Thinking things thru'

"It does not matter if you fail. What's more important is knowing how to get over with it and get on with life."

This sentence is really very consequential, and to a certain extend, or rather, I would say that it is 101% rightful. Say, you have failed once in your life by making a wrong decision, a wrong move, or perhaps it is just purely because of an accident... Would you want to keep dwelling in such a situation? Or would you rather find out what went wrong, accept your mistake and quickly get on with life?

Here, let me share an experience or two with you today...
When I was in Secondary 3 and 4, I would not say that I am not keen in my studies, but no matter how much effort I put in revising for all the subjects (English, Chinese, A.Math, E.Math, Biology, Sci(Phy/Chem), Combine Social Studies & Geography), I still did not manage to get a score good enough for me to do a diploma in my area of interest.

For a period of time, I just could not accept the fact that I scored 23 points for my L1B4 (1 language + best 4 subjects). I would be upset, I would cry, I would be angry with myself, and I did not know how to face my parents and relatives. But after appealing for a course to study in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I successfully got in to the Electronic & Computer Engineering Division.

Right at the beginning, I was quite reluctant to take up engineering courses as I thought that engineering courses were meant for guys only. When school started, everything around me was so unfamiliar. But luckily I met this lecturer, he was the one who guided and encouraged me along the way. He motivated me to go the extra mile, gave me many opportunities for growth and development. Slowly, I began to regain confidence in myself.

I have always remembered what my Biology teacher (in secondary school) said to me when I received my O level results: "Continue to study and don't give up". I am sure that this sentence will always be embedded in my heart.

With all the encouragements, I am able to prove to myself, my parents and relatives that I can do it. If not for my teacher and lecturers in NP, I would not have been able to get over with my O level results as well as the fact that I will be doing an engineering course. From there, I managed to get on with life, and the three years in NP had been the best part of my life so far. :)

How about a second experience which I have had?
Another down point in my life was the transition between polytechnic and university. I was not able to cope when I was in university due to what they called it the 'cultural shock'. I did not adapt to the changes around me, especially the way the lectures and tutorials work in university. I told myself that I should have been able to make it, but...

Just three days before the final examination, I broke down and was being sent to the counseling centre by a lecturer in the university, and as a result, I did not make it for the papers in that semester.

It took me almost a year to get over the incident. The endless number of people whom I talk to, the endless thoughts that kept running in my mind, and etc. With lots of help, encouragements and counseling, mostly from my polytechnic lecturers and staffs, I finally got over with the incident, and I know what is expected of me should this kind of incident happens to me again. I am sure that I scared a lot of people, but trust me, I got on with life and I am a much stronger person now. :)

I will be admitting back into the university this year. And I will be starting school on the 11 August 2008. Pray for me, ya?

While I can do it, I am sure that there are a lot of you out there who could do it too. Wishing you all the best, and always remember that it does not matter if you fail. What's more important is knowing how to get over with it and get on with life. Good luck~

Cheers!