Maahen Melvin knows how important education is for an individual. He makes a difference in the lives of youth impacted by cancer with his passion to teach.
“I saw my mother making an impact to the lives of her students. I wanted to do the same. I chanced upon Singapore Cancer Society’s Tuition Programme and enrolled as a Tutor,” said Maahen Melvin.
Children and youth are impacted in many ways when their loved ones have cancer. Some may face difficulties coping with their studies while caring for their loved ones. One of the main concerns of parents diagnosed with cancer, is often the impact of cancer on their children, and their performance in school.
Melvin recalls the responsibility he had when one of his student’s mother passed away. He said, “It was not my last loss that I experienced as a tutor but it made me realise the great responsibility I have in shaping the minds of my students. The emotional aspects are dealing with the loss and suffering of the family. It is extremely important for a tutor to feel empathy. They must also be empowered to provide hope for the family as well. Hence being a tutor has been a fine balancing act.”
The proudest moment he had was when his first student made it to the Express stream in PSLE. He added, “All my students have made it to either Polytechnic or Junior College and most of them still do contact me. One of them is even applying to read law at Oxbridge.”
He said, “To those who want to support try to volunteer and interact with the cancer community, you will find so many stories of inspiration, individuals who have overcome incredible odds to be resilient and role models of our community. And to youth impacted by cancer my greatest advice, keep improving yourselves. Strive to be the best version of yourself.