The annual Peer Power Week is back in T3W5! In this article, we will share more on what Peer Power Week is about, the activities to expect as well as why YOU will want to participate! 

 

But before that, what is the main message that we would like Rafflesians to really take away?

 

“Everyone shouldn’t be ashamed of their imperfections.” Imperfections are an intrinsic part of everyone, and it doesn’t make sense to feel guilt over not being ‘perfect’ (who is?). Rather, we can adopt a more forgiving view of ourselves and others and understand that imperfections are what makes us ‘perfectly human’! Therefore, we shouldn’t be afraid to show our imperfections to the people around us, or be embarrassed to share challenges in our lives, no matter how seemingly insignificant they are. 

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We all go through vulnerable moments and face difficulties — it’s part of being human. Reaching out for help can already feel daunting, especially when it means letting others see the parts of ourselves we usually keep hidden. That’s why it’s so important that we be proactive and take the initiative to look out for each other. By paying attention to how our friends and peers are really doing, and showing that we’re open, kind, and trustworthy, we help create a space where others feel safe to share and be themselves. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there makes all the difference.

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What can you expect to see during Peer Power Week?

You can foresee a multitude of exciting and original booths designed and constructed by our fellow peers hosted in the canteen walkway for an entire week, carefully curated such that you can learn more about creating a more supportive network and perhaps even be inspired to reach out. 

Pop by to indulge in a series of busking events to soothe your soul, a perky photobooth to capture a moment in time with your friends, or if you’re feeling hungry, grab a free box of magical popcorn to munch on while you bead bracelets with your bestest boon companions!

 

What about the booths though? Here are some sneak peeks🫢! 

1. Chain of Kindness - Anything unsettling in your mind? Pen down your thoughts and seek help from your peers or answer another student’s note. All in secrecy! All the more is the value of kindness meaningful when no one acknowledges it.

2. How are you really? - Adopt the role of a mini-peer helper and seek to burst through the superficial and the shallow, to truly hold a meaningful conversation and encourage our peers to open up and that it is okay to express themselves truly. 

3. Building Bridges, Not walls - Sometimes we unintentionally exclude others, and it is only through acknowledgement of such that we can take steps to deliberately ensure everyone feels included and supported, rather than building a world of othering and silent suffering. 

4. They’re cooking ≠ I’m cooked -  Comparison is the thief of Joy, and everyone has gone through this feeling of envy and self-degradation. Sometimes, all one needs is the assurance that everyone has their own path, and time to reflect on one’s own achievements to appreciate how far they’ve come. 

5. The Rafflesian’s guide to effective collaboration - Group work isn’t easy. Learn to navigate the sophisticated yet broken-down dynamics of collaboration and experience a journey of self-discovery as you find out what type of worker you are!

6. Untitled Compulsiveness Project - What even is compulsive behaviour and how do you inhibit it? Come learn more about the manifestation of such behaviour and how to navigate it as you understand more about your own body and be comfortable in it.

7. Behind our masks: Embracing our true self - Fear of judgement can weigh us down, and even force us into being someone we’re not. Learn to not only escape from such illusory fears but also not be a perpetrator of such. Play a game to crush what stops you, and write a letter to your future self, of which future you will receive at the end of the year!

8. Waving or flailing? - Everyone needs support, but some are not so good at showing it. Learn to identify subtle hints and extend a hand of support to those in need. Write a postcard to show that they matter and that you’re there. 

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These booths hopefully will help motivate everyone to accept themselves and be comfortable in their own skin, but also to help extend that sense of acceptance to others as we build a world where we are able to embrace each other for who we are, and not false-identity-bearing skinwalkers.

 

It only takes a few minutes to start a chain of actions that will spiral into a series of kind deeds and make our already stressful JC life one of support. So rather than wasting our time doom-scrolling, take 5 minutes to do one small deed of kindness, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll feel infinitely better about ourselves.

 

Through these activities mentioned, Peer Power Week 2025 aims to encourage us to be more self-aware and authentic and to build a supportive network within our community that all Rafflesians can depend on. Let's be kind to both ourselves and the people around us and work towards fostering a bonded community where everyone can feel a sense of belonging to!

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Do drop by Peer Power Week to learn about yourself, others and our theme. Remember to have a good time, enjoy the activities with your peers and be a good person!