My journey as a YFA here in Pathlight School has been very a valuable and fulfilling experience. Aside from learning more about the autism community, I have also taken a lot from my students as I supported and interacted with every single one of them. This opportunity made me realise that I want to continue working with the special needs community to make a better difference.

- Alyssa Gautama, YFA 2021

My journey in Pathlight has been a beautiful cycle. I have learnt moral values not only from teachers, but also students who are just as amazing. It’s

Teachers have been very supportive – sharing personal experiences and giving tips & guides that are beneficial in my time of service here and I hope to cultivate outside for personal moments.

Times weren’t always easy, never had been but I find myself feeling accomplished and grateful each day for I have great workmates and teachers who are constantly having my back and being able to see beautiful smiles on the children‘s faces that instantly bring joy.

- Bunaiya Zuhairin Binte Mohamed Rashid, YFA 2021

The past few months was packed with knowledge, opportunities to learn and wonderful interactions. Despite my short time here, it is an undoubtedly memorable experience. My heart has always been set on helping and caring for the welfare of others, thus I'm beyond appreciative to be able to share and foster it here in Pathlight.

- Chermaine Chew Si Min, YFA 2021

This internship was truly an amazing and eye-opening one. With the help and supervision of the fellow teachers and therapists in Pathlight, I was able to gain significant hands-on experience and practical skills required to handle children on the spectrum.

I was granted the freedom and opportunity to learn, follow and act as I saw fit in helping each child I interacted with, and had so much fun while doing so.

Thank you Pathlight School for being very accommodating and giving me the chance to contribute positively to the community. I will forever treasure the meaningful relationships I have built with the wonderful students and teachers here.

- Nur Diyana Binte Mohamad Fahmie, YFA 2021

I learnt a lot during my time at Pathlight thanks to the great teachers I have crossed paths with, as well as students who have welcomed me into their world. It was challenging, and there are tough days, but the occasional hello, smile and conversation really helped me to feel welcomed and settled.

- Nur Faeka Binte Md Kefli, YFA 2021

Thank you to all the Pathlight teachers I’ve had the opportunity to work with. Thank you for taking time to get to know me and for guiding me along the way. Though it hasn’t been the easiest journey, with many challenges along the way, I am impressed and inspired by the hard work and dedication you’ve displayed in your lessons and through your interactions with the students. Thank you for personifying the 5Cs and showing me what it truly means to be a teacher.

- Chua Xin Rou Fernanda, YFA 2021

The past 4 months have been nothing less than meaningful. There was never a day that bore me as each day came with a unique learning experience to it. I am grateful for the opportunity given to work with the students as I was given the space to gain more knowledge and positively contribute back to the society - hence, my sole purpose of joining as a YFA in Pathlight School.

Most importantly, thank you Pathlight School for providing me with a conducive environment to learn and grow. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the teachers and the YFAs that I have had the opportunity to work with as they are some of the most wholesome individuals that I have met and made my days in Pathlight a whole lot better.

- Nur Afiqah Bte Effendy, YFA 2021

The past few months of this internship was very fruitful as it allowed me to learn more about the autism community, how to interact with those with autism, and educate those around me about autism.

To the teachers that I have met, thank you for your patience and guidance. I have great respect and admiration for the amount of effort and time you put into every student.

- Petra Lim Yiqi, YFA 2021

At the beginning of the internship, I was told that it wouldn’t be easy, so I was anxious and confused about what I needed to do.

During the internship, I found it fulfilling having to help, support and encourage the students. I saw how my words and actions impacted the students, both positively and negatively.

I’ve learnt how creating an environment for learning is important and being organised helps us teach the students more effectively. I’ve seen how it is important to teach the students about the truth and how explaining our actions are important to help them understanding why we do what we do. I also learnt the importance of saying sorry and being humble.

Being here in Pathlight, has inspired me and encouraged me to take what I’ve learned to wherever I go and has burned in me a greater passion for the next generation.

- Taffy Tan Hui Yi, YFA 2021

To be able to shadow special needs educators for the past four months as a YFA intern has truly been an eye-opening experience for me. I enjoyed learning and growing with my students as well as being out of my comfort zone. The most heart-warming thing is whenever a student greets me cheerfully along the class corridor.

I enjoyed learning about autism through interaction with my students. It is amazing how each of them have different unique interests, dreams and stories to share everyday. I believe that with motivation and guidance, all of them have the potential to be great contributing individuals too in the future.

This internship has motivated me to continue to give back to society and make a difference in the life of others.

- Nur Sarafina Binte Mazlan, YFA 2021

I have learnt a lot from this YFA experience and I am thankful for this opportunity to be a YFA in 2021 Sem 2. The students here have taught me a lot and I have learnt many skills through interacting and supporting them. Many of the educators and therapists here have inspired me to develop a career in this sector. I am grateful for all the support and kindness showed to me throughout my 5 months in Pathlight.

- Shermaine Yeo Jingyi, YFA 2021

Our internship experience at Pathlight School has been a truly rewarding and memorable one. As most of us did not have prior experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) before, it was eye-opening to learn the different ASD-friendly strategies used by the educators, therapists and learning support staff. It was also heartening to witness how committed everyone was to building a conducive learning environment for the students.

Throughout this journey, our students have taught us so much in their own ways. While we hope to have made an impact on them, we know for certain that they have left a deep and meaningful impression on our lives.

We may not be able to walk in their shoes, but through interacting closely with them and staying open-minded and compassionate to their experiences, we can all gain new perspectives on life.

- Secondary School YFAs, YFA 2021