CHAPTER TWO
Secondary Section
Lasallian Distinguished Service Award
Nicholas Tan Yi Jia ( ML403 )
Nicholas Tan Yi Jia is a caring and sensible young man , who always puts others before self . He shows empathy , compassion and respect , and a strong commitment to serve . He tries through his interaction with people around him , to make a positive difference in their lives . Throughout his formative years in SJI , Nicholas consistently showed his desire to be a better person by constantly challenging himself to step out of his comfort zone .
Nicholas exemplifies the qualities of a true servant leader . In his Lower Secondary years , he was appointed the class chairman . Mr Firmin Lee , his Lower Secondary form tutor , says this of him , “ Nicholas faced many challenges and obstacles during his term as class chairman but he never once gave up . Instead , he used these as opportunities to strengthen himself further in order to serve his class better . He takes initiative in his service , clarifies when in doubt and strives to do his best . He is very much a leader with a mission and a thinker with a heart .”
Nicholas continued his leadership role as a member of the Prefectorial Board in Upper Secondary , and was appointed Deputy Head Prefect in 2018 . He was also an active member of the Student Council . Together with the other student leaders , Nicholas supported and helped in the organisation of various school events such as the Year 1 Orientation Camp as Peer Support Leader in 2018 and as Peer Support Facilitator in 2019 . He carried out all these duties in spite of heavy involvement in his Co-Curricular Activity , Canoeing and Legion of Mary . He also contributed to the Catholic community in SJI by helping out in the Lasallian Catholic Youth Societies Camp .
Regardless of his leadership appointments , Nicholas remained humble and approachable to his classmates , rendering his help and extending his friendship to all . Mrs Josephine Lee , his Year 4 form tutor remarks , “ Despite Nicholas ’ many responsibilities as a student leader , he took time to get to know and reach out to his classmates . He is compassionate and treats people around him with respect and care . He is indeed exemplary .”
Nicholas also took part in many service-learning programmes . He volunteered for organizations such as the South-Central Community Family Service Centre ( SCCFS ) and All Saints ’ Old Folks Home . Volunteer work helped him to grow and develop a stronger sense of understanding and empathy towards others .
Nicholas is indeed the embodiment of all the values of a Josephian , living out the school vision of being a Person of Integrity and a Person for Others . A humble servant leader , he serves with integrity and honesty , with a strong sense of fairness and justice , and with respect for the dignity and rights of people he comes in contact with .
36 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION