The Summer We Sidequested

Seeing the World, Celebrating Life... And Everything Else under the Sun. Follow LeAnn as she unfolds the inspiring, one-of-a-kind summer side-quests of fellow SMU students Jiaying and Giggs!

If we weren't spending the summer loathing over traumatic love triangles and screaming at our screen, we were outside sidequesting!

Now, as much as we complain about wanting nothing more than to laze around and do nothing, these students decided to take a different approach to the usual R&R. Read on to find out what they were up to last summer!

Ms Worldwide

No, Jiaying isn’t dropping the hottest new Pitbull-inspired song of the summer, but she did get real International this summer.

Over the summer break, Jiaying participated in 2 SMU trips - a Business & Cultural Study Trip (BSCT) to Paris, France, with the Francophiles and a summer camp programme with University Brunei Darussalam.

“I think we (SMU) are quite known for providing a lot of overseas opportunities and a lot of these places, I would say, are quite unique.”

While in Brunei, Jiaying gained new insights into biodiversity and sustainability through the programme. Not only did she meet individuals from other ASEAN countries, but she also broadened her network to Singaporeans who are equally passionate about this topic with interesting backstories.

While in Paris, Jiaying delved into the business and cultural environment of the city. She got a behind-the-scenes look into some of the grandest architecture and cultural institutions in the world, such as the Palais Garnier (fun fact: Phantom of the Opera was inspired by this very opera house!). She also had the opportunity to visit some pretty cool businesses and organisations. I mean, did I mention she visited the National Assembly?

Experiencing new places, learning new perspectives, and embracing new cultures are all just part and parcel of what Jiaying gained from her time overseas.

“When you go on these overseas trips, you do meet people with a lot of different interests, and they are very open to making friends, which is why I really love my overseas trips because I met amazing people.”

“I guess all these experiences teach you something about yourself that you will keep and apply it to other matters.”

So take that leap of faith, sign up for that trip, and who knows, you may become a citizen of the world!

While some of us were jet-setting around the globe this summer break, some of us decided to try something a little closer to home. 

Unconventionally finding purpose

What does purpose feel like? The majority of us hardly know, more so when you were a freshman.

For Giggs, his first summer break as an SMU student was spent interning at Direct Funeral Services (DFS). He landed the internship by getting to know DFS through his Statistics-X module and jumped at the chance to join the team as a marketing intern.

Interning at a funeral parlour may not be at the top of the list for most people, but for Giggs, it was a breath of fresh air from the usual MNCs.

“I just felt like I want to do something more rewarding that doesn't just have monetary value.”

“Like, who would want to work in the funeral industry? It's quite shunned upon. But I realised that I didn't really care too much about the stigma that comes along with it. I felt that if no one wanted to work in this industry, then who would take up this job? So I just gave this internship a chance since I didn't mind (working in the funeral industry), and I find it really rewarding.”

During his internship, he worked hands-on, from creating social media marketing collaterals to planning meaningful events. One of the more unconventional experiences he had was the opportunity to attend a sea burial to send off those who had no one else to do so.

But it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing from the start.

“Emotional intelligence is one of the biggest thing(s) that I also had to learn. I think the one way to do that is to really just try to let the other people open up to you and don't really push too far because people take time to open up to you.”

Eventually, he found his footing and played a crucial role in the development of the brand, but the internship also helped shape a new outlook on life.

“I really learned to cherish what I have in life, especially after this one funeral that I attended, it was of a deceased relatively close to our age.”

“It was a very surreal moment for me. So I think another big takeaway is to cherish the moments you have and spend time with your families now while you can and not to regret it when it's too late.”

For Giggs, this internship has been nothing but rewarding, and here’s what he had to say to you, curious reader, if you’re looking to take up an unconventional internship on the road ahead.

“Just put yourself out there and don't be shy to try. I came from a JC background, so I didn't do any internship before, so this would be actually my first internship as well. I am really grateful to  Darren and Jenny (CEOs of DFS) and to DFS for giving me the opportunity to just put myself out there and try new things.

“You never know what you can learn and gain from such unique experiences

While summer may be over, I don’t know about you, but My Whole Life is Measured in Summers, so I’ll just be waiting for the next one to roll around!

So the next time you’re thinking of picking up another cursed season of a TV show, ponder a little if you want it to be just another summer in Cousins or a summer you embarked on a quest for something different.

And, hey! If you don’t know where to start, why don’t you start by digging through the treasure trove that’s your school email inbox or branching out and talking to new people?