Hello! I’m Hannah Annessa, born in Kuantan, Pahang and raised in Shah Alam, Selangor. As a final year Accounting student at UITM, I am currently doing my auditing internship at Deloitte Malaysia. 

I first joined Small Changes as a volunteer for Seeds of Deeds (SOD) 2021, then decided to join as a committee a year later. I am now SC’s Fundraising Officer.

I was introduced to Small Changes by a good friend of mine during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2021. It all started with simply wanting to accompany a friend in volunteering, out of boredom. Since we had all the free time at home, I thought: maybe I could do something useful with all the time I had besides focusing on my academics. Then, I started stalking SC’s social media and became interested in one of the programs, Seeds of Deeds 2021. It was my very first virtual volunteering experience and I enjoyed every second of it from planning to executing the projects.

On the final day of SOD 2021, we planned to have a photography session with the beneficiaries, virtually. However, all of them turned off their cameras just as we were about to take the picture. We thought they were shy or perhaps sad that the program was over. Suddenly, they turned on their cameras with a “Thank you” sign to us, the volunteers and committee members. Such a sentimental moment it was, that recalling it would always put a smile on my face. At that moment, I felt appreciated. Though we weren’t able to meet face to face, we were still able to create such a meaningful bond. Online volunteering could be hard, but if implemented thoughtfully, it could be a valuable tool to support and uplift underprivileged students, providing them with opportunities for growth, empowerment, and a brighter future.

The bond between the volunteers and the  SC committee is definitely something I am not able to gain anywhere else, since SC brings together like-minded individuals who are dedicated to making a difference. By joining SC, I became part of a community of conscious individuals who share ideas, collaborate on projects, and work together towards a common goal.

Not to forget, the act of giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the beneficiaries brings a deep sense of happiness and joy to me. Knowing that my actions are benefiting others directly, be it the community or future generations, creates a profound sense of fulfilment.

Fast forward till now, Small Changes has become a part of me.

The most meaningful project to me would be the Tuai Kasih Project (TKP). It was my very first time engaging with students from a correctional institution, and it definitely opened my eyes, broadened my perspective, and fostered personal development. I developed a module with my module partner within a week and it was a rewarding experience executing the module since I was able to contribute to our beneficiaries’ growth, well-being, and successful reintegration into society while fostering personal growth and empathy within myself. I was privileged enough to grow up comfortably with the love and support from friends and family and I realised that not everyone gets to live that way. Joining TKP gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those who have been incarcerated.

One challenge I face in SC would be time-management. I joined SC when I had ample time for myself, when the only commitment I had back then was my academic classes. Now, I have transitioned into corporate life with a fixed schedule of 8 to 5. Hence, I struggled to find time to squeeze in SC commitments after a whole tiring day in the corporate world. Luckily, in SC, I have been blessed with teammates who are very understanding and flexible when it comes to work commitment, helping me tide through hectic periods. I feel supported and valued, which is why I remain committed to SC and hope to be able to contribute with my best.

As a whole, my SC experience would be: eye-opening, empowering and humbling.

To future volunteers, remember to stay humble and grateful. Recognise the privilege of being able to volunteer and having the opportunity to make a difference. Stay humble in your actions and interactions, and express gratitude for the trust and appreciation you receive from those you serve.

Written by: Hannah Annessa & Jeslyn Chng
Designed by: Meor Danish