Back to Studies?

I have made a new decision, yet again. No more MOE this time, but I have decided to apply for masters to further my studies. After attending the courses at ITE, I really appreciate education and realise its importance in the society.

When I was in NUS yr1, I attended a dharma talk by venerable at Buddhist Library. Of cos I dare not blame her for my not-so-outstanding NUS results, but I must say her words did make an impactful change in my attitude towards education. I remember vividly that the venerable said: I can give you a basket of Ace, but whats the use? Its the learning process, not the final results.

Subsequently, I confused myself further with buddhism teachings on letting go and not attached to status and material means. And probably becos I din really do well for my first exams, I began to 'deceive' myself that its ALRIGHT not to do well for exams. Unlike my JC days, I no longer fight as hard for my results and also dun take pride in my sch work. Semesters after semesters, I just squirm my way through to achieve minimum acceptable grades, as acheiving Ace seems both so impossible and unimportant.

What I din realise that mugging hard and trying your best to do well in exams is also a form of challenge, a test on your own capabilities and a good form of training. Furthermore, getting a better/higher degree pushes you up to a higher status in the society. And having a higher societal status allows u to do things easier, be it helping yourself, others or propagating the Dharma. Very gd examples are Dr Ang, Dr Ng Yee Kong etc. Big companies are giving them face to sponsor the poor STIBS.

On the downside, furthering my studies means i got no more income. Firstly, I am not eligible for the scholarships anymore, plus its v hard to fight for the study awards. Under the encouragement of my ex who is pursuing her PhD now, I have decided to go ahead for the master program ONLY if i am able to obtain the sponsorship. No money no talk la. . .tats the world.

An alternative is to obtain a diploma on an non-engineering field. I feel its more important to broaden yourself, rather than deepen yourself in the society.