From Hidden to Heard: Joey Finds Connection Beyond the Screen

For Joey, most days after school looked the same. Laptop on, Discord open, Roblox with friends. It was her world, her space, and her way of escaping the noise of school and the pressure to fit in. “Online, I can just disappear if I want to,” she said. “But it also gets lonely.”

Like many young people today, Joey was connected but still felt unseen.

An unexpected invitation 

Everything began with a simple encounter. While working on a group project at Lakeside, she met Dorcas, a YGOS staff who shared about the centre and invited her to join an event. “At first, I just joined the Discord channel,” Joey recalled. “I talked to people there and joined one of the Roblox streams. It was fun and chill to just hang out online.”

When she finally decided to visit the centre in person, she brought a friend along. “I was a bit shy the first time,” she laughed. “But after that, I came back myself and just kept coming.”

A place to belong 

At YGOS, Joey found what had been missing in her online world: genuine connection. “Here, I can relax. I can be myself,” she said. On tough school days, she often stops by after class to play board games, join sports, or just talk. “It helps me de-stress. And the people here are funny, especially Ravie,” she smiled.

Sean Ravie is the Centre Manager at YGOS Jurong and also leads YGOS’ Cyber Outreach efforts, an initiative that connects with youths in digital spaces through Discord, gaming, and streaming. His heart for young people and sense of humour have made him a familiar and trusted presence for many like Joey.

“The mentors here actually care,” Joey shared. “They listen, they encourage, they don’t judge.”

From isolation to connection 

Joey admits that before YGOS, she often felt like she had to hide behind her screen. This is a common story among hidden youths who turn to gaming or online spaces to feel safe. But here, she found a community that saw her for who she is, not just the username on a server.

“Usually I just play Roblox with my online friends,” she said. “But here, I feel supported.”

What do teenagers need most today? 

Joey’s answer is simple. “A listening ear and support. Puberty, friendship problems, school stress, it’s a lot.”

From hiding online to being heard in person, Joey’s story reminds us that what many youths need isn’t just advice, it’s understanding, empathy, and a place to belong.

Joey isn’t the only youth hiding behind a screen

There are many more like her waiting to be seen, heard, and believed in. Inspired to learn more?

👾 Join us for our first-of-its-kind cyber event: Cyber Connect: Powering Youth Through Play and Possibilities 🚀

📅 5 Dec, 11AM • Jurong Green CC

🔗 Sign up today: https://tinyurl.com/ygoscyberconnect

We invite you to discover how gaming can connect and inspire the next generation.

Proudly supported by @SPGroup.

Special thanks to SCOGA, AMD, Gigabyte, ViewSonic and Aftershock for fuelling the game.