This article is written in partnership with the President's Challenge.Ms Sheila Manokaran used to dream big, with hopes of becoming a doctor or a pilot, and possibly building a life overseas. Despite her best efforts, however, she never realised her dreams and now she's all but given up on having lofty goals. "Is it resentment? I don't think it is. I think it's fate," said the 31-year-old stoically. One would expect that someone in her shoes, who endured a tough childhood and multiple setbacks, would be bitter with everyone and everything that held her back. But instead of blaming the hand dealt to her, the co-founder of River Valley Irregulars has been constantly shrugging off every disappointment, instead choosing to channel her energy into helping others move forward.River Valley Irregulars is an outfit that helps connect young people to organisations through an online platform and workshops to help them achieve their career goals.
The avid volunteer is a member of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps as a bridge watchkeeper in the Navy and supports the ITE alumni association, among other organisations.And now at River Valley Irregulars, she helps youths build up their portfolios, gain the right mentorship and guidance to bag quality internship opportunities that some might not have easy access to. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, having been featured in news articles for her volunteerism and the accolades she has been given over the last decade. She was also mentioned in a speech by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong celebrating the 10th anniversary of Youth Corps Singapore in 2024. In it, PM Wong said: "I do not know how you find the time Sheila, to do everything." And I, too, could not comprehend how.More recently, Ms Manokaran was one of two guests on a new video series called "Kopi-C with President T".The series features President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ms Jane Ittogi having informal, sit-down conversations with individuals who have bounced back from difficulty or who show how aspirations can be raised, as part of the President's Challenge.
