When I first received my PSLE results, I felt really down. I was the first in my family to be enrolled in the Normal Technical stream and I felt like a disappointment.
When I started secondary school, I wasn’t motivated and wasn't doing well. Then one day, my teacher (Mr Ng) pulled me out of the class. He spoke to me with passion, I could feel it. He said he believed in me and my potential. He said I was special in the way I showed leadership and helped my peers. I was deeply inspired by his words. I worked hard and managed to be in the top few of the cohort. I also joined the student council to improve my leadership skills.
Now when I face failure, I think of the word ‘opportunity’. Failure gives me the opportunity to reflect and improve myself. What can I change to better myself?
It’s sad when I see students put false limitations on themselves, like how I did. We all need a 'Mr Ng' in our lives. He taught me not to base my potential on my current grades. He taught me to appreciate my unique strengths beyond my grades.
My hope is that I can be a 'Mr Ng' to my peers.