Our Jouney

It’s the time of year for tree-decorating and gift-giving, where you catch yourself whistling to carols in the shopping mall – yes, the holiday spirit is definitely sneaking up on us all. I’m always nostalgic this time of year, looking back and taking stock of all that we have experienced and learnt and what the coming year has in store for us.

The past 12 months at Lucent has been such a rewarding experience. Tilia, Agnes and I started this adventure just a few years ago and this has been the first time we’ve had the opportunity to sit down and look at how the past has been for Lucent. What started out as simply a passion to help level the playing field in terms of college admissions has, to my surprise, grown to be about a lot more!

I have personally found the successful admissions to be so much more rewarding than I thought they would be. Most of our partners first come to us shrouded in self-doubt and the transformation that we see through the process is amazing. We have many conversations about the students that we work with and we so often unanimously agree with little hesitation that a particular student will do very well once you peel through all that nervousness and anxiety. This year, we have been fortunate enough to see our predictions come true for so many of our students. It shouldn’t surprise us really, as we know these students are more than capable, but to share that journey truly gives me a sense of achievement.

I am particularly proud of our scholarship students. We have all come by difficult times and I am certain we remember the encouraging words and the kind gestures that have been extended to us for which we are all very grateful for. Too many times, I find myself trying to pass that kindness along, to share that generosity that has been extended to me. We have been lucky enough at Lucent in the past year that several students have reached out to us, giving us the opportunity to offer what guidance we can.

There is much to be thankful and joyful for this year. I have learnt many more lessons than I thought I would, both in terms of being part of an organization like Lucent and also on the general landscape of education today. I sincerely hope that the families continue to extend us the trust that together, we can make difference.

Happy holidays and have a wonderful new year!
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-Sui Seng