London, a global city, is a place that I have always thought about, wanted to visit, but could not, due to the large expenditure. Starting from an air ticket from Singapore to London, to accommodation and local transport, everything is expensive (at least to me). Some of you may remember the nursery rhyme, London bridge is falling down... Brings back fond memories... This is my first knowledge of London, in my childhood.
In my previous post, I mentioned that I come from a low income family. At the very least, my parents were able to feed me 3 meals a day. But otherwise, I could not afford any other luxuries back then, let alone travelling. In my childhood, budget travel has yet to arrive in Singapore. I was not angry or sad for being poor, I did not go after luxuries items (bags, shoes, fashion, ...). I certainly do not blame my parents or anyone else for being poor. Back then, life was much simpler. I was born in the 80s, no computers, no handphones. Pagers were the norm. I enjoyed my childhood with my family, relatives and my friends from school. I was leading a pretty much carefree life, not even thinking about my future at all.
How then was I able to have visited 30 countries today? That brings me to the title of my post. I was a true born and bred Singaporean, growing up here all my life and went through the education system from primary, secondary, jc, ns and uni. Having experienced it all, I feel that Singapore is really a meritocratic society. I know some of you may beg to differ, but this is just my opinion.
I have been working for 5 years now, after getting my degree. I won't say that I am rich, but my annual income, according to national standards, will put me within the middle income bracket. I am now able to support myself comfortably, give allowance to my retired mother and even enjoy some luxuries in life e.g. owning a car, going on holiday with my parents, occasionally splurging on luxury items. This is indeed a far cry from my childhood.
I have studied hard, gotten into JC, then gotten into uni, supporting myself in uni with part time work. My parents were not able to provide for my uni. Had I not studied hard, not able to get into uni, I don't think I will be working in my job (a degree is a must).
In conclusion, Singapore, to me, is meritocratic.
In my previous post, I mentioned that I come from a low income family. At the very least, my parents were able to feed me 3 meals a day. But otherwise, I could not afford any other luxuries back then, let alone travelling. In my childhood, budget travel has yet to arrive in Singapore. I was not angry or sad for being poor, I did not go after luxuries items (bags, shoes, fashion, ...). I certainly do not blame my parents or anyone else for being poor. Back then, life was much simpler. I was born in the 80s, no computers, no handphones. Pagers were the norm. I enjoyed my childhood with my family, relatives and my friends from school. I was leading a pretty much carefree life, not even thinking about my future at all.
How then was I able to have visited 30 countries today? That brings me to the title of my post. I was a true born and bred Singaporean, growing up here all my life and went through the education system from primary, secondary, jc, ns and uni. Having experienced it all, I feel that Singapore is really a meritocratic society. I know some of you may beg to differ, but this is just my opinion.
I have been working for 5 years now, after getting my degree. I won't say that I am rich, but my annual income, according to national standards, will put me within the middle income bracket. I am now able to support myself comfortably, give allowance to my retired mother and even enjoy some luxuries in life e.g. owning a car, going on holiday with my parents, occasionally splurging on luxury items. This is indeed a far cry from my childhood.
I have studied hard, gotten into JC, then gotten into uni, supporting myself in uni with part time work. My parents were not able to provide for my uni. Had I not studied hard, not able to get into uni, I don't think I will be working in my job (a degree is a must).
In conclusion, Singapore, to me, is meritocratic.
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