How can you achieve success when the odds are stacked against you?
Singapore has progressed as a nation but there are still people who fall through the cracks. Stories of families who struggle financially are aplenty. Some students go to school burdened with family and financial problems. Some may worry constantly if they have enough money to eat lunch or to buy school essentials. Some may also have extra responsibilities such as household chores or to take care of their younger siblings after school. These burdens and worries are not clear for teachers and friends to see unless they take the intentional step to learn more about the experiences of others beyond school hours.
Here is a comic which succinctly explains why there are such diverse experiences amongst people when we all seem to be in the same ‘meritocratic system’.
Comic taken from: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/the-wireless/373065/the-pencilsword-on-a-plate
If you can relate to Paula’s experience, do not feel discouraged or be in dismay. There is still hope as long as you change your perspective and believe that you can still succeed in your own ways.
Read the success stories of those who triumphed over their challenging circumstances and be inspired!
Ms Nurain Sanusi
From a broken family and even working part-time jobs to support her family, Ms Nurain has displayed resilience, compassion, kindness, and maturity throughout her Secondary School years.
https://mothership.sg/2019/12/n-level-interview-2/
Mr Tan Jun Xiang
He scored 181 for his PSLE and went to the Normal (Academic) Stream. His poor results disappointed his parents and this motivated Mr Tan to commit all his efforts to his studies. He realized his ambition of becoming a doctor in polytechnic and set his heart to enter NUS Medical School.
Read his story to find out how he did it
Mr M Thirukkumaran
He almost retained in Secondary 1 and 2. In Secondary 3, he scored 1 mark out of 50 marks. Find out how he overcame his challenges.
https://www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/from-rock-bottom-to-top-of-the-class
After reading the inspirational stories, what can you do now so that you will be able to write your own success story in the future?
Sources:
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/the-wireless/373065/the-pencilsword-on-a-plate
- https://mothership.sg/2019/12/n-level-interview-2/
- https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/he-broke-the-mould-by-going-from-normal-stream-to-nus-medical-school
- https://www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/from-rock-bottom-to-top-of-the-class
Suggested Videos:
The Boy from the Normal Academic Stream who almost gave up on himself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2ukoB8F6jo (6.33 mins)
