I Survived Pursuing My True Calling Against All Odds, and Here's How I Did It (by Seah Fucai Jerry)
My journey began in 2000, right after my A levels, when I started volunteering with youths. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for being a part of a youth's growth and development. This realization led me to pursue teaching as a career, confirming that it was indeed my true calling. I even dreamt of having my own youth club, although I wasn't quite sure what I would do with it. The more time and effort I invested in helping my youths, the more energized I felt, and the more I wanted to do for them. Despite the physical exhaustion, the joy of seeing them grow recharged me easily. Receiving my first posting as a trained teacher was an incredible moment. In my second year, I was even entrusted with leading a team to oversee a mentoring program for the students.
However, things took an unexpected turn during the national examination that year. Someone with experience shared information with me about one of the chemicals that would be used in the national practical exam. With a genuine intention to help my students, I didn't give it much thought. Although I didn't share the information directly with my students, I did try to cover the topic related to that chemical. To my surprise, the Singapore Examination and Assessment Board (SEAB) launched an investigation. I was shocked and couldn't understand why I was being scrutinized. During interviews, they found it hard to believe that someone with my experience would pass on such sensitive information. Even when I told the truth, they doubted me and even suggested involving the police.
Although I had no intention of cheating, I acknowledged that my actions had created a slight disadvantage for other students taking the national exam. Not wanting to wait in uncertainty, I decided to cooperate and admit to whatever SEAB suggested. Despite the setback, my students performed remarkably well, with about 80% passing for combined science, which was above the national average for Secondary 5 Normal Academic. However, my promotion to the next grade was postponed for three years, and the mentoring committee was removed from the list.
Going through this challenging period forced me to question why I had to endure such hardships. I reflected on my reasons for teaching and sought to find the purpose behind my passion. I came to understand that even if I didn't have all the answers, I could still find happiness by doing what I loved, and teaching was one of those things. I chose to start afresh, just like the sun rising each day, painting the sky with vibrant oranges. I realized that I could continue to focus on what I wanted to do and explore the possibilities, taking each step with curiosity and anticipation of where it would lead me.
I began mentoring in school on my own, working with my ex-students and graduating students. The graduating students who benefited from the program would then pay it forward to their junior batch. What started in 2009 unexpectedly turned into a non-profit society, with our volunteers primarily coming from SMU. The more I focused on my passion, the more I connected with like-minded individuals from whom I could learn and grow. In 2012, I made the bold decision to resign from MOE, driven by the desire to build my community and explore teaching beyond the confines of the education system. It was during this phase that I delved into mindfulness and coaching. Today, not only can I unlock the potential of youth in a more sustainable manner, but I have also empowered others to join me in this mission through my community, Orange Dolphin. Through the process of consolidation, I created my ORANGE model to help unlock the potential of youths.
The most valuable lesson I've learned is that in our darkest moments, we are compelled to connect with our true purpose and deepest desires when we reflect deeply enough, instead of simply being carried away by emotions. Indeed, there is more than one path to success; we just need to explore, commit, and focus on what we can do while connecting with what ignites our passion and drives us forward. It is about taking time to reflect deep so that you can connect with your heart and let it guide you. I have done it with my ORANGE as a guide. If you are keen to find out how you can do the same, connect with me:
