Personal observation
Date: Friday, 31st January
8.30am Michelle was wearing a white casual top, grey tights, cream coloured loafers – one of her usuals, and a grey colored watch. She was wearing contact lenses today, and carried just a guitar with her. All her miscellaneous items are placed in the pouch of the guitar case, because she likes her hands to be free, according to her. We had breakfast together. She had a plate of fried noodles, while we chatted over the meal. She was providing me with a lot of encouragement that morning, telling me how she copes with challenges. She mentioned that music uplifts her the most, so she sent me a screenshot over Whatsapp of her favourite bible verse that she relies on during tough days. She finished up her meal quickly. We gave up our seat for a few ladies who wanted to enjoy their meals too. We then proceeded to the sanctuary for our usual Sunday service. She was still chit-chatting on the way, giving me even more encouragement. She is very motherly!
9.15am She chirped as she bid hello to friends at church. We then quitened down for prayers and worship. She also reminded my friend and I to keep our voices down when we got a little too excited over a certain topic.
11am It was time for bible study, so we made our way upstairs to a room. Michelle prepared herself to lead worship by first tuning her guitar, at the same time, sill joking with us about random things. She interpreted to us, the meaning of the song that she chose for worship. When my cell leader told her to carry on only with one song, she complied. She then led prayer for all 12 of us.
1.15pm At the end of our bible study session, we went to the washroom together. She fixed her hair neatly with bobby pins, her usual style other than pigtails or plaits. She does like some variety. We chi chatted along the way with another common friend, and made sure that we were both feeling alright. Her motherly instincts appearing again! A friend also made a joke at her, saying that she forgot that he was supposed to bring the guitar for her. She can be quite forgetful at times!We proceeded for our Chicken Rice lunch at Middle Road. While waiting for the food, she told us about how she snacked so much during the Lunar New Year break, that she had an outbreak of pimples. She explained that she did not have much to do during the family gatherings, other than taking care of her younger cousins. Her family is huge. Her maternal side grandparents had 14 children ranging from 30 to 60 years old! Perhaps that explains her maternal instincts. I noticed, however, that she has really good and fair skin, except for the few pimples that broke out due to all the fried food. As usual, she continues to joke with us, making funny gestures – her usual animated style which never fails to crack us all up. When the food came, she first dished out some chilli for herself, and put a lot o dark sauce onto her rice, at which point all of us commented that she was crazy. She then dug in really quickly and was the first girl at the table to finish her plate of chicken rice. We chatted about random things, including the trip that she would be going together with the other 3 at the table. They would be going to Bali this March, something typical of this group of leaders, because it would be a time of fellowship, adventure and fun.
3pm We proceeded on to Rochor Beancurd to have some tau huey and some beancurd tarts, which my friend treated. Michelle volunteered to collate and make the orders for the group.She ordered a cup of cold soya bean drink, tau huey, and had a beancurd tart to herself. She shared with us about her school kids who cannot understand instructions, something that really puzzled her. She also told us how she dealt with it, and how she tries to convince the parents that they needed to do something. She always describes her students and parents in a very comical manner that never fails to make us burst out laughing. After feeling very full, we walked to the bus stop together, and that ended our day together!
" I love adventure but also love spending time alone, reading and learning more about the world. I treasure my friends and family. "
Michelle Tan, female, 27
Primary School Teacher
Brand user: Kotex
Do you track your period?
Not really. But I know when is the usual time it would come in a typical month. Sometimes when I skip meals too often, it would be delayed.
What is your experience with Kotex like?
I am used to Kotex, so if I were to switch brands, I would feel a little uncomfortable. I like Kotex for its creative designs, length, and the texture.
Do you use different brands for day and night? What are the brands?
I only use Kotex pads. As for pantyliners, I use Laurier because my mum bought a lot of them for me the previous time when there was a promotion.
Do you have a regime during your menstrual cycle?
I try to avoid cold drinks as much as I can. I can usually sense my menses coming, so before that, I’ll allow myself to indulge in food because I can reassure myself that my body is asking for it, and it is okay. I do not intentionally exercise.
Who usually buys sanitary pads for you?
I usually buy the Kotex pads for myself and my younger sister who is now in Polytechnic. I usually choose Kotex out of habit.
Besides school, Michelle devotes her time mostly to her ministry in Church, as well as occasional hang outs with friends and family, She loves food, and is often willing to spend a premium on good tasting food. She is also an adventurous person, an independent lady who challenges herself consistently. She has been to India alone, to explore the World and herself. She also loves outdoor expeditions, of which her most recent one would be trekking at Kathmandu. Michelle is a cheerful and outgoing person, who cares for people around her. She does not invest in fashion, and is certainly not a girly person. Her fashion style is mostly dresses for work, and casual top and pants on a usual day out. Although she looks tall and athletic, she does not exercise regularly nowadays due to her hectic schedule.
Can you briefly recall and describe your first period?
My first period was very sudden. I did not have any cramps and it just felt wet. I didn’t realize that it came until I stained my chair at home! .
What are the things you would do to prevent leakage (day/night)?
I will constantly remind myself to change my pad. I will wear the larger pads all day.
Brand Profile
Variety-seeking
Michelle’s life is never boring. She loves changing her style, as seen in how she puts her hair, the types of clothes she chooses, and the food that she picks. She loves colors, as seen in her colorful accessories, bags, wallets, and so on.
Adventurous
Michelle loves outdoor activities, is bold and is often willing to try new things. Noteworthy is her preference for strong tastes in food. She loves the extreme of spiciness, sweetness and saltiness. She also does not mind attempting food that sounds too exotic to eat. Michelle does not appear as someone mindful of people’s opinions of her. She is also willing to pay more for something exotic or different.
Brand Relationship
Committed Partnerships
Michelle is often willing to try out new products or variations of products. She is willing to allow the product to fail. When she loves something though, she would form a purposeful, lasting relationship with the brand, and ensures that she uses the same brand even while she is busy at work.
With regard to pads specifically, Michelle is highly committed to Kotex because she has tried and tested other brands, and probably still prefers Kotex. She trusts in the functionality of the brand, and sticks with it throughout the day.
