WHEN I was growing up, my parents shared with me my ups and downs, my triumphs and my failures. Nothing was too big or too small for them, and this has continued to this day. Of course, this role is also now being shared with my wife. Apart from them, I have lifelong friends that I am able to turn to in laughter or in tears, whatever the situation.
Therefore, I am deeply disturbed to read that some of our children take their own lives due to examination pressure.
I cannot imagine the corner they believe they are in that forced them to even consider losing and taking their own lives. How much pressure has the community and society put on our children that they believe they have no one else to turn to, not parents, teachers or even friends?
I believe there is a need for us to have a reality check on the damage we are causing our children, the future generations, the ones that will inherit the nation from us. This concerns the demand to excel in education.
As I look at pictures and news reports of the children who have succeeded with flying colours, I can’t help imagine the other children who have been ignored or not congratulated, who are not getting a pat on the back or a hug, just because they did not do as well.
Our children need to understand that targeting good grades is a good attitude to have; it is not the end of the world if they do not do just as well.
Some of us peak early, while others peak later. The examples of both can be seen from my circle of friends that have mixed fortunes that changed over time.
What we must not do is to discourage them in any endeavour they wish to be in and act as if they have disappointed us.
They need to continue to be encouraged to reach for the sky, and I am a firm believer that everyone has their own individual strength that needs to be nurtured and encouraged.
To the teenagers and young ones out there, just remember that life is not a bed of roses.
Life is not like a movie. It has its ups and downs, with everyone having their own individual challenges.
Not getting good grades or not being able to answer in an examination is a mere blip on one’s life. What is more important is getting up and picking oneself up when we stumble. We will stumble again and again — that is what life is all about.
When you feel that you are in a corner, reach out and speak to someone — anyone who is willing to listen, who will encourage you to get up and go through life again.
n MEGAT SHAH RIZAL NOOR IKHSAN, Kuala Lumpur