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Alas, the time has come. My final story.
When I first entered the Editorial Unit in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) as an intern, I thought my biggest challenge would be learning how to write.
I was wrong.
Writing, it turns out, is only the last step.
Over the past seven months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting Police officers, civilian staff and volunteers from all walks of life. Some had served for decades; others were only beginning their journey.
I’m Jia Yun, a third-year student pursuing Communication Studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and these are my thoughts about interning with the SPF.
What Makes a Good Story?
Curiosity opens doors.
The best interviews rarely begin with the perfect question. Often, they start with genuine curiosity. Some of my favourite moments came from the small talk I had with interviewees during photoshoots.
Those moments reminded me that these officers are more than the titles they hold or the uniforms they wear – they’re just like you and me, people with stories worth telling.
Casual conversations with interviewees soon became a habit for me. It’s always during these chit-chat sessions before and after the photoshoots that interviewees open up and share their stories, such as a funny training memory, a challenge they had to overcome, their motivation for joining the SPF or the cases they’ve attended to.
I believe that it’s these unscripted conversations that give each story its heart.
To me, a good story is a story worth sharing – and if you’re curious enough, any story can be a good story.
Is My Writing Really Good Enough?
I remember the very first article that I wrote for Police Life about the 2026 NPCC Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony – my first draft came back with a sea of red strikethroughs and comments.
“Oh no, I think journalism isn’t for me...”
Just as I was reflecting and having an existential crisis about my choice of course at NTU, our Head Editor, Yun Shiean, approached me. “Can I have a chat with you?”
Ah, the dreaded first conversation about my article. But I was surprised to receive a nod of recognition and productive feedback on how I could improve my work. She encouraged me to think out of the box, suggesting different ways I could write more engagingly while remaining consistent with editorial standards.
Not only that, but every member of the team was very supportive, constantly offering tips and encouragement for every article I wrote. It ignited a fire in me to keep pushing and try new things, overcoming the steep learning curves of photography, writing and design.
Over time, I learnt that every comment, every suggestion and every revision was an investment in helping me become a better storyteller. Good writing isn’t about getting it perfect the first time but caring enough to make it better.
Why Pitch that Idea?
One of my favourite projects was the NS Diaries series featuring my younger brother, who’d recently enlisted. The series chronicles the experience of a Full-Time National Serviceman through his mandatory Police Officers’ Basic Course.
The idea came about by coincidence. I remember going up to my supervisors and sending an email two days before my brother’s enlistment to pitch the idea.
To my surprise, the team didn’t just approve of it – they believed in it. The simple act of trust meant more than I realised at the time. It reminded me that interns aren’t just here to learn, but to also contribute, experiment and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Being trusted with that opportunity made me feel seen. It gave me the confidence to speak up, share ideas and believe that even as an intern, my voice could make a meaningful contribution.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple, “Let's give it a try.” Without that vote of confidence, the NS Diaries series might never have made it to publication. This reminded me that the best stories often begin with a leap of faith and a willingness to take every chance offered to you.
Is this Really the End?
As this chapter closes, I don't see it as the end of a story. Every article I had the opportunity to write captured someone else's journey, but in the process, they became part of mine too. Perhaps that is the greatest gift of storytelling.
My parting advice to all new interns: “Stay hungry; stay foolish.” Always be driven to learn new things and have the courage to take big risks – you never know where your curiosity might take you!
