I've got drive and motivation.

What motivated me for nationals? For A levels? For me to get to where I am today? Allow me to share with you a story about a boy.

Once upon a time, there was a smart and responsible boy. He has a brother whom is 2 years younger than he is and happy family that is always supporting him. Examinations are his forte. Almost every exams he took, puts him on the 100th percentile. Naturally, he was known to be the smartest person in his school and ranked to be one on his O levels. Few weeks after released of O levels, his dad passed away. Leaving him, his brother (who is still studying at secondary level) and a widow mum who is reluctant to get a job due to lack of qualifications. He knew he had to disrupt studies in order for his family to continue their way of living, they needed the money to pay for their monthly rent and utility bills.

At the age of 16, he took on 6 odd jobs in a day. Construction, Food and beverage, artist, driver, photographer.. you name it. All those jobs that welcomes youth, he had done them all. All just for that rice bowl he was fighting for. His teacher offered him scholarship to study at the highschool but it was insufficient for his brother and mum. He made a vow to his brother that they'll support this family together and the both of them will go to university in future. 365 days a year, everyday was a working day for him, none of the rest was a day off for short entertainments like movies or picnics. At the age of 18, 3 months before the annual A level examinations, he received a call from a friend asking if he could burrow his house to study and he welcomed him. He was enticed by his friend into taking the A levels as a private candidate.

For that 3 months, he was hardcore when it comes to studying after work. And in that 3 months, he managed to grab grades at the A levels, grating him a place in one of the top faculty. Eventually, he graduated with first class honours from NTU and got Masters in business administration.

Until today, this story still managed to touch me, despite having heard it numerous times. I asked him... "what motivated you?".

And he answered "Fear".

Food for thought =)