What will be shall be

1998

May 1998. I still remembered that day very well. The 3 of us as usual, after school, skipping to one of the HDB blocks opposite the school for a smoke. We were like little rats, under-aged and in school uniforms, hiding on the 2nd floor, in fear of being caught by somebody.

The mood was more sombre than usual. We have just got our exam results and as expected, we did not do well. I was the worst of the trio, scoring less than 30 marks out of a hundred.

We were only 15. But at that age we already understood that if we don't do well in our studies, that is no way we can go far in the future. Our teacher did not mince her words as well - "You are useless fools and keep going on like this you will be drop-outs and from what I see, I am confident this is what is going to happen to you all. So please don't waste your time nor mine."

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"What now?" I questioned but there was no reply. The expressions on the faces say it all. After a few more drags of the cigarette and letting reality sank in I spoke again, "No matter how long it takes and how tough it is I will never drop out. Even if I take a longer time than others."

I wasn't exactly sure when I said all that way back then. But today, looking back all those years, I am glad that I managed to stand by what I said. Even when most have given up on me. Even when it was tougher than I ever thought it will be.

I am glad. Really glad.

posted by malmoncolo @ 10:30 AM