2nd chance

Gave my Sec5ners their test results today. Many of them did not do well. Some of the boys even cheekily suggested the reason why they failed was because it was their first EL test of the year and hence the quality has to be compromised a little. With time, they will improve.

I have my reservations about this statement of theirs though. As their EL teacher, I behold the faith that I can make a difference to them PROVIDED they put in equal effort on their part too.

Unfortunately, some students have the mentality that studying depends purely on luck. This reminds me of a line from this slapstick-humour show starring Andy Lau. He is a very seasoned gambler who lost his luck in gambling one day due to some circumstances. When he realised that he can no longer depend on his luck to win his games, he said this one-liner,

When the cards on your hands are bad, all the more you have to put in more effort to play.

Similarly, as students, you have to recognize your weakness now and put in the extra effort for it as soon as possible. It is really impossible for all of you to depend on luck when it comes to studying. All of us know that even if luck is on our side and the questions for an exam is particularly easy, it doesn't necessarily mean that we will all score A. On the contrary, it is at this point in time that we teachers are able to assess the quality of the answers and differentiate between a student who studied and one who did not.

You have the choice to study now and reap the fruits of your labour when you get your results or one who chooses to enjoy now and cry later.

At the end of the day, choices make or break the future. The bad habit with us is that sometimes, we don't bother to give something our best first shot. Instead, we bank on second chances. However we fail to realise that sometimes, there are no second chances.

Every event in our lives should be treated with heart.