Proud to be a Singaporean
That time of the year has come again. Tomorrow, Singapore celebrates her 43rd year of independence. More than just a birthday, I would like to see this day as one where we could look back on how far we have progressed and also how we intend to move forward.
There is this immense pride inside of me. I am proud to be a Singaporean. Whenever I am posed the all so familiar question,
“Where are you from?”
I would then reply with the utmost zest,
“From Singapore.”
I am proud not because I am living in one of the safest countries in the world or because I was given an education here. I am proud because this was where I was born, in Singapore. This is my identity, I am a Singaporean even though I do get the occasional doubts from others.
Though there are certain directions taken which I do not exactly agree with, there is no place I would rather call my home than this tiny red dot on the vast globe. This is where I belong. Whenever I am required to sing the national anthem and recite the pledge, I always do it with a patriotic heart. I am stumped as to why some of us refuse to sing it and for some others, they even disrespect it.
A wise man once asked us Singaporeans,
Are you a quiter or a stayer?
When confronted with the pressing question of migrating to greener pastures, there is no chance of me taking that route and leave my homeland to contribute to another country. I want to make my contribution here to my country. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I am a stayer, not a quitter.
How about you? Are you a proud Singaporean?
in response to the ARE YOU A STAYER OR QUITTER…
If every Singaporean stayed in Singapore, there will be a major lack of exposure. Our abilities will not be showcased. When a Singaporean migrates/works/studies overseas, they have the opportunity to let foreigners know what we are capable of.
I am not against studying overseas, in fact I encourage it. Migrating is a different thing altogether. You can showcase your abilities all the same while in Singapore. I would rather you use your talent to better your home country than a foreign country. But that’s just my take.