இது ஒரு பெருமைக்குரிய விருது. எளிதில் வாங்க முடியாதது. இங்கே செய்வதுபோல் அரசியல் செல்வாக்கு போன்ற சமாச்சாரங்களை வைத்து வழங்கப்படும் விருது அல்ல. தகுதி அடிப்படையில் மட்டுமே வழங்கப்படும் விருது. இந்த ஆண்டு அது எட்டு மாணவர்களுக்கு மட்டும் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. அதில் இல்முதீனும் ஒருவர். அதற்காக முதலில் My Greatest Influence in Life என்ற தலைப்பில் ஒரு கட்டுரை எழுதச் சொல்லிக் கேட்டிருந்தார்கள். அவர் அதை எழுதி முதலில் எனக்கு அனுப்பி கருத்து கேட்டிருந்தார். அதைப் படித்துப் பார்த்து நான் அசந்துபோனேன். அவ்வளவு திறமையும், உழைப்பும், அறிவும் அதில் பிரதிபலித்தது. சில மாற்றங்களை மட்டும் நான் அதில் செய்து கொடுத்தேன். அது செலக்ட் ஆனது.
இல்முதீன் சின்னப்பிள்ளையாக இருக்கும்போதிலிருந்தே என் கற்பனையைத் தூண்டி குழந்தையாக இருந்தார். ஒருநாள் தன் வாப்பாவைப் பார்த்து, “வாப்பா, நீ இருட்டா வருவியா, வெளிச்சமா வருவியா?” என்று கேட்டார். எனக்கு ஒன்றும் புரியவில்லை. ஆனால் சின்னப் பையன் கேட்ட அந்தக் கேள்வியில் ஒரு கவிதையின் அழகு இருந்தது மட்டும் புரிந்தது. சீக்கிரமாக வெளிச்சம் இருக்கும்போதே வருவியா அல்லது இருட்டிய பிறகு வருவாயா என்பதைத்தான் அவர் அப்படிக் கேட்டார் என்று
MY GREATEST INFLUENCE IN LIFE
I remember myself, when I was just 9 years old, attending my first Tamil Oratorical Competition at Tampines Central Community Centre. I had to deliver a speech in three minutes about my Role Model in Life. I spoke about, then Minister Mentor, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. From then on, Mr Lee has been the Biggest Inspiration and Greatest Influence in My Life.
Although he is not a person whom any of us constantly communicate with, Mr Lee has definitely influenced my thoughts and perspectives with just his short interviews on The Straits Times and Televisions or his self-written books. Even today, I am amazed at his commitment and devotion to the Nation despite his age. It must have been such a challenging task to transform Singapore from a Third World Country to a First World Country in just a mere 50 years. But, a single man, with the right team, did it.
Today, I know how to remain undaunted when problems strike. I know how to work as a team and accomplish my targets. I have learnt that success doesn’t come easily. Success is not an escalator, but a ladder. It takes a lot of tries. I learnt how to endure my emotional pains in times of crisis, stay determined and continue to persevere. I also understand the importance of holistic development and being an all-rounder. Managing my academic workload and co-curricular activities is analogous to Mr Lee managing the Nation and his Family. Mr Lee knew how to strike a balance between his political commitments and his family needs. Similarly, in school, I learnt how to manage my studies, co-curricular activities and the student council effectively.
Like what Mr Lee says, I always try my best to anticipate changes and stay relevant. I look forward and plan for the future while seizing the present. After I grow up, I wish to contribute to the Society and helping the less fortunate. I love going to school and I love to involve myself in school activities. I always seek pleasure in the improvement of my school and my peers. When I am low, I often think of my Role Model Mr Lee and motivate myself that I can do it. When I make decisions, I make them based on what is right and beneficial and not based on what is popular. Mr Lee’s daring and result-oriented approach many times influenced me at all walks of my life. He has influenced my characteristics in many ways. I have always looked up to him. I am proud to say, our former Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew is The Greatest Influence in My Life.
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1. Describe your feelings and thoughts about being eligible for the award. You may include for example, your response to the news, and teachers, friends and family members you want to thank and why. [max 200 words]
The news was a pleasant surprise. When my Principal told me that I was eligible for this award, my heart was literally racing and I felt a sense of elation within me. I immediately called my parents to share my joy and my family members were extremely pleased. The news was a confidence booster for me.
I remember one of my seniors, Jitesh, being nominated for this award when I was in Secondary 3. When the teacher announced to the school that he was a LKY ARE award nominee he inspired me. I am flabbergasted today to know that I am eligible for the much coveted award.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my teachers, especially Mr Ow Kok Meng, the then Discipline Master, who taught me the values of true leadership skills. Being a Member and Trainer of the Singapore Police Force, he shared his experience of how he used to serve the Nation and it was truly inspiring. His priceless advice helped me to develop the sense of integrity and responsibility. I am indebted to my father who travelled along with me in this endeavour and my friends who felt proud and shared my happiness.
2. What was the most enjoyable learning experience you had in school? [max 100 words]
The Student Council Presidential Election at school was certainly one of the most enjoyable learning experiences. It taught me the values of many things in life. I learnt during the campaigning that real service could be rendered not merely by words but only through actions. I had a taste of what leadership quality was. I attained the post of Vice-Presidentship and look back at it with gratitude. I also learnt the importance of strategic decision-making in critical situations and how they determine the welfare of my schoolmates. The obstacles which I encountered were tough; but they made my journey enjoyable.
3. If you can share an insight in one or two sentences about your life and/or learning experience with other students, it would be…
[max 30 words]
Like Thomas Edison, I tried and tried and learnt to improve myself. Perseverance is key to success. Individually, you are a drop. Together, we are an Ocean. Teamwork brings victory. Note: Do try to be original instead of merely copying quotes from other sources.
Source : http://nagoorumi.wordpress.com
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