Out Scouting

Val’s friends describe her style as “hipster as hell”, and that probably boils down to her penchant for scarves and badges. However, she likes to think of herself as a boy scout, going out to look for adventure, and we think that’s a more befitting term to describe her. This natural curiosity suits her well in her job, and she loves that it allows her to be curious, both in terms of her attitude, and in her dress sense. “The great thing about work is I get to wear what I want,” she says. “I don’t really separate what I wear to work and what I wear outside of work. Everything goes. I think the important thing is — I know a lot of people always say this — to be comfortable.” This comfort comes in handy especially when she takes long walks. “For real!” she says. “My favourite walking route is from West Coast to Telok Blangah. You cut through West Coast Park, NUS, South Buona Vista Road, Hort Park, Henderson Wave. You finish along Telok Blangah Road.” At work, Val says one of the most important things she’s learnt is to say no when it’s time to say no. That helps her to manage her personal life with her work life. She also advises, “Never think of yourself as that lowly marketing or account executive — you really are who you make yourself out to be.” Ever the curious mind, she ends off by sharing one of her personal favourite quotes, and what it’s taught her. ““The best thing for being sad,” replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, “is to learn something…Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.”” (The Once and Future King, T.H. White). “I guess what it’s trying to say is that no matter how terrible a situation you find yourself in, there is always something to learn from it,” Val says. “As long as you have a willing heart and mind.” Val was previously seen here and here.