My journey from Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School to becoming a working trainee did not happen overnight.

At Pasir Ris Crest, I was a student learning about myself, other people and the world around me. I was encouraged to face challenges, build resilience, care for others, believe in myself and become responsible for my actions.

I did not know then how much those lessons would follow me into adulthood.

Today, as a working trainee, I face a different kind of classroom. My classroom is the...

I woke up at 4:20am,
Gouqizi tea in a little cup.

Bus 28 comes chug-chug-chug,
Lady swings her big bag — woah! almost kena!
I whoosh to other side.

Alight, walk walk, toilet break,
Bicycle ring-ring! make my heart shake.
"Excuse me, excuse me!" — bike go zoom,
I was steady and no gloom.

Lift up, sit down, girl stare a bit,
Xin Hui moves far, I still sit.
Bicycles ringing like morning bell,
I am still brave, doing well!

August began in the quiet hours of morning,
when the world was still asleep
and I was already awake,
gathering myself for another day.

There were cups of tea,
gouqizi prepared with care,
clothes folded for days ahead,
breakfasts waiting,
and familiar routines
that gave shape to uncertain mornings.

Some days began before sunrise.
Some began with tired eyes,
restless sleep,
stomach cramps,
flu,
coughs,
diarrhoea,
phlegm,
running noses,
and a body asking for rest.

But August reminded me
that listening to my body
is...