More than once, we have been accused of being 'too soft'. This incident seems to prove that we do need to build up on our 'AQ', or adversity quotient.

Being a student is a lot more than just achieving a certificate or getting into a course of our choice - it is about learning to handle the pressures of life.

It is inevitable that we would face obstacles and challenges in our lives. Instead of being demoralised, we should face up to adversity and deal with it head-on so that we may build character and toughness. We need space to grow as well as to learn from our mistakes, sometimes painfully.

We would like to encourage the students concerned not to be daunted by others' unflattering assessments of themselves, be they parents, relatives, or educators.

On the contrary, they should prove that they are capable of doing well in their chosen course. If the wisest course for some of the students is to pursue a vocational education, there is no need to condemn the authorities for having clearly said so. To say that being asked to pursue a vocational education undermines a students' confidence unfairly demeans a vocational education and those who have benefited from it.

Turning obstacles into opportunities is never easy, but we do have more control over our lives than we think.

Instead of lamenting the ills of our education system, we could tap into the strengths of our system instead. We must not forget the fact that our education system has worked. After all, some countries have even chosen to model their education system after ours.

Kristine Lee (Ms)

for Class of 0728

Nanyang Junior College