Page 64 - 2023 eMag Final Draft

A Bitter Taste of The Past
A B i t t er T a s t e o f Th e P a s t
Many people suffer from self-confidence
issues, and Teacher Teoh herself was no
exception. She hit rock bottom during
her early high school days as she was
overweight, dampening her chances of
being acquainted. “I couldn’t meet people’s
gaze because I feared that they would look
at me with disgust,” she stated. However,
hope emerged during her second year of
high school when she met her diligent
seatmate. Their work ethic inspired her to
study harder, which improved her grades
and boosted her confidence. Despite
being aware that it was unhealthy, she
had felt temporary relief from her grades,
making a conscious choice to lean on her
grades like a lifeline.
It would take her a few more years to
settle the inner turmoil during university.
During her studies, she met a friend who
would praise her sincerely for whatever
she had accomplished. Moreover, her
lecturers were kind and sweet to her,
creating a warm environment for her
to soar and strive. Her self-confidence
slowly mended itself together as she
felt appreciated by everyone in her life,
shaping the person she is today.
d
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Be a Helping Hand
e a H
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p
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in
Someone around you could have low
self-confidence too, and the best we can
do is to help them. As mentioned above,
we shouldn’t criticise them harshly as
it only adds insult to injury. Instead,
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Resources for People with Low Self-
we can consider a better alternative— R es o ur ces f o r P e o p le w i t h L o w S e lf-
co
constructive criticism. This way, you confidence
nfiden
ce
can stay positive while providing
effective feedback without toppling their
confidence. Next, we could encourage Before wrapping up the interview,
them to speak up during discussions Teacher Teoh shared some resources that
or other events. We know that people can help boost self-confidence. Other
with self-confidence issues tend to close than friends, there are tons of videos
themselves off, so giving them a chance online that teach us more about self-
to express themselves is beneficial to confidence and classes that will educate
them. Remember, positivity is key when you on this multifaceted subject matter.
communicating with someone with low Of course, we also have one resource in
self-confidence to make them feel safe our school: the Kuen Cheng Counselling
and appreciated. Department. Although disparate in form,
they meet with the same intentions: to
educate and help people with low self-
W or d s of W i s d om confidence.
Words of Wisdom
“Anything to say to people with low The muffled chiming of the school
self-confidence? Hmm… try to practise bell marked the end of our
being kind to yourself,” Teacher Teoh interview. Overall, the insight
conveyed cheerfully. Though, there are shared by Teacher Teoh had a
two key terms here that warrant further profound impact on us, serving
elaboration: practice and being kind. as a gentle reminder of the
In this context, practice means that importance of self-confidence
you’ll have to repeat it daily because and the struggles we may face
success won’t arrive at your doorstep in our personal journeys. We
immediately. Outcomes could vary from hope that the tips can help
person to person, and it’s fine if you fail you in your daily life.
at first; don’t give up and try being kind
to yourself again. Being kind to yourself
requires you to deduct the negativity in
your life, including negative thoughts
from yourself and negative people in your
life, so it’s understandably hard for a lot of
people. However, with the passage of time
and unwavering determination, success
is sure to come to you in no time.
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