond their time in the unit, is something I deeply appreciate.

Following in the footsteps of my seniors, I aim to offer my juniors the same support and guidance as I had received, and hopefully help them in the creating of a meaningful and memorable RCY journey of their own.”