Hey, I'm Cogan!
Hey, I'm Cogan! ✌️
17 and juggling student + educator life in Singapore 🇸🇬. Somehow trying to manage a diploma AND degree (yeah, it's wild!).
Super proud to be SG's youngest educator (certified with the WSQ Advanced Certificate in Leadership and Performance 2.0 from the Institute of Adult Learning at the Singapore University of Social Sciences) 🏆. I teach students and adults in the leadership and technology domains.
Dance is my passion 💃. It helps me to relax.
Although I look normal on the inside, I have anxiety. My anxiety can cause me to be very different at times. I would appreciate if you check in on me whenever I seem different. Thank you!
My Passion: Dance 🌊
Dance has always been my sanctuary—the place where I can truly express myself without fear or judgment. When the music starts and my body moves, my anxiety melts away, replaced by pure joy and freedom.
I'm incredibly fortunate to have an amazing dance instructor who sees my potential even on days when I can't. I'm also very fortunate to have dance classmates who are very accepting. They create a safe space where mistakes are just stepping stones to growth, and their patience and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey.
My classmates in both dance classes have become more than just people I dance with—they've become a community that accepts me.
Just to let you know…
It's very difficult for me to express my anxiety at times and this is genuinely an issue. At times, I do my best to mask my emotions. Anxiety is not just worrying, but it's worrying excessively. Even when things are going fine, sometimes I still worry excessively. This is just the way my brain is wired.
When I'm nervous, I can start to make typographical errors, call people the wrong names, have a weird accent or start to say things that do not make sense. In such cases, please check in with me afterwards if you require any clarifications on what I've said.
The image on the right is my anxiety and depression assessments taken on the 30th of January 2025.
My struggles 🌊
At 17, I juggle stress with inner battles. Behind my "normal teen" facade lives someone much deeper.
My Mask 😶
I look typical on the outside, but inside? Total chaos that nobody sees.
My Feels 😰
Perfectionism kills me. Criticism hurts way more than it should. My emotions are always on max volume.
Dance = Freedom 💃
When I dance, I escape everything. No judgments, no expectations—just me.
Help Me By... 🤝
Being patient. Speaking clearly. Giving me space when I'm drowning in feelings.
How my anxiety shows up 🌪️
  • 😵 Unanswered questions make me totally spiral. Like when someone says "Can I ask you something?" and then disappears... my brain goes CRAZY imagining the worst!
  • 🧠 Zoning out happens when my brain just can't anymore. If I seem spaced out, I'm probably not ignoring you! Just processing wayyy too much at once.
  • 🔍 Overthinking is my superpower (not the good kind). I can turn a tiny comment into THE BIGGEST DEAL EVER. My brain loves making mountains out of molehills!
  • 😰 Physical stuff shows up too - faster breathing, fidgeting, or playing with my hair when I'm anxious. My body's basically a walking anxiety meter!
  • 🙏 Please be direct with me! No hints or subtle stuff - just tell me straight up what you're thinking. Clear communication = my anxiety's kryptonite!
Friendship and my anxiety journey 🫂

Anxiety Barriers
My anxiety makes building connections incredibly difficult.
Loneliness Cycle
Being alone triggers worse anxiety symptoms.
Limited Circle
No siblings means I rely heavily on the few people I trust.
Simple Needs
Check-ins and inclusion mean everything to me.
When I'm left out, my mind creates the worst stories. A simple text can save me from spiraling thoughts.
Being an only child has taught me to treasure every friendship deeply.
Thank you for understanding me!
1
Small Remarks, Big Thoughts
Small comments can send me into a spiral of overthinking. I also tend to overthink a lot about what I say.
2
Anxious Reactions
I'm often anxious about how others will react when I open up to them.
3
Appreciating My Supporters
I'm so grateful to have friends who are there for me through it all.
Thank you for taking the time to understand me. Even small gestures like a text or an invitation can make a big difference when I'm struggling.