When I was just Secondary 4 last year, just like you, I got back my ‘o’ level results and found myself in a dilemma of deciding which polytechnic and courses I should pick. In the end, I decided to pick Ngee Ann Polytechnic. This is because Ngee Ann actually offers a wide range of courses that is catered to the students needs. As the best polytechnic in Singapore, it also serves as a good platform for me to grow and nurture. I looked through the course booklet which was given to me on the day I got back my results and I remember I was instantly attracted by the courses which Ngee Ann offers. I had difficulties deciding on my twelve choices then as I was uncertain of the kind of job scope that I wanted to have in the future. I looked through the booklet once more and came across a meaningful story of three Ngee Ann students who managed to set up a successful charity business known as sole makers. The story goes:

"When Justine Lee first heard his pastor tell of how people from poverty-stricken countries could not afford shoes and had to suffer life-threatening infections caused by cuts and bruises on their feet, it stirred in him a desire to help.

He kicked off this desire by applying to Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) new Diploma in Business and Social Enterprise course, which began in April this year.

Later, in June, he set up Project Selfless Shoe with second-year Business Studies student John Tay and first-year Mass Communication student Lim Jing Ying.

With Project Selfless Shoe, the trio – who dub themselves Sole Makers – will donate a pair of shoes to the needy for every pair that is sold under their SoulE brand.

SoulE is a combination of the words Soul and Sole, which perfectly exemplifies their vision – to provide a sole for every soul.

“Everyone gets excited when they see a signboard that screams ‘Buy one get one free’. How about ‘Buy one give one free’?” said Justine.

In August this year, Sole Makers emerged second place out of 40 teams in the Mayor’s Imagine Social Enterprise Challenge (MISE), an initiative jointly organised by Central Singapore Community Development Council, National University of Singapore Students in Free Enterprise and Social Innovation Park. The challenge provides a platform for youths to start sustainable social enterprises.

For their sound business plans, the Sole Makers were granted $25,000 in funding for their project. For the feisty and passion-driven trio, this is but the beginning of a long-term plan, especially since NP’s School of Humanities lecturer Joyce Tang has stepped in as an advisor.

“Unlike the other participating groups, we didn’t have any mentors at first. It was our own initiative and we did not have the knowhow,” said Justine.

“Now we want SoulE to continue until we grow up. Looking at how far we’ve come, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as well as for the needy that we will help,” he added."

http://www.np.edu.sg/home/spotlight/Pages/highlights_2008dec_article8.aspx

I found this story really very meaningful and it certainly drew my attention to the Business & Social Enterprise course as these people were actually setting up the business not solely for the profits but also with a purpose, a passion and a heart to help those in need. I enjoy the meaning behind what these people were doing and hence, I made the decision to place Business & Social Enterprise as my top few modules. A few weeks later I got the news that I am placed into the module. I did not regret making the decision to place this course as my top few choices as my expectations of a mundane poly life changed into one which I really enjoyed.(: