MARCH 9 — With the recent release of SPM results, I suddenly remembered the day I was awarded as one of SPM Top Scorers Year 2007 of S.M.K. Laki-Laki Bukit Bintang. It was something to be cherished until today (after almost 10 years!)

But what does it really mean?

You hear people saying that SPM grades don’t mean anything and are just paper qualifications that has no value later in life. Easy for you to say it now when you have already or almost achieved your dream career. But what about when you were in Form 5 last time?

Personally, at that time SPM was everything to me. SPM was Life and Death. Atleast it felt that way.

My only destination in life was to get Straight A’s in SPM. I have never prepared myself for any examinations as serious as SPM.

When I said serious, it was to the extent that I changed my whole lifestyle just for SPM.

I didn’t eat junk food, I ate home cooked food, I had enough sleep, no going out, non-stop tuition classes and it was just study, Study, STUDY! The outcome of it, Top Scorer.

The sacrifices were worth it I guess. But then what?

Does it really determine your future? How smart you are? What you will become?

I guess it does not matter whether you were a top scorer or just an average student. Yes, SPM was important at that time when you were in school. 


But what made others be where they are today? SPM results? I don’t think so.

There are people who didn’t get a single A but ended up starting their own business and happier than those who did well in exams.

The answer to this is the WILL TO MOVE ON. Never treat any tests or exams as destinations. Life is a journey. As long as you are still breathing, your journey goes on.

To those who did well in the recent SPM, good job! It was worth the effort and sacrifices. Don’t get too comfortable. To others who are not happy, don’t give up. The journey is not over yet.

Whatever it is, Congratulations to all who have faced one of many hurdles in life.

As what Dory said, “Just Keep Swimming!”

Before I end, I would like to thank all my friends and teachers who have guided me throughout my tough times in school.

Of course not to forget my family and finally God Almighty.

Alhamdulillah.

 * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.