Y.O!

 (Ed.: We continue Shirley’s  story from Born Unintelligent - Part 1.)

By Shirley Lim, ITE Bishan

Although I had decided to strive hard in my studies, it was not easy for me as I was a slow learner. I did not have enough time to catch up, so I did not fare well in my PSLE exams.

I was then enrolled onto the normal stream in secondary school. It was a brand new start for me.

I had new teachers and friends, and a new study environment. I gradually tried my best to be an outstanding student.

I studied extremely hard and clarified my doubts whenever I encountered them. I believed that “practice makes perfect”, so I practiced and completed countless assignments.

After all the hardship, I finally became the top student when I was in Secondary 3. I will never forget the precious moments when my form teacher, Mr Kang, told me the great news.

I went home happily, imagining how delighted my mother would be if she were to know that her daughter had really made it! Indeed, my mother was elated to know about my results.

It was then that I realized that as long as I made the effort to work hard, I would one day succeed, because the hard work would pay off handsomely.

In 2005, I enrolled to study in ITE with the goal of progressing to a polytechnic after graduating from ITE. I knew that it would take me longer to reach my goal, but I also felt that I would cherish the longer journey even more.

I did not expect to emerge as the top student in the Nitec in Service Skills course in my campus. Other than academic excellence, I have also seized many opportunities to develop myself holistically in ITE.

For example, I went on an Overseas Community Service Project in Chiang Rai, Thailand, which had made a great impact on me. It had enriched me not only in terms of cultural knowledge and life experiences but also by developing my confidence and character.

Now that I have progressed to Higher Nitec in Accounting, I am staying on course to achieve my goal of joining a polytechnic next year.

Even now, I am constantly trying to improve myself, trying my best to speak well, and to project myself better. Learning is, after all, a lifelong process.

No one is born unintelligent. I believe anyone can be successful if he or she is willing to set a target, commit the time and work extremely hard for it. Take no action, and success will never be yours!

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