“I am a fan of graphic novels. I recently reread ‘Here’, a graphic novel by Richard McGuire. It shows how one location changes over time, from 10,000 BCE to 2213. It puts past and present in conversation in one page, which is a lot like the feeling I sometimes get when I stand in front of an artefact. It’s a beautiful piece of work and an important experiment in the form of the graphic novel.”
- Gerald Sim Kuan Soong, National Heritage Board Scholar
“‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara is the book I’m reading currently. It tells a story of four friends as they journey through the good and the bad moments in life in NYC. With each character facing their own difficulties and challenges in life, the book is emotional and brutal, one that touches on difficult social and emotional themes. This book is life-inspiring in the way it challenges human survival and limits, while showcasing the beautiful friendships and support that come along the way.”
- Vernice Chung, Singapore-Industry Scholar
“I enjoy listening to audiobooks and podcasts during my daily commute. In particular, I find Andrew Huberman’s podcast, ‘Huberman Lab’, to be an accessible and engaging way to learn more about neuroscience, particularly its link to stress and emotional regulation. I am intrigued by the potential application of a similar scientific approach in social work. By distilling complex concepts into accessible interventions and refining interventions in a more holistic, evidence-based way, we could potentially improve how we support individuals and communities.”
– Ngawang Chime, Social Service Scholar
“Recently, I’ve been inspired by the song ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ by Bob Dylan. Its timeless questions about peace, freedom, and social justice really resonate with me. The lyrics encourage reflection on important societal issues and remind us that the answers often come from within ourselves.
In a world that still faces many challenges, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to think critically about these issues. It inspires me to explore how I can contribute to positive change, particularly in advocating for values like equality and justice. The song has become a source of motivation for me to consider how I can make a difference in the future.”
– Elsa Lee Ting, Smart Nation Scholar
“A recent book that has inspired me is ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. The book delves into the power of small habits and how making incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time. It’s a reminder that consistency and discipline are key to achieving long-term goals, both in personal life and professional development. I’ve found the lessons in this book particularly relevant as I balance academic and extracurricular commitments, and it has motivated me to refine my routines and focus on continuous growth.”
– Don Tan Jun Long, X-Press Feeders – MaritimeONE Scholar
"A few months ago, I watched the movie ‘A Man Called Otto’. A simple movie, but a poignant reminder that we are not living just for ourselves; that to exist in this world we need to connect and create communities—places in which we learn to both accept and offer love."
– Florence Phoon, Social Service Scholar
