Why Gen Y is reluctant to call helplines

YouthInk writers explain why most would prefer not to call a helpline, while one lists the pluses.
A shoulder to lean on
WE HAVE lifelines available when we are drowning in despair, helplines being one of them. But at the end of the day, sharing weal and woe with family or close friends always helps the most.
My [...]

Finding fresh air and fresh perspective

FIVE years of studying in Australia have far removed me from my previous 17 years plugged into the Singapore system.
I had long heard of Australia’s world-class education, beautiful landscapes, favourable climate and slow pace of life, but experiencing it is a different ball game altogether.
As a medical student at the University of Western Australia, I [...]

What would stop me from picking up a cigarette?

Open their eyes
TO GET youth to banish cigarettes from their lives, it may help to give them a personal glimpse into the mess smoking can create.
While serving in the Red Cross back in secondary school, I visited a nursing home and met an elderly resident who used to be a chain smoker but was now [...]

What makes us ready for a Singapore beyond Lee Kuan Yew

Sound values ingrained in system
SINGAPORE’S model of good governance, built on the principles of meritocracy, fairness and efficiency, has propelled it to great success.
Future leaders from my generation will have to ensure that this system continues to work well. Fortunately, we have what it takes due to the education we have received that is better [...]

Striking a balance between work and play

Playing hard? Working harder
MANY of my peers spend most of their school holidays working temporary jobs, or participating in internships, or both. Some work part-time during the school term too, as tutors or research assistants.
Those who are graduating seem eager to start work, sending out applications long before their graduations. Given the recession, they have [...]

Just what exactly goes into student stress?

More is less
THE modular system for local universities has led to us cramming for one semester’s modules only to forget everything before the next semester even begins.
Too much work is covered in way too little time, sapping our energy and making it impossible for us to truly appreciate what we are taught.
After an overseas exchange [...]

Recession gives shine to public sector jobs

Don’t just seek jobs, but opportunities
FOR someone who has always had a passion for entrepreneurship, the thrill of starting my own business appeals to me more than a predictable job in the public sector.
Unless the public sector undergoes an image overhaul, I will be less inclined to pursue a career there as I do not [...]

Clipping Cupid’s wings

Job first, love can wait
VALENTINE’S Day may be just around the corner, yet I cannot even fathom its significance, having neither a significant other nor a full-time job.
Socialising is expensive in this downturn, particularly on a part-time salary of around $50 per day. For instance, dinner at a French restaurant in the CBD area could [...]

Advances in life sciences signal exciting times ahead

By Tabitha Mok
AS A doctor in training, much of what has happened in the past 12 months has made me sure that one thing is definitely going to be part of my future career: research in the life sciences.
That’s because the year’s developments are moving towards curing global ailments.
Back in [...]

How Singapore saw Mumbai

The dust has settled on last month’s Mumbai attacks, and the world has moved on. Local and foreign media have expended tremendous efforts and resources into covering the event. But what are YouthINK writers’ verdicts on the way they have presented the disaster?
It’s not just about her – or us
While my heart goes out [...]