Sofya Eridani Binte Mohamed Shaufi (24A02)

Finding Purpose Through Empathy and Service to Others

For many students, the junior college journey is defined by academic milestones and the pressures of the GCE A-levels. For Sofya, however, it was shaped just as deeply by life beyond the classroom-by loss, responsibility, and an instinctive drive to care for others. Balancing academic demands with a strong commitment to service, she dedicated over 230 hours to community involvement during her time in junior college, approaching every role with resilience and empathy.

Growing up as an only child, Sofya became acutely aware from a young age that everyone carries unseen struggles. Her childhood and adolescence were marked by deeply personal experiences that shaped her values and outlook on life. During the COVID-19 period, she lost her grandfather and soon after contracted the virus herself. While recovering, she stayed with her grieving grandmother in the very room where her grandfather had passed away—an experience that left a lasting emotional imprint.

At the same time, her family was navigating the responsibility of caregiving for a close relative with cerebral palsy which weighed heavily on the family. Witnessing these struggles up close made Sofya especially sensitive to the quiet sacrifices her parents made and deepened her sense of responsibility; not just as an only child, but as someone who wanted to be a steady source of support for her family.

“I don’t really think much about it,” she reflected simply. “If something needs to be done, I just do it.” This calm, action-oriented mindset became a defining trait of her character.

These lived experiences naturally drew Sofya towards service and advocacy. With close family members who have special needs, she felt a strong personal connection to causes supporting persons with disabilities. This clarity of purpose led her to the Interact Club in JPJC, where she eventually served as Vice-President. In this role, she led her peers in meaningful initiatives, including projects for senior citizens with the Taman Jurong Active Ageing Committee, intergenerational workshops, and inclusive play experiences under the Redefining Play Project.

One of the most significant highlights of her college life was the Redefining Play, a collaborative project with The Possible Class, supported by Design Singapore Council and SG Enable. As a person-in-charge, Sofya guided her team in prototyping inclusive play experiences designed for both visually impaired and sighted children. Through Dialogue in the Dark, participants navigated complete darkness using a white cane, guided by visually impaired facilitators - an intentional role reversal that fostered deep empathy and understanding.

“The conversations we had afterwards really stayed with me,” she recalled. “For the first time, we could truly experience what our target audience goes through.” The project culminated in presentations to NParks and was later featured at an exhibition by Hong Leong Asia—an uncommon but affirming moment of recognition for service work that is often quietly done behind the scenes.

Beyond school-led initiatives, Sofya actively sought out independent volunteering opportunities. She supported children with special needs at Fei Yue Community Services, participated in community efforts such as Road2Ramadan and Gotong Royong Raya, and is soon beginning her Youth Corps Community Internship with Be Kind SG, a non-profit organisation supporting children with special needs. Each experience reinforced her belief that empathy must be grounded in action. “Everyone is going through something,” she shared. “If I can help in any way, I will.”

Her commitment to care extended beyond the community and into her home. As an only child and great-grandchild, Sofya took on caregiving responsibilities for her great-grandmother, even completing a caregiver course to better support her. Despite juggling academics, leadership, volunteering, and caregiving, she approached every responsibility with the same steadiness and sincerity that defines her service.

Remarkably, Sofya never viewed giving as a sacrifice. Acts of service were, instead, a source of calm and renewal. Whether volunteering with the SPCA or working on community projects, service became her way to find peace amidst the intensity of JC life.

While naturally introverted, Sofya’s college experiences pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Through leadership roles, programmes such as Matriculation & Orientation, and overseas experiences like the Brunei trip, she grew more confident presenting on stage and engaging with diverse audiences. These opportunities strengthened her voice and self-belief, equipping her with skills she knows will serve her well in university and beyond.

She credits much of her growth to the trust and support of her teachers and peers. Teachers such as Mr Lim and Mdm Azah provided steady encouragement—Mr Lim with his patience and willingness to listen, and Mdm Azah with her quiet but constant belief in her. Mr Toh Wei Ming encouraged her to apply for the ECHA Award, while Ms Foo Fang Fang supported her unwaveringly throughout demanding CCA projects.

At the heart of it all, Sofya’s family remains her greatest source of strength. “My parents are my go-to people,” she shared. “They’re very generous, and I think I’m just trying to live up to the example they set.” Giving, for her, is both a way to honour her family and a means of living with gratitude.

Looking ahead, Sofya views volunteering and internships as a starting point rather than a destination and hopes to explore Psychology or Social Work in university. Her priorities are clear: to support her parents, care for her family, and continue contributing meaningfully wherever she goes. In a world that often celebrates loud achievements, Sofya stands out for her quiet consistency, deep empathy, and steady willingness to step forward when others need help. Her A-level journey is not just a story of growth, but a reminder that kindness—when practised with sincerity—can be a powerful form of service and leadership.