Love your volunteer gig? It just could become your career

Volunteering also became a meaningful way for Melissa to apply her counselling skills.

She recalled an incident where an elderly woman with a walking stick arrived late to an activity and was turned away by the groups she tried to join. Feeling excluded, she shouted in Hokkien, “I am just an old lady with walking difficulties! Why do you people push me around?” before storming out.

Melissa quickly followed, calming her down before encouraging the other seniors to put themselves in her shoes. “I asked them to consider how they would feel if they were told they didn’t belong,” she shared. “That was one of many times I was able to counsel seniors struggling with resentment and bitterness. It was fulfilling to help them find peace.”

Determined to foster a more supportive space, Melissa worked with staff to launch a six-session workshop on positive mindsets and respectful communication. Through games and skits, seniors explored topics like embracing diverse perspectives and managing emotions.

The impact was clear—more mindful and respectful environment, where seniors felt a stronger sense of belonging.