Okay this might be weird. And in fact, I'm not exactly giving my opinions on anything at all and not sure if it can be counted as a blog post. It's just something that I wish to share.
Most students believe that life is about academics, and academics only. It doesn't matter what subject it is, but it was always about academics. And rather unfortunately, I too fall into the same trap. We often get so wrapped up in Singapore's fast-paced, stressful and competitive environment that we forget what are the things that really make a difference to us. So unintentionally, we depend on the grades we get, to know how to feel. It's like getting A1s for all subjects would suddenly make us joyful but a single C5 would break our heart and as teenagers like to say, go to a corner and emo.
I used to do this a a lot. Making my emotions depend on the grades I received. And the problematic thing was I didn't exactly do consistently well in my academics. So yea, you can kind of guess how my personality was like. This was especially so when I got the worst grade I had ever received ever since I stepped into HCI. And the worst thing was that I studied real hard for that single test but did not manage to excel. But then my senior kind of cheered me up and gave me encouragement. He passed me a book titled "Everything is going to be OK", in which the entire book is just made out of motivational pictures with encouraging words. He told me this "I've been through quite a difficult time these few weeks and I convinced myself that it was all in the mindset and the way that you looked at things." I guess that kind of inspired me.
Life isn't all about grades. And sadly our education system places too much emphasis on the marks that we receive. Life is more about being with the people that you love, and enjoying the things that you do! Grades are important, but they're not that important to the point that we base our emotions on them! I've come to realise and appreciate that life is what YOU decide to do with it. And unlike many other things, you really really only have one life. Treasure it. Cos every moment is meant to be different. Every downfall, every hardship, every success, every victory. So to all those out there who is upset with their grades, here's my advice to you. It's just a mark. You can do better. Don't waste your life moaning about it. Cos you deserve more and your life is far more worth a single grade. Be optimistic and look at things from a brighter perspective! It's all in the mindset.
Treasure your lives, live it to the fullest and most importantly, live it happy.
Raphael,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Academics is not everything, and we should not focus too much on it. I believe in Aristotle's Golden Mean, that we should achieve a balance. We should not be workaholics and miss out the other wonderful things in our life, but we should not be lazy and not do anything at all either. Striking a balance is very important, in my view.
There are many other wonderful things in this world. Academics are not everything. We have friends and family by our side. Their love is worth much more than good grades.
Regards,
2I125 (KX)
Dear Raphael,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all that you have said.
We have all been taught by our parents, teachers and seniors that grades are not everything, and even if grades are really everything to you, just pick yourself up, and keep trying; no point crying over spilt milk, am I right?
Of course, grades are important; many people take their career very seriously, and see it as their goal in life. However, how do we ensure a good career, one that can take you very far? It would be by keeping your career choices open. And how do we keep our career choices open? By starting with good grades, and collating an attractive resume.
However, if all fails, all is not lost! There are many lucrative industries which do not require a "perfect resume", there are scores of people who have never even gotten a degree, who are famous icons in the business world. So why worry? Everything is taken care of. Set your heart at peace, get away from the emo corner, and carry on with your life!
Wen Hong
Hi Raphael,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that happiness does not rely on grades and academic achievements, rather our experiences, our desires, and in our hearts, our lifelong achievements. Unfortunately, our world nowadays is becoming more competitive as each day goes by. A while ago, the citizens of Singapore were complaining about a lack of workers and now, foreign talent and Singaporeans are competing heavily even for the simplest of jobs (Well, maybe not road sweepers and toilet cleaners...)! That is why there is so much emphasis on our studies; it does play an important role in determining our future.
Academics does bring us true happiness if you can view it from this viewpoint. I believe that academics in Singapore can help me attain a pathway, my desired pathway for the future. And that path is the way to becoming a doctor. One who has the abilities to save others in their times of needs. One who is able to cure sadness. And as some may say, a mortal who represents God's kindness. Yet, they are not the only things in life that can make us happy!
Do the things you like! Treasure those around you! Help others in their time of need! I know all these things are not exactly the easiest to accomplish, but they are what are important in your life, what brings you joy and merry. Therefore, live life to the fullest and leave this world without any regrets.
Kai Xiang