Although there were some boys who were reluctant to learn yoga, many of them were quite focused and serious during the practice. I also appreciate the staff of CRC, who genuinely care about their residents and who were checking with me after every class if I had any difficulties conducting classes.

I work here because I believe they deserve another chance and if I can give that chance, why not. Coming here is the highlight of my week. Just by seeing them makes my week better and happier. The boys call me “sister or “mother” and that makes me feel my relationship with the boys are more special.

I was once like them and I’ve gone a long way. I only started living my life when I was 30. I wasted a lot of my time and I don’t want them to go through the same. If I had someone to mentor and guide me, I may not have to go though such a long detour in life. Now, I am trying to be that mentor for these boys. We are happiest when we hear that the boys have made it. Anyone of them who makes it makes us happy.

I started working at CRC as if it is just another job. But what made me stay on is because I like what I do here; speaking life into them. On one occasion, on the day of his discharge, this resident told me that when he was angry, nothing that the other staff could say would go through his head. But what I said could still make sense. I am not the best staff around and other staff would also have residents who are more open to them too. But this just shows how unique each relationship is and how precious it can be.

For a few of the gatherings we organised, I compiled a video of interviews with the boys. I asked them questions about the family and how they have supported them before and while they are rehabilitating. This is the most heartwarming moment for me because it shows that although some of the families can be incomplete, broken, hurt, tired, there is still an undeniable connection between each other. Regardless of how much they have gone through and how cold some may seem, the residents, deep inside, do long to reconcile with their family.

When I was thinking about what to do then before joining CRC, I wanted to seek out and to serve a group of people that is often forgotten by the mainstream of our society. When I know they are first time young drug offenders, it clicked very well within me. I had many heart-warming moments in CRC, it’s hard to say which was THE MOST moment. Let me give you a few of those moments: 1. When parents sent in a cards that read “I appreciate you”. And when they share that their son has changed for the better 2. When I saw residents say to their parents “sorry, mum, I won’t let you down again, I love you” 3. When residents say “Sir, have you eaten? Eat with us la” 4. When I saw residents put in the heart and effort to do their duties cos they understand that they are part of this community