Student Council Report Subheader
We have to be cognisant of our well-endowed position and realise that where we are today is partly due to factors independent of our own effort.
that the provision of these resources are for the sole purpose of better serving the school.
Similarly, for the wider school community, we too have our own‘ Rafflesian privilege’. I do not say this with elitism, but rather the humble acknowledgement that we have been( fairly, or not) endowed with more. This is a list of things that many of us have taken for granted, or at least, do not actively acknowledge. At the most basic level, we have ample academic support. We have supportive teachers, comprehensive notes and a conducive environment for studying, which allow us to push ourselves academically and stand a better chance at getting onto the traditional routes of success.
So what are Rafflesians to do with this privilege? With all the recent talk about the effectiveness of meritocracy and how it is‘ unfashionable to be a Rafflesian’( as my literature teacher is known to say) given the socioeconomic trepidations Singapore is undergoing, we need to work twice as hard to contribute back to the treasury of commons of which we have drawn from so extensively. It is no longer just about Rafflesians‘ contributing back to society’. It is also about our attitude in doing so. Many Rafflesians go on to become doctors, lawyers or public servants who can contribute significantly in their respective fields. But will we be authentic in our intention to save lives, provide legal protection or serve the people? Or will we fall into the trap of dismissive condescension which has reared its ugly head in recent prominent cases on social media?
The real world will not be as forgiving as our school mates if we abuse our privileges, or are arrogant in our actions. We have to be cognisant of our well-endowed position and realise that where we are today is partly due to factors independent of our own effort. With that awareness, it is silly to not be humble and sincere in our actions.
As we graduate from this school, I am grateful for this chance to be in this position of privilege. It is an odd combination of events that has allowed me to end up where I am today. Thank you for allowing me to serve in Council and in so doing, take away these invaluable lessons, which moving forward, I hope to apply when serving Singapore. The future beckons and I earnestly hope that Rafflesians can continue to contribute actively to our community and be true to our motto, Auspicium Melioris Aevi.
Rafflesian Times
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