Celine joined Beautiful People in 2019, during a transitional period when she was changing jobs. Even before joining the organisation, she had been deeply involved in community service, dedicating her time and energy to making a difference in the lives of others.
"I believe this philosophy of mine stems from my Chinese name (a fun fact about me!) – 彩虹 (Cǎi Hóng), which translates to 'rainbow'. My parents chose it with the hope that I would lead a colourful and vibrant life – something I carry with me every day," Celine chuckled.
Initially, she assisted with administrative and office tasks at Beautiful People. Over time, Celine became a mentor for My Beautiful Life @ Pertapis Centre for Women and Girls (MBL@PCWG). Alongside with other mentors, she connected with her mentees virtually from 2020 to 2021.
As her role evolved, Celine mentored at three homes for My Beautiful Life and Dream Fund. She is also the Programme and Curriculum Lead on Beautiful People's Executive Committee (EXCO) alongside Karyn. Together, they oversee the development and management of Beautiful People's mentoring initiatives.
When asked about her decision to join the EXCO, Celine explained, "I joined the EXCO to contribute and add value to Beautiful People in the best way I can, supporting a cause I truly believe in. I hope to explore how my fellow mentors can continue their mentoring relationships even after their mentees have graduated."
Throughout her journey with Beautiful People, Celine recognises her responsibilities as a mentor in supporting her mentees as they navigate life's challenges. Reflecting the organisation's ethos of "We are a relationship, not a programme," Celine emphasises the importance of building meaningful connections – with mentees, fellow mentors, and volunteers alike. She values education and mental support, believing in the power of simply being there for someone, offering a listening ear, and working through difficulties together, step by step.
As her mentees' needs evolved, Celine refined her mentoring approach. She sought guidance from programme leads and conversed with fellow mentors to explore new ways to improve her mentoring. "Life can be challenging, and our mentees need support navigating these difficulties. They are not alone in this journey; we (mentors)are here for them."
One of Celine's most memorable moments with Beautiful People was the outings with the mentees. "During an outdoor picnic with MBL@PCWG sometime last year, we (mentors) did craft activities where the mentees designed and decorated plain hats in their unique style. They brought these hats home as a keepsake of the wonderful memories we created together," she shared.
Reflecting on her journey with Beautiful People, Celine has come to value patience, open-mindedness, and the unique life paths of every mentor and mentee. For her, volunteering is not just about feeling good – it is about having the right intentions and focusing on the growth and well-being of the mentees. "Volunteering is more than giving; it is about transforming the lives of both those who give and those who receive," she shared.
Celine encourages others on this path to remain open-minded and trust the process. Over time, they will witness not only the growth of their mentees but also the meaningful relationships built along the way. "It is incredibly rewarding to see mentees become more comfortable expressing themselves, sharing their feelings, and discovering their preferences. The consistent presence and genuine care of mentors and volunteers create a supportive environment where the mentees truly feel empowered."