complicated simplicity

This problem has cropped up more often then not in the past 2 years of my life. It’s about the prejudice Singapore has about scholars. Ever since I was awarded the ministry’s scholarship 3 years ago, people have come to see me in a different light, some good, mostly bad.

It has been with me ever since my days in the military, when people started asking me where I would be studying. Frankly, I would always just reply Imperial College. Never would I thought that this would set tongues wagging about how I would be able to afford the premium tution fees. After a while, somewhere or another, someone would discover that I was a ministrial scholar, and my life would never be the same again.

The inevitable comment that always comes, sometimes in my face but most of the time behind my back, would be how “big, bright and sunny” my future would be as a scholar in Singapore. About how scholars can progress up the social ladders faster than another other hardworking and diehard civil servant who work twice as hard, twice as long, and get less pay. Talks about scholars only knowing how to make their bosses happy and give the interviewers what they want to hear. Gossips about how scholars only work for their own benefit in Singapore, ignoring the concerns of the “small fishes” (quoted) in Singapore. I’m sure my fellow scholars would have encountered experiences like these: “Aiyo, don’t need to talk to him la. He’s of a different class. Scholar leh!” or “People like him won’t worry about us. He’s got such a bright future planned ahead for him. Why does he even need to worry and concern about OUR problems” . Frankly, I’ve had enough. I used to ask myself in the past if whatever was said is the truth. Now I’ve come to the conclusion that most of them are not, most of them are just rants of the common people. I’m not saying they are wrong, just that they see us in a different perspective. For us at the end of the day, the work has to be done. What differs between all of us is how we get to the end of the day.

I try to avoid revealing my identity as a scholar. People tend to be more casual with you, and work seems to be easier. Many times I hear criticisms about scholars. I would just smile. Sometimes when the discussion goes out of hand, I’ll inevitable input defenses. I cannot stand biased arguments, even more so when people rattle off without thinking. Once in a while, someone would offer a whisper into the ear of the critic, and eyes will widen at me. I’ll still just smile. Life goes on. No matter how people think. Because above it all, it’s all about how you lead your life that matters. We are all answering to ourselves. People can have their (mis)conceptions, and it will frustrate us at times, but it’s up to us to prove them wrong.

Life as a scholar is not easy. We live to fulfil the expectations of others. We live to stay sane amongst the critics. We live to play a part in building our dreams, and the dreams of many other who might not have the chance…

Signing out.

Here’s the disclaimer: I believe that there is a handful of Singaporeans who are like this, and I acknowledge that there are also those that are not. But this editorial is meant to show society’s prejudice and preception about “scholars and their big bright future”.

Tags: Discussion and Opinions

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