Written by The Beyond Editorial Team
Claire* was still figuring things out when she reached out to us.
She was in the middle of preparing for her PSLE, deep in planning and revision like thousands of other students across Singapore. But even in that intensity, she paused long enough to ask a question: Would Beyond like to receive some stationery gift packs for students taking the PSLE?
There was no big plan yet. Just a seed of an idea rooted in understanding. She knew how it felt to be at this stage. How overwhelming it can be, how isolating. And she thought, maybe something small could make a difference. Something she would appreciate receiving herself: a clear pencil case, two Jetstream pens, a highlighter, mechanical pencil, an eraser, and a ruler. Everything exam-approved, practical, and familiar.
But Claire didn’t stop at just buying items. On each pack was a sticker she had designed herself. It read, “Together, let’s just try our best.” Surrounding the words were light-hearted touches like “Made with 100% Love” and “GMO-Free.”
With her mother’s support, Claire followed through. She listened when we got back to her with numbers of students not just taking the PSLE, but also the N and O Levels. She said yes without hesitation. This wasn’t about one specific exam. It was about understanding what it means to carry that kind of weight during a major examination.
In the end, 100 students across five neighbourhoods received the packs. Some were in learning groups. Others received them at home. No one was asked to perform gratitude. The gift stood on its own.
One student glanced at the sticker, smiled, and placed it inside the cover of their notebook. “This one, I like,” they said. Not because it came from someone older or more accomplished, but because it came from someone like them. Someone who was also sitting for a national exam, also unsure, also trying their best.
Young Claire understood something that we adults sometimes forget: that solidarity doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s a pencil case passed from one hand to another. Sometimes, it’s a sticker with a quiet but supportive message.
Not everyone can change the system. But anyone can say, “I see you. I’m with you.”
Claire did.