SHENTONISTA

“Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is my favourite place in Singapore. I saw so many animals that I can’t see in France, and this is so crazy to me. For example, it’s strange to see crocodiles in nature, because in France, I can only see small animals in the wild, not reptiles.”

“The freedom of living independently is very refreshing. Back home, I have a big family, and sometimes it can be quite overwhelming living together, so it’s good to be able to manage my time on my own and not have any rules to follow.”

“My folks are very typical Chinese folks, but then again, they’re a little bit different as well because they never question what I do as an artist, and are pretty supportive. In fact, I think I got a lot more critical comments than praise about my work from them.”

“I decided to pursue my interests in terms of my career, and it’s been the most liberating thing I’ve ever done for myself. Before this, I’d always been following what my parents wanted for me, but we all have different paths to choose in life.”

“One of my all-time favourite books is Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight. It’s taught me to always be fearless when starting on something new, and to just go all-in to achieve my dreams.”

“I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt in school is how to start over again. Sometimes I get really stuck in my work, but I’ve learnt to not to be so hard on myself, and to give myself time to grow. I think that’s quite important.”

“I’m very particular when it comes to cleanliness. I think I got that from my dad. Friends who know me will know how particular my dad is, and it runs in the family, I guess.”

With her floppy sun hat, statement dress, and bright smile, Christel caught our eye immediately as we wandered around Gillman Barracks.

“Fashion has always been an interest of mine, but I never go to pursue it until now. Back when I finished my diploma in Tourism Business and Hospitality in polytechnic, I told my parents that it’s time for me to pursue what I wanted.”

“Enjoy your time with friends, because life happens, and sometimes, people move on. Don’t take these friendships for granted, and treasure the time you have together with your friends while you can.”

“I signed up for dance classes because I’m trying to understand movement since there are no clubs anymore, and I miss that kind of freeform dancing. I’ve never really danced before though, and it’s contemporary dance that I’ll be doing, so it’s very scary.”

After two rounds of voting, here are our winners of #ShentonistaOfTheYear2021.