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Pop Institute Pte Ltd Review – How One Weekend Gave Me Back the Heart to Teach Again

June 9, 2025 Leave a Comment

Teaching Was My Life – Until It Became Just a Job

My name is Sharon. I’ve been teaching secondary school for 18 years.

People often call me passionate, committed, or even “inspiring.” But for the longest time, I didn’t feel anything close to that. I would wake up, go to school, handle discipline, deliver lessons, go home, collapse, repeat. I started to feel like I was just moving through life on autopilot.

I couldn’t remember the last time I felt joy from teaching, or even from living. It wasn’t depression. It was something quieter — numbness. Everything became flat.

The turning point came not from a breakdown, but from a coffee catch-up. A colleague I deeply respected mentioned a workshop she attended at POP Institute. She looked different — lighter. “Sharon,” she said, “you give all day long. Maybe it’s time someone holds space for you.”

I didn’t believe in workshops. But that line stayed with me.

The POP Weekend That Shifted Everything

I signed up for POP Institute’s Workshop, not expecting much. Maybe some useful tips I could apply in class, I told myself. What I got was something far deeper.

We started with something simple: check-ins. Everyone shared how they felt, no judgment. I realised how rare it is for anyone to ask me how I feel — or for me to ask myself.

There was an exercise where we had to role-play a moment we avoided. I chose a time when a student cried in my office, and I told her to “stay strong” and sent her out. The facilitator asked me to revisit that moment — not to fix it, just to stay present with it.

I cried.

Not because I did anything wrong, but because I finally allowed myself to feel the weight I had been holding.

If this were a typical Pop Institute Pte Ltd review, I’d tell you about the professional facilitation, the structured approach, and the tools you can use in your daily life. And yes, all of that was true., I’d tell you the facilitators are top-notch, the content is well-designed, and the pacing is balanced. But more honestly?

POP was the first place in years where I was seen not as “Ms. Tan,” but as Sharon — the person.

Receiving, Not Just Giving

One of the biggest revelations from that weekend: I’ve spent my entire adult life giving. To students. To colleagues. To my family.

But somewhere along the line, I forgot how to receive.

There was a part of the workshop where another participant simply listened to me — no advice, no fixing, no rushing. Just listening.

I didn’t realise how much I needed that until I broke down, not from sadness, but from relief. Someone saw me, without needing me to be useful.

That moment alone made the entire experience worth it.

Back in Class, But Not the Same

After POP, I returned to school the same Monday. But I was different.

I still taught the same syllabus. Still dealt with the noise and stress. But now, I started asking students how they were — not as a formality, but genuinely. And when they asked me how I was, I told them honestly. Not everything, but enough to let them know I’m human too.

I also started taking 10 minutes after class to just sit. Not scroll. Not plan. Just breathe.

And something funny happened: the students responded. I didn’t need to push as hard. They opened up. They calmed down. Maybe, just maybe, because I did too.

POP by 吕秀金 :For Me When Letting Go Is the Bravest Thing

April 14, 2025 Leave a Comment

I’m Elaine, at 31, I got divorced.
Two years of marriage quietly came to an end — not in drama, not in rage, but in quiet exhaustion.
That morning, I still went to work like any other day. I even bought lunch for a colleague.
No one could tell that I had just ended my marriage — folded it up and packed it away, neatly and silently.

You might ask, “Why did you leave?”
There was no cheating, no third party, no shouting matches.
He never raised a hand to me — but the slammed doors, the cold silence, the unspoken blame…
Each moment made me question: Am I really that hard to love?
He said I was too emotional, too dramatic. I started to believe maybe I was.
But later, I realized: it wasn’t that I was too sensitive — I was just scared.
Scared in a relationship where I no longer felt seen, heard, or loved.
And I finally admitted to myself: this marriage wasn’t saving me — it was erasing me.

Divorce wasn’t a fall.
It was a turning point.
I wasn’t giving up on love.
I was choosing not to give up on myself.


The Quiet That Healed Me

After the divorce, I didn’t want to talk about it.
Family didn’t know the full story. Friends didn’t ask — and I didn’t want them to.
I was tired of saying “I’m fine” when I wasn’t.

That’s why I joined the Pop Workshop.
Not to “get stronger,” not to “move on.”
Just to breathe.
A space where I didn’t have to explain, smile, or pretend.
And surprisingly, those few quiet days became the first step back to me.

I started noticing little changes.
I could say, “I don’t feel like talking today,” and mean it without guilt.
I stopped bending myself to make others comfortable.
I still had long work hours, and stress didn’t vanish —
but I no longer used “being busy” to fill the emptiness inside.

Then I signed up for dance class again — something I used to love but gave up after getting married.
Bit by bit, I found my rhythm again.
I began eating alone, going to art shows, spending time with friends who made me feel alive.
My life didn’t get louder — it just started to feel mine again.


