Daily Lessons from Life 10 January 2011 - GCE 'O' Level Results

No headline to comment on today just a personal observation each year when the GCE 'O' Level results are announced.

Invariably there will be the few outstanding students who topped their cohorts. There are schools that produced consistently many top students too.

Some will be justifiably proud of their achievements while some will sulk over the missing A1 or A2. Some are elated just to clear the minimal qualification while some are genuinely heart-broken over the missed passing grades.

Each year, this rite of passage to the next phase of the students' young life will be played out.

Each year, I congratulate those who did well. I comfort those who missed out after putting in their best efforts and encouraged them to look beyond the current set back. I conjured those who lamented about the missed A1 or A2 that it was but an examination. Learning is a lifelong journey. There are much more learning to be had going forward in their young lives. There are always opportunities to demonstrate what they can do.

Academic performance is just that. One facet of real life. How to pass the test of life in flying colour is more important. To be humble, to have integrity, to use the talents to help others become better and to create a brighter future for the less fortunate. These are the many good things that await these young students as they move on.

Congratulation all round - top students or otherwise. Of course, for those who discovered that academic excellence is not their cup of tea by creative, productive in other fields. There are opportunities there - just need to work harder and look harder and smarter! Cheers!!

p/s: Our daughter is happy with her scores. And her cousins all did reasonable well too. I am happy for them! They are the future!!