My dearest students,
Every school has a vision for itself. A school without its people, both staff and students, is but a building. I would like to think our school is more than that, a community of people with mutual respect, diverse in our identities but united by a love of learning as we breathe life into our school through our pursuit of knowledge, not as an end to itself but as a means to many different ends, each as unique as the individuals around us.
It is said that our education system is underpinned by exacting standards and driven by excellence because our forefathers saw it as important for the continued survival of our nation. In an increasingly complicated and globally connected world, there are no easy answers to our raison d’être. With that premise in your heads, many of you have become ultra-competitive; some have become jaded whilst others are on the brink of giving up. You whine at opportunities that are missed when you should shine at those that are given. You feel short-changed when things don’t go your way when you should be earning loose change to pay your own way. I say to you: “Embrace the challenge!” It is my firm belief that adversity trains, tempers and molds our characters and shapes us into who we eventually become. Adversity brings out the best in us or the beast in us. Make sure it’s the former – life’s too short to be nasty.
There is much to learn from every situation you find yourself in as a student and beyond education once you are done with school. Strive to excel not only academically but also invest time and effort to develop other 21st century competencies. In the world in which you find yourselves, academic excellence on its own can no longer guarantee one’s success. Softer skills, such as people skills, being culturally sensitive and being able to communicate effectively are much prized in the school and workplace of your future.
Always cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Remember those who have nurtured you and developed you into who you are today, be it your families, your teachers, your school and even your country. Having a spirit of humility and gratitude will always help you to be a shining light for others and may even help open many a hitherto closed door in your life. It will keep you rooted and help you to stay positive and gracious even in the face of many challenges and keeps you at peace when things are not going your way.
Strive to make a positive difference to others. A well-lived life is not just one where one is successful for his or herself and where one solely pursues his or her own dreams. A good life is one where you can contribute to the larger community and can make a difference to others.
Continue to use your gifts and talents wisely to help those around you. This does not always necessarily mean that you have to do a big act or strive for an earth-shattering impact. Those who have been blessed with the gift of compassion for example, show great kindness in all your dealings with people. For those who have been blessed with the gift of leadership, lead wisely without fear or favor. Small daily acts of goodness can change your society and even your country or even the world in a big way.
As your teacher, I am committed to teaching you and imparting knowledge and skills to the best of my abilities. It has indeed been a pleasure. I hope that you will never lose that joy and wonderment in learning and that it becomes a lifelong quest always to seek answers to questions you encounter and passing on that knowledge to generations. More important than intelligence however, is wisdom. Canadian author, Anthony Douglas Williams, had this to say: “Knowledge comes from learning, wisdom comes from living”. It is my wish for you that you will always be wise as you traverse this path that is your life and the myriad of experiences that come with it.
I hope you will always remember your school days fondly. Memories that will stand the test of time and ones that you will never get tired of recounting to your family and friends. It was in school that I met many of my educators; teachers, coaches, principals, people who were to leave a lasting impression on me. School was also a place where many of my friends and acquaintances were made and strong bonds of friendship established which remain till this day. I hope it is so with you as well. Make good memories in the time that you have left in school while you still can.
I am your teacher. With every batch of you that passes through our door, I wait with bated breath for the new to arrive, wondering whether they will be just as nice, eager to learn, eager to please but always looking to what has gone before with fond memories and eagerly awaiting the wonderful story of your life that is waiting to be written.
I am your teacher. I look at the new batch of expectant faces. The rest is easy.
Yours Truly,
Mr Leonard Ong,
Your Teacher
