I've led my life as a very irrational JC student thus far.
Not running for SC, HEXCO, Choir presidency, Scholars' Development and so on. Many asked what in the world I'm thinking. Here's what I'm thinking:
When you're good, you don't compete. Look at the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra for instance. They don't involve themselves in the All-Japan Ban Contest as a participant but as the benchmark for wind band standards in Japan (by recording the set pieces for reference). This is the same for the world's top orchestras, though they are being ranked. Nevertheless, lists don't define the soul of these mature institutions. They typically the serve as the pride and soul of their home cities. That's way more important.
In all that you are good at, you have to be very confident. People compete because they are uncertain of their abilities. Isn't this a show of self-disrespect? When you're good, you should strive to be the one who sets the standard and be the mentor for your counterparts. Also, you don't need to compete if you're able to distinguish yourself from others such that you are in-substitutable. (Recall PED)
I recall Mr Teo Ser Luck's wisdom that one is not made a leader because of his position but by his character. One does not need to be a leader only when given a position. Positions are merely a source of empowerment to drive on to greater heights in the organisation. However, is this necessary if the individual if self-driven? In other words, one is a leader if he behaves like one in everything that he chooses to do.
Conversely, one is merely an administrator when given a position but has no leadership traits in him. Singapore schools are very good at producing administrators.
Leadership is a lifestyle, not a post. When you have unshakeable values and beliefs, you don't need accolades or leadership posts for you to be noticed. You find opportunities knocking at your doorstep because they know you are different. You don't need to go into scholar development or school programmes to prove your worth. Just do what you like to do and you will reap the benefits. Just look at how ministers are chosen. They come from various backgrounds, doctors, bankers, economists, generals, etc. They are chosen because they are good at what they do, coupled with strong beliefs and conviction.
For me, driven by beliefs and causes that I advocate, I chose to be a president of a non-niche CCA of 20 people, the Malay Cultural Society. I don't think I'm devaluing myself by heading a very small CCA. I strive to unite all Malay NYJC-ians such that our different strengths would be put together to great causes for our community when we go out and work. I fear that my friends would forget their roots; the people who have helped them exceled, and that their success in the future would depend on the mandate of their own community. Why are the Chinese so successful?It's because they never forget to contribute back to their society when they succeed.
Now you know how I think.
