Ruoyi's journey as a volunteer in Beautiful People spans over a decade, a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact. Two fun facts about Ruoyi: she is a left-hander and a dog lover, currently a proud pawrent to two dogs.
In Beautiful People, Ruoyi wears several hats. She is a mentor for Families for Families, the Finance Lead on the Executive Committee (EXCO), and contributes actively to the Fundraising Committee. By day, she is an Experience Designer, Trainer, and Facilitator at BOLD, where she focuses on business development, programme design, and innovating new ideas.
Through her roles at Beautiful People and BOLD, Ruoyi is dedicated to giving everyone a sense of agency and hope, empowering individuals to realise their unique potential. Whether it's mentoring or designing programmes, I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute – and with the right guidance, they can truly bloom."
Ruoyi started her journey as a mentor in Beautiful People's GOOD WORK! back in 2013 and later joined My Beautiful Life @The Tent for over 6 years. Although the Tent eventually ceased operations, Ruoyi and her fellow mentors continued to stay in touch with their mentees. "We have a WhatsApp group where we share updates from time to time, and I also follow some of our mentees on Instagram. It's really nice to see them doing well. One of our mentees recently graduated from university, and we all congratulated her," She said with a smile.
Over the past year, Ruoyi has been deeply involved in Families for Families, facilitating monthly reading sessions for mentees' children. In addition, she stepped up as a fundraiser for Beautiful People’s #ChoosetoChange campaign. Together with her family, Ruoyi raised $1,500, offering donors personalised calligraphy art created by her father. "Recognising the risk of burnout, I set boundaries," she explains. "Instead of taking on new mentees, I’ve focused on nurturing long-standing relationships with my past mentees." This approach allows her to continue making a meaningful impact while prioritising her well-being and creating opportunities for new mentors to build relationships with incoming mentees.
When asked what has kept her motivated to volunteer with Beautiful People for over a decade, Ruoyi shared the meaningful relationships she has built, the joy of staying connected with her mentees, and her deep connection to the cause. "It resonates with me, and I am always exploring different avenues to continue giving back besides mentoring," she explained.
Reflecting on her time with Beautiful People, Ruoyi fondly recalls the memorable moments spent with her mentees at The Tent. From bonding during year-end camps over two days and nights to stepping out of their comfort zones on the flying fox, each experience left a lasting impact.
Summarising her volunteering experience, Ruoyi believes that consistency has been the foundation of the lasting relationships she treasures in Beautiful People – whether with mentees or the Beautiful People family. She feels consistency enables people to truly get to know you, fostering genuine connections that stand the test of time.
If there's one piece of wisdom Ruoyi would share with others on a similar journey, it would be to enjoy the journey. She believes that volunteering is not just about the results but about embracing the process, the challenges, and the growth along the way. "It's important to savour the moments, build meaningful connections, and appreciate the impact you are making on others and yourself."