Finding a voice
Debating and public speaking gave Michelle an early lesson in how clarity and courage can move a room.
Ageing as Social Capital
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Founder
Michelle
Lee
Student advocate · musician · listener
Michelle has always been comfortable finding her voice. The more important discovery was learning when not to use it.
The story behind the idea
She went to an elderly centre hoping to contribute. She came away with a different question.
For years, Michelle’s world had rewarded speaking up. She represented her school in public speaking and debating, helped advocate for student voice, played first violin in youth ensembles, and later founded her school’s first TED-style student conference. Each experience strengthened her belief that ideas matter when people have the confidence and opportunity to share them.
Volunteering with older residents shifted the lens. Playing violin, reading, joining activities and simply spending time in conversation showed her that contribution does not move in only one direction. Older people were not simply recipients of care. They carried humour, memory, resilience, perspective and stories that could change the young people beside them.
Ageing as Social Capital grew from that encounter: a student-led attempt to make intergenerational connection more regular, more mutual and more visible.
From speaking to listening
A voice found
its purpose.
Creating space
Through student leadership and TEDxPLC Youth, the focus widened from speaking well herself to helping other young people share ideas of their own.
Learning to listen
At Baptist Care, structured activities mattered—but so did the unscripted moments: a song, a story, a laugh, a conversation that stayed with her after the visit ended.
Reframing ageing
The question changed from “What can we do for older people?” to “What can generations give one another?” That shift became the purpose of this initiative.
Her guiding question
How do we make longer lives feel not only supported, but valued?
Care+Connection+Contribution
LeadershipFounder, TEDxPLC Youth
Building a student platform for ideas, confidence and public expression.
MusicFirst violinist
Using music as both discipline and a simple way to connect across generations.
ServiceRegular elderly-centre volunteer
Supporting activities, conversation, events and community connection.
Built to be shared
This is not a one-person story.
The next chapter belongs to a team of students who are willing to show up regularly, listen carefully and discover what meaningful service looks like over time.
Meet the team leaders