Young Singaporean Faces Harsh Reality After Failing to Enter Junior College

SINGAPORE: A young Singaporean recently took to social media to reveal the painful words of his parents after he failed to gain admission into any junior colleges last year. In a heartfelt post on Reddit’s ‘SG exams’ forum, he recounted how they expressed disappointment, saying, “You will have no future, and you won’t be able to support us after all that we have done for you.”

This situation led to further accusations from his parents, who claimed he had not exerted any real effort in his studies. The young man defended himself, stating, “I really did study; maybe my IQ was not up to their standards.” The emotional fallout from these interactions was severe, as he described being ignored by his parents for two weeks and being forced into part-time work, with strict curfews confining him to the home only between 8 AM and 9 PM.

Reflecting on his past, he recalled just how extreme the situation had become, mentioning a prior instance where his father had not spoken to him for an entire year. He poignantly noted, “I’m being so serious right now. Writing this makes me reflect how crazy of a situation I was living in.” He also shared that his father had threatened to kick him out after he graduates from polytechnic if he doesn’t secure admission to prestigious institutions like NTU or NUS, even going so far as to intimidate his mother to prevent her from assisting him.

This distressing experience has understandably led him to a dark place, with fears of not being able to achieve the academic success that he feels is required. His GPA stands at around 3.5, which has raised his anxieties about his future.

In light of his troubles, he reached out on Reddit, seeking comfort and advice from the community, stating, “I don’t know, I never thought that this kind of thing would happen to me.” Many users resonated with his story, prompting a broader discussion on the immense pressures parents often exert on their children.

One father shared his concern that the expectation to have children care for parents in later life is misguided, emphasizing that it’s important to support children rather than burden them. “There is a big fat line between instilling discipline and straight up abuse,” he remarked. Users flocked to offer reassurance, reminding him that his self-worth should not be determined solely by his academic performance.

Encouraging him to prepare for independence regardless of his current academic standing, several users advised him to start saving money and consider housing options outside his family home. One user reflected on their personal experience, detailing how they found independence at a young age by renting a room and maintaining a steady part-time job.

Simultaneously, another user shared a similarly disheartening story about the pressures of educational funding. Their father had initially agreed to support their university education but later retracted, leaving them feeling defeated. This sentiment highlights a larger trend where many young Singaporeans grapple with high expectations and financial precarity in their pursuit of education and stability.

The saga continues to spark important conversations around the pressures faced by young adults in Singaporean society, emphasizing the need for supportive family dynamics in a system heavily burdened by academic expectations. As young people navigate these challenges, it remains crucial for families and communities to provide encouragement and understanding, rather than escalating stress and fear for the future.