Lee, visiting Rumah Hope, aims to provide school uniforms, shoes and education for the shelter’s children.
NOW and then, a story unfolds that affirms that anyone, irrespective of circumstances, can reconstruct their lives.
Josephine Lee’s journey is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit, for not only has she overcome her trials, but she has soared to new heights as a successful senior data analyst at an Australian financial institution in Singapore.
Her rebuilding journey began at the age of eight at a children’s shelter called Rumah Hope in Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya in Selangor.
When she was old enough to work, she took on a job at a nearby petrol station to earn some pocket money.
Subsequently, she embarked on acquiring literacy and gained a love for reading.
“I used to be the eccentric child at Rumah Hope, always engrossed in books.
“Gradually, a passion for learning sparked within me, leading me to explore other interests, like playing the guitar and piano,” said Lee.
In school, she faced the harsh reality of bullying, facing torment because she did not have proper uniform and shoes.
With only one pair for the entire year, rainy days exacerbated the situation, leading to torn shoes.
“Everyone hails from diverse backgrounds, and we should advocate for kindness over condoning bullying,” she said.
This experience motivated her to return to the home one day to help the children.
After completing her SPM, Lee worked at a petrol station and clinic while pursuing her tertiary education.
At 23, she ventured to Hong Kong and later studied at the National University of Singapore. She then settled in the republic, where her career at Macquarie Group blossomed.
Lee’s success has not eclipsed her roots, but has fuelled her commitment to giving back.
“They are my 57 siblings and I feel responsible to help them as I certainly do not want them to go through the same situation when I was young,” said Lee.
Raising over RM80,000, with significant contributions from the Macquarie Group Foundation and supportive colleagues whom Lee considers a family, she aims to provide school uniforms, shoes and education for the children at Rumah Hope.
“I am forever grateful to my colleagues and senior leaders, especially to Verena Lim for her mentorship and unwavering support in my personal development and fundraising initiatives,” said Lee, highlighting that their kindness and compassion had made the latter part of her journey possible.
Lee is especially grateful for Rumah Hope for providing her an unconventional family and a safe haven.
She plans to visit the home in March next year, intending to bring her Macquarie family to meet with her 57 siblings at the home for a back-to-school shopping trip and career talk.
She said, “I hope my story can serve as a living example to other underprivileged children to not allow their status to deter them from achieving success.
“Success is achieved through personal resilience, not merely accepting the ‘poverty card’ which was dealt at birth.”
“Everybody has the ability to learn, and achieving your dreams is possible,” said Lee.
“I only started reading at 12. Take your time to get to know yourself and what you want your legacy to be.
“Once you know, hold on to your dreams and keep pushing on,” she said.
