This young couple brought their volunteering spirit with them from Malaysia!
Jiun and Tze Fong met briefly years ago in Malaysia, but didn’t start dating until they both moved to Ireland for college. Jiun is studying Psychology at UCD and Tze Fong is studying Medical Science at Atlantic Technological University where he is a Senior Ambassador. Jiun’s driven personality got her involved in volunteering right away when she arrived. She volunteers with Jigsaw, giving opinions and positions on mental health as well as planning and executing events. She also is a counselor with Text About It which is an online platform run by spunout where people in crisis can chat with a volunteer about their feelings. In case that wasn’t already a full schedule, she has also just signed up to volunteer with ALONE.
Her generous spirit and hardworking attitude are an inspiration for Tze Fong. “She’s done a lot! It’s amazing like every time she tells me about things that she’s done. I’m always very impressed,” he says. He decided to start volunteering as well as a Youth Advocate with Jigsaw in Galway.
The two are passionate about learning and sharing information about mental health and wellbeing. Coming from a cultural background where there are still stigmas around mental health, they are excited to be a part of larger conversations about the topic. “It’s as important as physical health and if you don’t take care of it in the long run it will eventually ruin your own physical health as well. That’s why I volunteer with Jigsaw,” Tze Fong says.
The social aspect of volunteering also appealed to them, since they are separated across the country that they are new to. “I know a lot of friends from [volunteering]. The point is getting to feel more belonging” says Jiun. “Everyone here is a stranger, you know, and you don’t know anyone so there’s no comfort zone. So you just kind of have to build it on your own! Through volunteering I found people with similar interests and get to connect with them” says Tze Fong.
This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the connections and relationships that are built and nurtured by volunteering. We’re building community together.
Thank you to Jiun and Tze Fong for sharing their story. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to share yours!
