I attended a valuable lesson yesterday. This person, whom I do not know well, taught me the facets of life and that nothing is impossible. Judging by his looks, you wouldn't be able to tell how clever, how smart, how talented, how determined and compassionate he is. He looks like an average Joe, who likes having fun and enjoys the company of his friends. But underneath that smile lies a story of sheer grit and determination.

Sorry for emphasizing on 'determination', but there is nothing more apt than that. He came from overseas alone to receive a better education. Back in his hometown, he was one of the top students and earned a scholarship to study in Singapore. However, it did not turn out to be a bed of roses. Coming over to Singapore without knowing a single word of English, he struggled with his studies and got ridiculed by his teachers and classmates. He became an outcast in school whom many believed that he would not be able to make the cut. Instead of giving up, he took things in his stride and decided to work hard to stamp out his critics.

Everyday, he would read up on an article in the Straits Time. He would refer to the dictionary for every single word that he did not understand before memorizing and writing down the entire article. And mind you, all these were done everyday with different articles before he allowed himself to sleep. Furthermore, he would also record down the entire day’s BBC programme without fail and listen to it. His English improved dramatically and within a few years, he not only managed obtained an A1 in his English for his 'O' levels, but was also one of the top students in his school.

Earlier in his life at the tender age of 13, although he fared excellently in his studies, he was weak in sports. He was selected in one of the running events during the school's annual sports meet. Needless to say, he was one of the last few to complete the run. The winner and his friends then mocked him for being slow and that he will never win them. The comments which they made motivated him and he decided to train hard. Everyday, he would strap his ankles with weights and run without fail for one whole year. Just before the next sport's meet, he confronted the winner who taunted him and said, 'I will be the winner this year. Watch out'. He of course, laughed at him. The rest they say, is all history. He won and he taunted the speechless, pathetic guy back.

Other than his stories, he made me realize a lot of things about myself and that I did not cherish what I had in the past. There were things that I should keep, but I choose to let go. There were things that I should treasure, but I didnt. I am indecisive and would often would allow opportunities to pass by. That's the kind of person I am, standing on the fence and deciding my next step, only to find out that everything that I do now is too late.

He is truly an inspirational figure.