VERY WARM WELCOME TO THIS UPLIFTING BLOG.
I was born at only 2.5 kgs. But my
nickname is Tua Tow in Hokkein, meaning BIG HEAD
because my head was relatively
bigger than my body size Tua Tow Tua Tow,
sounds cute right? But you can even
call me Tua Tow Kay (big
boss).
I began to work at 12 and discovered that Education is the only viable way for
me to break off from poverty chain. Since then I strived to follow
the foot steps of those successful people
and noticed that some of their backgrounds are even worse than
mine. If they can achieve success, why can't I?
I began by choosing
to play the winning game like chess. I was the Captain who led my primary
school in
participating at the Majlis Sukan
Sekolah-sekolah Pulau Pinang under 12 Chess competitions in 1973. I achieved an
excellent track record for the entire tournament event.
However, due to some unfortunate and unforeseen event, I could
not progress further and
since then I seldom play the game as it
really hurts me.
I also needed to help my mum to sells
lottery tickets to supplement our house's income . After
my mother’s serious accident, I took over and maintained the business till a few months
before my M.C.E. examination, which is SPM now.
I then painfully discontinued this small
business to focus
on my study, which she disagreed with in view of our tight
financial situation, which I could understand. Luckily, many years later, she understood that I made the right decision.
Another blessing came when I obtained a Grade One in my M.C.E.
But my joy was short lived because I could not obtain
placing in Form 6 at government (public) school, despite many rounds of
appeals. I even went to see our Penang Chief Minister, late
Tun Lim Chong Eu, but he did not have time for me.
But I didn't despair nor
give up. Through
my good grades, I got a job as Laboratory Assistant assigned to
World Health Organisation and Sumitomo projects. The late Professor from the Biology
School, Universiti Sains Malaysia encouraged me immensely which sparked my desire to pursue my dream
further.
At that time, I took LCCI intermediate book-keeping classes. Again, due to dire
financial constraints, I opted to do self study and not attending
night classes, which the teacher assured me that I would FAIL . But
I passed the examination with my hard work
and fortitude . I began to
aspire to become an Accountant.
Anyone here love tiger prawns? Interestingly, prior to my LCCI exam, I also
have another project of rearing tiger prawns with a friend. “So who says man can’t multitask ?”
From the professor's encouragement, I then persevered to pursue my Form 6 in Private School with my earnings from my part time job.
But another
battle began because all
subjects were in Bahasa Malaysia and my year was the last batch for MCE
where Science and Mathematics were in English . Determination
and Staying focus helped me to overcome this challenges
apart from
having to give tuition to 4 school students 2-3 hours Everyday except Sunday. The
fees I earned just barely covered all my school
expenses and my monthly bike instalment.
Without any income for about 3 months prior to my examination as I stopped
giving tuition, my only
option was attending
classes without paying school fees and being
prepared to face whatsoever consequence.
Fortunately, my STPM result got me
into a local university that we could only afford. I was so exultant
because I made it at last after
all the hassles and obstacles.
From my turbulent life history, I learnt that we
dictate
the path,
nothing can stop us
so long we don't
give in and give up.We just need to be
accountable, decisive,
committed, audacious and stay focus as we stride along our life journey.
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