The pandemic has significantly affected youths in the job market. Herald, a Mereka Academy Digital Entrepreneur Programme graduate, was also among those affected and was unable to secure a full-time job due to the pandemic, unlike some of his peers. The programme, on the other hand, provided him with the skills and knowledge he needed to take matters into his own hands and pursue copywriting freelancing as a result of the programme.

Herald has had a passion for writing since he was a child. It was the most ideal way for him to express himself, he thought. He enjoyed writing so much that the essays he was assigned as homework were more enjoyable than a chore for him. He decided to take advantage of this and turn his passion into a career. On top of unable to secure a job during the pandemic, Herald too had a realistion that he wasnt a fan of the rigid lifestyle led by corporate workers within the corporate world. 

In addition to writing, Herald enjoys expressing himself through his fashion and attire. He values the freedom to dress as he pleases and dye his hair any colour he desires. Herald believes that working for himself gives him complete control over his life because he is not bound by the rigid rules and regulations of a corporation.

Herald regarded the 2-week placement with a local SME as the most valuable aspect of the programme. Herald valued the fact that he was able to gain real-world experience and apply everything he learned in those two weeks as a newcomer to the freelancing world. After the two weeks were up, Herald was fortunate enough to be hired as a freelancer by the same SME with whom he had been paired with!

When Herald decided to go freelance, the biggest obstacle he had to overcome was his fear of what he didn't know. Herald, who had no prior experience with freelancing, took a risk and enrolled in the Digital Entrepreneur programme, where he learned everything he needed to know.

Freelancing, according to Herald, is a rollercoaster ride. "It may appear frightening and intimidating at first, and there will be many ups and downs, but it will always be worth it in the end."