Saruveshvaran Jeeva, 13

School: Serangoon Garden Secondary School

Topic: An email to your teacher about your observations on your classmate.

Award: Distinction, Junior Category, 2023

Dear Miss Yeo,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding one of our classmates. Over the past two years, our classmate has been battling Sarcoma of the kidney and undergoing regular dialysis while awaiting a deceased donor kidney transplant. Lately, I have observed that he appears dejected and withdrawn from the rest of the class, and I believe it is essential for us to extend our support during this challenging time.

My observations of our classmate indicate a noticeable change in his demeanor. He seems visibly downcast, lacking enthusiasm and participation in class discussions and activities. He appears isolated, as if detached from the rest of the class. These observations lead me to believe that he may be overwhelmed by the emotional and physical toll of his medical journey and the uncertainty of being on the transplant waiting list.

There are several possible reasons for his current state. The long duration of his dialysis treatment and the anticipation of receiving a suitable kidney transplant may have taken a toll on his emotional well-being. The constant hope and disappointment associated with waiting for a donor can be emotionally draining. Additionally, the physical discomfort and restrictions imposed by dialysis might be causing fatigue and affecting his overall motivation and engagement in class.

In light of these observations, I have planned a few activities to lift our classmate's spirits and create a supportive environment:

1. Acts of Kindness Campaign: Initiate a class-wide campaign focused on performing random acts of kindness for our classmate. This could involve writing uplifting notes, offering assistance with tasks, or organising surprise gestures to convey our care and support. These acts of kindness will remind him that he is not alone and that we stand united as a supportive class community.

2. Group Reflection and Sharing: Allocate dedicated class time for open discussions on resilience, perseverance, and empathy. Providing a safe space for our classmate to share his experiences, challenges, and hopes can be cathartic and promote a deeper understanding and connection among classmates.

3. Supportive Study Groups: Encourage classmates to form study groups where they can offer academic support, share notes, and study together. This collaborative approach will enhance academic performance and foster camaraderie, reducing feelings of isolation our classmate may be experiencing.

Implementing these activities will create an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes empathy, understanding, and growth. I kindly request your guidance and support in facilitating these activities and promoting a compassionate atmosphere within the classroom. Your role as an educator is instrumental in fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, and I am confident that with your guidance, we can make a positive difference in our classmate's life.

Thank you for your attention and support in addressing this matter. By coming together as a class, we can provide the encouragement and support our classmate needs to overcome the challenges he is currently facing.

Yours sincerely,
Saruveshvaran Jeeva

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2023 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health). To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)