I Am Not Broken — I Just Needed to Choose Me

It’s not that I became fearless.
I just started to believe I deserve kindness — especially from myself.
I don’t need anyone’s approval, and I’m not here to explain my choices.
I only need to stay honest with myself.

People said, “But your marriage didn’t seem that bad. Isn’t it a waste?”
Now I know — the real tragedy wasn’t the end of the marriage.
It was how slowly, and silently, I lost myself in it.

I don’t hate him. I’m not angry.
Not everyone will understand your pain — but that’s okay.
You understand. That’s enough.

And if you’re reading this while sitting in your own quiet sadness,
wondering if you’re the problem…
Please hear this:
You’re not wrong.
You’re not broken.
You’ve just gone too long without being treated right — and too long without treating yourself right.
It’s not that you couldn’t hold on.
It’s that you finally realized…
You shouldn’t have to.

parktown residence condo new launch

UOL, SingLand & CapitaLand Launch Parktown Residence, Singapore’s Largest Integrated Development

February 8, 2025 Leave a Comment

The much-anticipated Parktown Residence condo has officially launched, bringing Singapore’s largest integrated development to the heart of Tampines. Jointly developed by UOL Group Limited, Singapore Land Group (SingLand), and CapitaLand Development, Parktown Residence redefines urban living by combining residential, retail, and lifestyle spaces into a single, fully integrated hub.

Located just a stone’s throw from Tampines MRT Station, Parktown Residence offers residents the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and connectivity in one of Singapore’s most sought-after regions.

 

A Bold Vision for Integrated Living

Parktown Residence isn’t just another residential development; it’s a city within a city. With over 1,193 residential units, this ambitious project is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern families, young professionals, and investors.

The development features a multi-level retail podium filled with dining options, shopping outlets, and lifestyle services—all accessible without leaving the premises. Imagine stepping out of your home and being minutes away from supermarkets, cafes, fitness centers, and entertainment venues.

For Parktown Residence indicative price, the development’s proximity to renowned schools such as St. Hilda’s Primary, Temasek Polytechnic, and UWCSEA offers peace of mind and unparalleled convenience.

 

Diverse Unit Mix for Every Lifestyle

Parktown Residence caters to a wide range of residents with unit configurations from two-bedroom apartments to spacious four-bedroom family homes. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with modern layouts, high-quality finishes, and smart home features to enhance everyday living.

Key Features of Parktown Residence:

  • 1,193 Units ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms
  • Premium Appliances and Modern Finishes
  • Smart Home Technology for seamless control
  • Extensive Amenities including swimming pools, rooftop gardens, fitness centers, and children’s play areas

 

A Green Oasis in the Heart of the East

Despite being a bustling urban hub, Parktown Residence emphasizes greenery and open spaces. The development is thoughtfully landscaped with lush gardens and relaxation corners, creating a serene environment for residents.

For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Bedok Reservoir Park and Tampines Eco Green provide ample opportunities for recreational activities such as jogging, cycling, and nature walks.

 

Unmatched Connectivity

Parktown Residence’s strategic location ensures easy access to the rest of Singapore. Residents can enjoy excellent connectivity via Tampines MRT Interchange, which links both the Downtown Line and the East-West Line. Drivers will appreciate the proximity to major expressways like the PIE, TPE, and KPE, making commutes to the Central Business District (CBD) and Changi Airport a breeze.

 

A Hub for Work, Play, and Relaxation

Parktown Residence takes the concept of integrated living to the next level by offering a complete lifestyle experience. Beyond the residential units and retail spaces, the development includes co-working spaces, wellness facilities, and a community plaza for events and gatherings.

Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the fully equipped gym, while families can bond at the children’s playgrounds and themed gardens. The rooftop garden is perfect for quiet evenings with stunning views of the Tampines skyline.

 

Strong Demand Expected

Given its prime location, extensive amenities, and integrated concept, industry experts anticipate strong demand for units at Parktown Residence. The development appeals to a broad spectrum of buyers, including first-time homeowners, upgraders, and savvy investors.

The initial preview has already generated significant interest, with many prospective buyers drawn to the affordability of units starting at $1.07 million.

 

A New Benchmark for Integrated Living

Parktown Residence is more than just a residential development; it’s a lifestyle destination that sets a new benchmark for integrated living in Singapore. With its mix of convenience, luxury, and family-centric design, it’s poised to become a standout project in 2024’s property landscape.

Interested buyers and investors can look forward to the official sales launch on February 22, 2024.

 

About UOL, SingLand & CapitaLand Development
UOL, SingLand, and CapitaLand Development are some of Singapore’s most established property developers, known for creating landmark residential and commercial projects that shape the city’s skyline. Their collaboration on Parktown Residence is a testament to their shared vision of delivering high-quality developments that enhance urban living.

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  • Pop Institute Pte Ltd Review – How One Weekend Gave Me Back the Heart to Teach Again
  • POP by 吕秀金 :For Me When Letting Go Is the Bravest Thing
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