Before the dialogue session, I was quite nervous as I didn’t know how Mr. Tan is like, and what his reaction would be to the questions posed. After coming up, close and personal with him, it was like a big load lifted off me. His friendly disposition was in itself a great ice-breaker.
After the interesting dialogue session with Mr. Tan and the RI boys, I realized that life is like water: the water evaporates, and then the water vapour condenses into water droplets, gather as clouds, and finally fall back to earth as water again. I realized enjoying what I am doing is critical; Even if it means going through a routine repetitively, the repeated act can build my patience.
In the past, I used to think that good time management only meant planning my time properly, but it has completely changed my perception now; good time management allows me to work and also play hard. Working hard and playing hard seems possible now; compared to before, as it is just a matter of putting your best into your work first, then enjoying the fruits of your labour later.
Criticism is a punch to the heart, but we should not take them personally. Instead, we should try to find out what had gone wrong and improve from there.
I saw from an example in the book that we must take responsibility for all responsibilities we undertake, and that will let people see what attitude we have towards that matter.
Failure allows me to pick myself up and prepares me for greater challenges in life, as life is full of ups and downs. At times, I was afraid to face up to the unpleasant things that happened. I even wished that I could just erase the memories off my mind but I realized in doing so, I am getting rid of the most valuable life lessons that I could never get if I don’t allow myself to fall. Through my six years of studying, I am always thinking of the future and often wonder: “What is going to happen?” I realized that I would firstly have to dream big (setting a goal).
I truly feel that this book is very motivating, and discovered the meaning of ‘life’ in it.
Ang Ying Mei, North View Primary School, P6 Hope