Being part of an obedient citizen in this sunny country, 1Km
up of the equator means everything. Having to put up with the weather, the
humidity, the people (which are assorted, seriously), the transport, the class
system and almost everything. For the one thing the citizens in this country is
mostly famous for- being stuck in the same social class in their whole life.
No doubt there are the aspirants, who aspire to ‘upgrade’
their social status. But how many of them could actually achieve that dream? Well,
in the bygones past, it is possible. With taxi-drivers parents or dishwasher
mother with a father who sews clothing at some garment factory lying in the
central part of this sunny country-state, saving every penny whenever possible
(after spending numerous amounts on gambling and drinking) to put their
children into further education. And when I say further education, I meant a
university degree, from of course, the NUS. After graduation, they’ll find a
nice and cushy job, paying at least $3k a month, with at least 2 months bonuses
and medical benefits.
But now? It is almost impossible to even put food on the
table if you are a taxi driver. Daily rentals of taxi had gone up to at least
$80 (being already very cheap), up from $50 just about a decade ago. Much less
to think of putting their kids into university. Aspirants are now few. Who wouldn’t
be put off by such high standards of living in this sunny tropic island? Unless
your kid is a straight As students who can get into a decent Junior College,
attain As for A levels, get a scholarship to study at the local university,
secure a job prior to graduation. Know, we knew scenarios are far and few in
between.
So, this comes to the turning point- is this what really all
students in this country are doing? Focusing on achieving results so as to get
a degree and thus have a nice job with 3 months bonus? I’m afraid so. Now,
think again. Is there any roles society could play to help reverse this trend?
By and far, the stakes in education are quite high. Because each
student gets only a shot in life, in doing well. There is not a single room for
any marginal mechanical error, much less human error. Imagine what harm would
it does for their well-being if they do not manage to even pass their exams to
get into their desired school? It would translate into not getting a
certificate, a diploma, a degree, their nice job (and instead, settling into
another, not so high paying job).
A job, deemed to be desired or otherwise, starts to
cultivate from within the society. Now, if one said he/she’s a primary school
teacher, we wouldn’t think much of them. But if one is a lecturer at a
university, we would think highly of them, even though both are educators. But with
educators comes the facilitators, which helps to widen the gap between the
level of this noble profession.
So, it ultimately is the future- getting a degree, and
settle into their desire job. Anything less, they shall experience a traumatic
experience.
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