“I learnt that art therapy offers an alternative way for people to connect and understand themselves, surfacing their subconscious thoughts
and emotions. “
What drew you to intern at The Red Pencil (Singapore), and what was your role during your internship?
I was always interested in art therapy and what it entails, therefore when the opportunity arose, I was drawn to intern at The Red Pencil (Singapore) to educate myself about art therapy and how it may be different from traditional psychotherapy.
As a Programmes Intern, I was mainly in-charge of the maintenance of art materials that will be utilised during programmes, as well as packing of materials for external programmes. Through this, I learnt that it is vital to provide a good variety of functional art materials and arrange them orderly in consistent places as it builds a sense of familiarity and security for beneficiaries. Additionally, I assisted with research and write-ups for future programmes, assisting in workshops, volunteer management and data compilation, among many others. Overall, it was a hands-on experience and I was exposed to many valuable skillsets that would benefit me in the future.
How did your experience as a Programmes Intern influence your personal or professional development?
My experience as a Programmes Intern has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how a non-profit organisation would operate in Singapore. As I spent my time with The Red Pencil (Singapore), I realised that it is important to me that the organisation’s mission speaks to me as it brings meaning to what I do. This internship has inspired me to explore ways I can contribute to the community in a meaningful manner, be it within my personal or professional life.
Can you share a memorable project or task you worked on during your time at The Red Pencil (Singapore)?
One memorable project I worked on was preparing for SP Group’s Mental Health Fair. I was tasked to create a sample from the art therapy activity “Let Your Dream Light Up Your Life” by illustrating my personal dreams on a lightbulb using acrylic markers. I was able to step into the role of a participant and engage in the activity from their point of view. As the lightbulbs were smaller than a traditional canvas such as an A4 paper, I initially felt limited and thought I might not be able to express my dreams in a small canvas. However, as I went along, I came to the conclusion that I prefer to draw small images and was not pressured by the size, which made me realise that a smaller canvas size may be more inviting to participants who may feel uncomfortable to draw, thus it is possible to have different mindsets or change them midway.
What skills or knowledge did you gain or improve upon during your internship, and how did you see them benefiting your future career?
During my internship, I was able to see and take part in the huge amount of backend work required to plan and implement a programme amongst other things. Even though the Programmes team is small, we were still able to work well together to ensure that everything runs smoothly. This has brought to me a highlight of the importance of effective communication and collaboration in a team, and my experience here has helped me to improve on these soft skills for both my personal and professional development.
What did you learn about art therapy and its impact on people in need?
I learnt that art therapy offers an alternative way for people to connect and understand themselves, surfacing their subconscious thoughts and emotions. Many individuals may struggle to find words to articulate their thoughts and feelings, especially for those who have or are experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, or communication difficulties, therefore focusing on making art using a wide range of media could be valuable for them as it can provide them a safe and non-threatening way to express complex emotions.
How has your experience as an intern shaped your future career goals or aspirations?
My experience as an intern here has given me a clearer view of the direction I want to pursue in the future. Through hands-on involvement and exposure to the organisation’s work, I realised that it was important to me that what I am doing brings value to the community and helps the underprivileged, whether directly or indirectly. Witnessing the impact of RPS has shown me that even small contributions can make a difference in improving people’s lives, and I hope to continue doing that in the future.
