Celine Acts on Her Passion Through enFocus

Most children grow up with a burning passion to hold a particular occupation or to achieve something amazing with their lives. My friends knew from a young age what they wanted to be in the future: doctors, scientists, or–as is the case of one friend, even a dinosaur. As crazy as their ideas were, they knew who they wanted to be and what they wanted to achieve with their lives.

I didn't. I only knew what I was not passionate about, like calculus and physics. My parents described me as a “Jack of all trades,” whereby if I worked hard enough at something I could do well and succeed at it.

That all changed when I flew 9274 miles from Malaysia to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. After taking a Social Psychology class in my first year, I became fascinated about how people think and behave–and this fascination sparked an interest in how these singular actions shape communities. This interest was strengthened when I discovered my minor in Community Action and Social Change, during which I learned more about how we can empower communities to pursue the change they desire.

Through these studies, I finally realized that I was passionate about something: helping people. The problem was, I didn’t know how to act on that passion.

Celine, second from right, and a few of her friends on Graduation Day at the University of Michigan.

Then, in 2021, I had the opportunity to do an internship at enFocus to support the implementation of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. On this project, I was able to work hands-on with people in the region and also partner with other non-profit agencies and government bodies to make a substantial impact on the people in the South Bend - Elkhart Region. It was through this work that I found a tangible means through which to act on my passion for helping others and empowering communities.

So, when enFocus offered me an opportunity to turn this internship into a full-time role, I accepted.

Now, as I start my Fellowship, I am looking forward to bringing the skills I have gained from the past year and applying them to many different projects that support community development.

I can’t wait to continue to learn more about myself–and how I can make an impact in the Region–along the way.