Mentor Interview

A moment. A mentor. A spark that stays.

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Chloe Tan

Driven by a passion for the planet and a belief in unity through diversity, I support each child’s journey with strength and heart.

Where have you lived, and how has it shaped your perspective?
I grew up in Singapore, a truly multicultural city. Living among so many cultures made me appreciate diversity and taught me how important respect and adaptability are.
What languages do you speak and how do they influence how you connect with people?
I speak English, Mandarin Chinese, and some Malay. Being multilingual helps me connect easily with children from different backgrounds and understand their perspectives.
Can you share something about your background or identity that’s important to you?
Growing up in a bilingual family taught me that language is more than communication — it’s a bridge to empathy and understanding.
Tell us about a childhood memory that still makes you smile.
Winning my first science fair by building a water filtration system out of recycled materials. It made me realize that curiosity and creativity can create real change.
Describe yourself in three words!
Energetic, empathetic, open-minded.
What did you study, and what inspired you to choose it?
I studied Environmental Engineering because I’ve always been passionate about finding sustainable solutions for the future.
If you could go back and take any course again, or invent your own, what would it be called?
I would create a course called “Inventing for Good” — focusing on designing simple, affordable technologies that solve everyday problems.
How do you build trust with children you’ve just met?
I listen carefully and show genuine excitement about their ideas. Children quickly feel safe when they know their thoughts are valued.
What do you believe children can teach adults (or others)?
Children teach us that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most brilliant.
What does a “successful” session look like to you?
When a child feels proud of trying something new, even if it’s not perfect — that’s true success.
If you could learn anything with a child, what would it be and why?
I would love to learn about renewable energy with them — it’s exciting, hopeful, and directly tied to their future.
What's one topic you would go back and teach yourself when you were a child?
Mindfulness. Learning to manage emotions early would have made school and life a lot less stressful!
What aspects of society have felt strange or unsettling to you as you’ve grown older?
Seeing how quickly environmental issues are dismissed or delayed made me realize we must act now, not later.