Jamie Lee
Pioneer Participant of FamChamps & President of 1st FamChamps Council

My name is Jamie and my journey with FamChamps began in 2014 when I attended the pilot FamChamps camp. I still remember the excitement of attending workshops, diving into topics like the Genogram and the 5 Love Languages and sharing heartfelt moments with my parents during Honour Night. 

Leaving that camp, I was filled with a profound sense of love for my family, and I was inspired to make a difference in our family dynamics. However, at the time, everything seemed fine in my own family, and I didn't see any urgent need for change. 

But then came 2019, the year that turned my world upside down. I had just finished my A-levels and was enjoying a trip to Bangkok with friends when my mum called, sobbing over the phone. 

That call shattered my reality 
— my dad was filing for divorce. 

Suddenly, 2019 became a blur. As I entered university, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and my family life spiralled into chaos. I saw my parents in a new light—my mum withdrawn, and my dad taking on a new job in China. For nearly three years, it felt like I was the only responsible adult at home, harbouring resentment toward my parents, especially my dad, for the mess our family had become.

During the pandemic, the physical distance between my dad and I provided some relief. I believed we were better off without each other. 

But as graduation approached, I realised I couldn't continue living with this estrangement. Despite my anger, I longed for my dad's love and missed him deeply. Thus, I made an intentional decision to be the one to initiate change in my family.

I proposed a trip to Japan with my sister and dad. It wasn't easy and even up to two weeks before the trip, my dad was still uncertain that he could make it, but we made it eventually. Those ten days were awkward, but amidst the discomfort, I saw glimpses of my dad's love and longing for us. 

This sparked a desire to know him better, leading me to plan a trip to China with just him. It was uncomfortable, filled with heated conversations and disagreements, but it was also eye-opening. I saw a side of my dad I hadn't known before, and despite his imperfections, I realised he truly loved me.

Taking those trips came at a cost, but they opened a new chapter in our relationship—one I'm excited to explore further. Despite the challenges, giving my family a second chance is a cause I'm willing to stand for.

Hence, I urge and invite you to give youths a chance and support their endeavours. 

You might be surprised at the lengths we'll go to build stronger families for tomorrow!