Tay Karlyn – Class of 2025

Tay Karlyn (24-E2), Chairperson of EJ Heal Hearts and Peer Support Leader, brought purpose and compassion to everything she did. Her dedication to serving the community, whether through outreach projects or mentoring her peers, helped shape her into a thoughtful and responsible leader. Beyond her achievements, Karlyn is remembered for the warmth and encouragement she offered, creating a sense of belonging that extended far beyond her immediate circle.

“My EJ journey has completely changed the way I understand time. I used to be skeptical when people said that these two years would pass in the blink of an eye, but now that I’ve lived through it, I realise that that description hardly does it justice. My time in EJ has been fulfilling, joyful, and deeply impactful. It was a journey where I was able to explore different roles, make mistakes, and grow from them, all while being supported by friends and teachers every step of the way.

A large part of my experience was shaped by leading community service projects. Working with the cancer community, people with disabilities, and my fellow youth volunteers gave me a strong sense of purpose in all that I did. I felt incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared the same heart to serve. Through these experiences, and with the guidance and constructive feedback from my teachers, I learned how to become a more thoughtful and responsible leader — lessons I know I will carry with me beyond EJ.

When I look back, what stands out most is the warmth I felt throughout my journey. Each phase of JC, from orientation, CCA, to exams, seemed to pass so quickly, often leaving me in disbelief at how fleeting those moments were. Yet, within that brevity, I found genuine friendships, meaningful experiences, and valuable lessons. More than anything, it is this sense of belonging and the people I met along the way that I will always remember of EJ.”