Daniel Chow is a fourth year BSc (Physical Education and Sports Science) student under the Teaching Scholars Programme (TSP). Like many of his peers, one of the reasons he joined the TSP because of its International Practicum and overseas exchange opportunities. In fact, he was scheduled to attend a semester exchange in 2016. However, Daniel would eventually decide to give the opportunity a miss.

The scholar and active Boys’ Brigade (BB) volunteer explained: “Over the last four years, I’ve been mentoring a group of students in my BB cluster who were due to sit for their ‘O’ and ‘N’ levels in 2016. That was why I wanted to stay back in Singapore to journey with them through one of the greatest milestones in their lives. 

“Most of them are from underprivileged backgrounds, so they do not have the advantage of private tuition, highly educated parents or supportive home environments. I reasoned with myself that there would always be another chance to travel or take part in overseas immersions; and that it would mean more to be here with the boys at such a critical juncture.”

Moreover, Daniel believed there were greater rewards to what he considered “a simple sacrifice” on his part. “The boys may be from a humble secondary school, but to me, they’re a special bunch with an immense amount of potential, just waiting to be channelled somewhere positive and life-changing. I knew that if my boys fail, then I would have failed as well – as their BB officer, mentor and friend. 

“Some people say I’ve made a foolish decision,” Daniel continued, “but I’m a believer that my boys will remember what I’ve done for them and pay it forward. As one of my favourite sayings go: he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.” 

Theirs was a camaraderie that went beyond L1R4s or the number of ‘A’s achieved. Daniel confessed, “I also made them exercise regularly, because they were getting fat and sitting down for too long! Young people these days do not need a sage on the stage, but a guide by the side. I simply spent my weekends hanging out with them, and being there as a mentor and guide.”

For Daniel, that meant having to complete all his NIE assignments during the weekdays. “I slept at 3am and woke up at 7:30am for lessons, and of course, I had less time for my friends and family. In fact, my mom would often message me to ask when I would be home for meals!” he laughed.

Most of Daniel’s “boys”, as he calls them, are now in the Polytechnic: “Some did not get into the Diploma course of their choice, and one only did well enough to enter ITE. But I’m proud of my boys nonetheless. Grades do not define them, as they’ve given their best to study. Regardless of the academic outcomes, I’m glad they have grown into fine young men with great character over the four years. Recently, one of them even got a scholarship. Now, that’s very rare for my boys!” he beamed.

When asked if he had a teacher who inspired him similarly, Daniel was quick to mention his form teacher from Christ Church Secondary School, Mr Wesley Cheong. “When I was in trouble, Mr Cheong would always put me first. He believed in me, and never let me walk alone. As a teacher-to-be, the best way for me to thank Mr Cheong is to pass the baton to the next generation, and to lead my students with integrity and grace,” he said.

Daniel hopes his example will inspire his peers to take education beyond the classroom. “Start small, sow one seed at a time, and water them weekly,” he mused. “It takes time to nurture young minds, so do not be discouraged if your students do not seem to be learning. Know that you are a role model to your students, and that your words and deeds may one day shape the way they deal with crossroads and challenges in the future.”

Teaching Scholars Programme