From Hesitation to Hope: Farhan’s Journey of Growth Through ADAPT

18-year-old Farhan once struggled with self-confidence. Naturally reserved, he opened up only to those closest to him. As a first-year Nitec in Retail Services student at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) College Central, adjusting to a new environment and making new friends was challenging. 

“I used to only hang out with Firman—my best friend since secondary school,” Farhan shares. “Thanks to Aptitude, I also became closer to Naqif and Tina. I’m grateful for them because I know I can count on them to lend a listening ear during tough times.”

Things began to shift when Farhan’s class was selected to join ADAPT, a youth mentoring programme by Aptitude, under TOUCH Youth Enablement (TYE). Designed to build resilience and confidence while helping youths uncover their strengths, ADAPT provided Farhan the spark he needed. 

Caption: Farhan together with his friends from Aptitude.  

Building Confidence Through Real-World Experiences

Through ADAPT, Farhan took part in a range of experiential learning activities—from barista training to leadership workshops, music, and adventure facilitation. These sessions helped him discover a passion for photography and connect with classmates on a deeper level.

Caption: Farhan at the photography skills workshop (top) and rock-climbing during an adventure workshop (bottom). 

ADAPT also instilled the value of giving back. During a recent service-learning carnival, Farhan and his peers ran booths to teach children from TOUCH Young Arrows practical skills like first aid, ukulele, and photography.

Farhan stepped out of his comfort zone as the event’s emcee—an experience that became a defining moment.

“When I was asked to emcee the carnival, I was hesitant—I had never done anything like that before. But my TYE mentors believed in me and saw my potential. I’m so glad I said yes! It became a joyful memory for me—seeing the children have fun and making new friends from other courses,” he shares.

Caption: Farhan emceeing during the carnival together with his new friends. 

Empowered Through Mentorship 

According to Eleanor Fong, a youth worker with TYE and Farhan’s mentor, mentorship was key to his growth. “The biggest change I’ve seen is how Farhan grew in confidence towards his abilities and developed resilience in managing challenges in life,” shares Eleanor, “Farhan always had a natural flair for leadership in him but needed encouragement and a platform for him to uncover this potential."

Caption: Farhan together with his TYE mentor, Eleanor.  

That support was crucial during his six-month internship at a retail outlet. Tasked with sales and inventory responsibilities, Farhan struggled with workplace adaptation and at times felt like giving up.

“There were days when I had no motivation to go to work and seriously thought about quitting, even though it would affect my final grade,” Farhan admits. “But my mentors gave me guidance and encouragement. They helped change my mindset.”

His biggest takeaway?

“Even when circumstances are tough, I’ve learnt to keep going and give my best—for myself.”

Caption: Farhan (top left) with Eleanor (bottom right) at an Internship Mentoring wrap-up celebration. 

Empowered to Own the Future

Today, Farhan has graduated from ADAPT and progressed to the next phase of his academic journey. After much perseverance, he was thrilled to gain direct entry into Year 2 of Higher Nitec in Retail and Business Services - an achievement he worked hard for. With dreams of pursuing Business at a Polytechnic, he’s now looking to the future with confidence and clarity.

“Meeting the GPA cut-off and being accepted was a huge accomplishment! I know there’ll be new challenges, but I’m determined to give my best,” he says, with hopes of a better future.

Caption: Happy smiles during Farhan’s graduation from the Nitec in Retail Services.  

Reflecting on his ADAPT experience, Farhan adds, “Getting to know everyone through Aptitude was such a pleasure. The workshops were meaningful and helped me discover new sides of myself. I now have a more positive outlook on life, and I truly appreciated the mentors who were always there cheering me on.”

Aveline Yap, another TYE youth worker and Farhan’s mentor, affirms his transformation: “I’ve witnessed huge growth in Farhan since he first joined ADAPT. He’s more confident and resilient—no longer afraid to try new things even outside his comfort zone. We’re so proud of him for not giving up!”

Farhan’s journey is a powerful example of how community support and structured mentoring can unlock a young person’s potential—empowering them to overcome obstacles and embrace their future with purpose.

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TOUCH Youth Enablement runs youth engagement centres in the three Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Colleges in Singapore. Through our youth engagement centres located on campus, we run regular programmes aimed at enabling youths to pursue personal growth and progress, build resilience and be future-ready. Our mentoring strategies are to engage, enrich, and empower students.   

Story written in 2025.