Testing testing 1...2...3

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VARSITY SQUEEZE
Singapore's education system has gone through a spectrum of changes during the past ten odd years. More familiar changes would include the scrapping of the streaming system in primary schools, the style of O' level examination questions set for secondary school students as well as the newer Junior College syllables, not to mention a much anticipated addition of various courses in the respective polytechnics.

Now, even Universities are having certain adjustments in terms of admission of varsity applicants. In today's THE STRAITS TIMES, it is stated that good grades used to be enough, but not anymore. With the paper chase intensifying, and more A-level and polytechnic students gunning for a degree these days, young people have to pull out all the stops to get a university place here.(ST special report March 15'08)

Well, pulling out the stops would include going the extra mile to become a volunteer in various homes and hospice. Indeed, one might be "thrilled" to know how much our young Singaporeans have "changed" from the ever "Mind Your Own Business" attitude to that of a "Good Samaritan". I regret saying this but, there is an ulterior motive behind most of the youth volunteers, especially those between age 18-20. Simply put, most of the "model" volunteers are only in this business as it would enable them to have a good testimonial written, after a few months at lets say a hospice. Sadly, they disappear after which. So why is a good testimonial so important? Universities now require it due to intense competition amongst applicants. 

If we look at the statistics provided by THE STRAITS TIMES, there are now, a total of 14,700 places at the three local universities, namely: National University of Singapore(NUS), Nanyang Technological University(NTU) and Singapore Management University(SMU). There are 8,444 polytechnic applicants for NUS and 11,800 applicants for NTU. Lets not forget the A-level cohort numbering 13,059.If I were to continue listing the foreigners applying for local universities, my guess is that the current A-level and Polytechnic cohort would suffer from "mental agony". The picture is clear; good grades...checked, passion...double checked. For those interviewed by universities, the most important question asked is: If you say you are passionate about this course...what have you done about it? The answer lies in the applicants deepest desire, nothing more or less.

Personally, I believe that Singapore's education system is indeed heading in the right direction. It is a fact that our country is not producing enough creative workers and hopefully, with a consideration of more than just grades, the situation will improve. Neuro-scientists have actually studied and proven that the human brain can do 400 billion transactions at the same time, way faster and impressive than any super computer available. My point? Anyone can get good grades, we are all born with a capable brain. Yes, it is true that people have different level of intelligence bestowed upon them. However, lets not forget the late Thomas Edison; inventor of the light bulb when he had only three months of formal education, or Charles M. Schulz; creator of Snoopy when his teacher said he could not draw for nuts back then. If there is one thing in life I know, it is what Forest Gump said: Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you're going to get. Hopefully, Singaporean teens will heed this message of mine; aim for what you desire the most, never lose sight of who you truly are. After all, life is short.