What is your most used emoji?

??‍♀️ I’m a girl who likes to show affection to my friends and family! 

As a 22-year old who’s graduating from university, the transition to adulthood can get a little worrying at times with concerns about issues such as schoolwork, our career choices, and relationships. This emoji is our way of telling each other that everything’s going to be alright through a virtual hug. ??‍♀️

How would you use a red pencil to change the world?

Changing the world is a really ambitious goal because there’s so many forces that shape the current state of the world – the government, businesses, social institutions such as the media, family, schools, as well as habits, cultural practices and other environmental factors. Currently, the consumerist society that we live in is highly unsustainable, and I would really love to change the way we consume things –from prioritizing economic cost and convenience to a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly way of living. 

Maybe I would use the red pencil and go to supermarkets and draw a big cross on all the products that could be made more environmentally-friendly, so shoppers wouldn’t buy those products. /laughs/. Crazy hypothetical idea, I’m just joking. 

The pencil is a humble but effective tool for expression, and the colour red is a really strong symbol for change. I would approach people and ask them to draw the future of our planet, keeping in mind the way we’ve been consuming the Earth’s resources. Hopefully it’ll get them thinking about mankind’s selfish consumption practices and encourage them to change their ways. 

What plans do you have when you leave The Red Pencil?

I’m interested in working in the PR industry, as it’s a really exciting industry which is always changing. It’s challenging but also fulfilling when you come up with solutions that bring value to your company or clients. But first – I’ll be going for a long-awaited trip overseas with my family, followed by a beach holiday with my university friends, before embarking on working life.

“The pencil is a humble but effective tool for expression, and the colour red is a really strong symbol for change."

“If you’re looking for an opportunity to do good while gaining some valuable work skills, look no further."

Why should others intern at The Red Pencil? 

The Red Pencil is a small but closely-knit team that’s passionate about its cause to bring the benefits of arts therapy to the underprivileged. If you’re looking for an opportunity to do good while gaining some valuable work skills, look no further. 

Depending on your skills and interests, you’ll be able to help with strategic planning, raise awareness about arts therapy, and produce communication collaterals for The Red Pencil. You’ll also be guided by caring and competent colleagues who are concerned about your personal development (speaking from personal experience). 

What are some of your responsibilities as a marketing and communications intern? 

One of my main tasks was to assist with the production of online collaterals, such as social media posts to help raise awareness of arts therapy, as well as wrap-up videos for The Red Pencil missions. I also helped to propose ideas and designed our Instagram Story Highlights. Other tasks include helping to collate feedback to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of our programs, as well as liasing with vendors in preparation for our office relocation.

What did you like most about working at The Red Pencil?

I love the company culture – it’s a small but tight-knit team that is always ready to help one another. You’re trusted to take ownership of your work and am able to get feedback really quickly.

How has the internship been beneficial to your personal and professional development (so far)?

Skills-wise, it has allowed me to hone my skills in social media copywriting and content creation. I gained insights into the workings of a charity organisation, and got to know some of the nicest colleagues. It’s a valuable experience which I’m grateful for the opportunity to undertake while doing my last semester at SMU. 

Why do you think The Red Pencil’s mission is important? 

Sometimes, words just aren’t enough. When one’s thoughts and emotions are heightened to the point that it becomes overwhelming, art provides an alternative mode of expression and communication. It acts as a form of release, and a representation of our subconscious thoughts and emotions. 

While some of us may be able to work through our emotions by ourselves, others may not. This is why The Red Pencil’s mission is important: it helps to bring arts therapy to communities who may benefit from the guidance of an arts therapist. Beneficiaries may range from underprivileged children to victims of natural disasters from all over the world. With each humanitarian mission and workshop, it is hoped that individuals are able to better understand and empower themselves, regardless of unfavourable life circumstances. 

“The Red Pencil’s mission is important: it helps to bring arts therapy to communities who may benefit from the guidance of an arts therapist."