TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY: AZALEAGRACE'S JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE

Azaleagrace still remembered the days when giving up felt easier than going on. “Some days were so bad, I didn’t even want to get out of bed,” she recalls. Between school, work and the weight of her struggles, she often found herself wondering if there were brighter days ahead. 

Today, her smile tells a different story, one of hope, grit and the people who stood beside her. Many may know Azaleagrace for her achievements; but to Beautiful People, she is a young woman with a dream and the courage to chase it, alongside a collective community who stands by her.

Meet Azaleagrace: More Than Just a Story

A fresh graduate and valedictorian from ITE, Azaleagrace is now pursuing a Diploma in Experience and Product Design while juggling her freelance role in web development.

In recent years, she has seen great changes in her life — such as her move from studying landscaping to web design, and stepping out of the home to take on the world as a young adult. With her cat by her side and her favourite comfort food — warm, crisp prata — to decompress, she is always ready to weather her circumstances.

The Road To Reaching a Dream

Azaleagrace’s journey with Beautiful People began in My Beautiful Life at HCSA Dayspring. After being discharged, she joined Owena, the alumni club for Dayspring graduates where she found emotional support and guidance to navigate her next steps. 

Through Owena, she discovered that her journey with Beautiful People was not over. It had simply taken a new path through Save for Dreams, a 24-month savings challenge that helped her save steadily toward her goal and gave her a glimpse for the first time that her dream could come true.

For 2 years, Azaleagrace set aside $100 each month, cutting back on outings with her friends and spending less on eating out to invest in her dream. “It was difficult at first having to make these changes as I usually hang out with my friends,” she admits. “But I’m glad I was able to save each month.” Her discipline not only allowed her to save for driving lessons, but also enabled her to support her partner’s medical expenses. 

Dreams Do Come True

With her success in achieving her goal of getting her driving license, Azaleagrace has hopes for her dreams in the future. Upon graduating from polytechnic, she dreams of owning her own home, and starting her own baking business. “I was inspired by my grandmother, who used to bake with me,” Azaleagrace shares, smiling modestly.

To others on a similar journey as her, Azaleagrace imparts some pearls of wisdom and encouragement. “Don’t give up,” she says. “No matter how bad it gets or how tired you are, get out of bed and push through. It will all be worth it in the end.”