Eric Marcilla

I am someone who exhibits a kind nature and is very detailed oriented. I'm observant and spot peoples' and situations' needs very quickly. For example, I tend to notice people who are left out in a group and would befriend such people. I am also inclined to point out missing links and blind spots when working on projects. I like to think through issues carefully and weigh how such decisions will affect people. This behaviour stems from my ability to accurately and objectively perceive another person's feelings without necessarily agreeing with them. It's a useful strength I use when interacting with people to obtain people's feedback and to help them with their problems.

Another strength of mine is that I'm a good abstract reasoner. This means I have an elevated ability to handle complex or multidimensional problems. Though this strength has not yet been tested in the working world, I see its usefulness when I use it in my role as a mentor in church. I am stimulated by complex situations people face where I could play in my mind how to tackle them by using different strategies and enjoy showing people new perspectives of the same situation to put them in a better position to solve their problems.

Closely related to my strengths are my interests. I love helping, interacting and meeting the needs of people. I have an especially soft heart for people who have been left behind by the rat race of life, such as children with learning difficulties, the aged who have no close kin, or people who are ostracised by society. For example, recently in November, I volunteered at a math and science camp for children with learning difficulties. It was a very rewarding experience for me to be part of the childrens' lives for 2 days and be able to show them love and patience, despite moments of frustration. I also recently volunteered an a community event organised by South-West CDC and a memorable experience for me was meeting an uncle who shared to me about the first cabinet ministers of Singapore. 

I aspire to make a difference to the lives of people. I am very grateful for the many things I have in life - an abundant life, a safe place to live in, good education, good parents, good health, faithful friends - and I hope to give back to society. This is perhaps the strongest reason why I would want to work in the civil service. I aspire to bring insights, joy and hope to the people in my workplace and also those who will indirectly receive from my work.