Students ask me many things, how to do integration, how to do this question, which university course to take. Once in a while, students would ask me something that is not subject-related.
"Mr Samuel, who do you look up to in life?"
I always pause when I hear that. Not because I do not know the answer, but because the answer always surprises them.
It is not a famous scientist. It is not a billionaire entrepreneur. It is not even a great teacher.
It is my late grandmother.
"Mr Samuel, who do you look up to in life?"
I always pause when I hear that. Not because I do not know the answer, but because the answer always surprises them.
It is not a famous scientist. It is not a billionaire entrepreneur. It is not even a great teacher.
It is my late grandmother.
My late grandmother
She passed away when I was in the midst of my Secondary 4 Prelim Exam, but I still remember her till this day.
As far as I know, she did not go to school. She could not explain differentiation to me or help me with complex numbers. But she was, without a doubt, the most hardworking and patient person I have ever known.
She woke up before sunrise every single day. She went to the market, cleaned the house, cooked for everyone, and never ever complained. She just did what needed to be done. No fuss. No drama.
When I was in Secondary 2, I nearly failed all my subjects. I was warned that I might be retained. I felt so demoralised that I actually thought about leaving school to start earning money since I couldn't even study. She didn't scold, she didn't say I was stupid. She just told me: "Take it slowly. Retain and retake if needed. You can do it."
A few simple words. But I have carried them for the next twenty years of my life.
What I learned from her
She never read motivational books. She never quoted famous people. But watching her day in, day out, I absorbed lessons that no textbook could ever teach me.
Consistency is more powerful than talent. She was not the most educated person in the room. But she showed up, every single day, and did her part without fail. Over time, that kind of quiet consistency adds up to something extraordinary.
Complaining wastes energy. Every minute spent lamenting "why is this so hard?" is a minute not spent actually doing something about it. I say this to my students all the time. When you tell me "H2 Math is so difficult, Mr Samuel", I hear you, but the next question is: what are we going to do about it?
Dignity in quiet work. You do not need recognition or applause to do your best. Do it because it matters. This is something I try to bring into my teaching too. I am not here for praise. I am here to help students improve, one lesson at a time.
My parents
My parents shaped me in a different way.
They never told me what to study. Never pressured me into a specific JC or course. They gave moral support and trusted me to make my own decisions. Because of that, I never felt the weight of external expectations. I chose subjects I was genuinely interested in, and because the choice was mine, I owned it fully.
I always tell students: if your parents are giving you the space to choose your path, take that seriously. Not everyone has that freedom. Make the choice, then commit to it wholeheartedly.
Your role model does not have to be famous
When I ask students who their role model is, they would say Elon Musk or BTS. I never dismiss that. But I do ask a follow-up: "What specific quality of theirs do you want to develop in yourself?"
Very often, they cannot answer. That is because we are inspired by the outcome, the success, the wealth, the fame, but not by the daily process. And it is the daily process that actually changes you.
The best role models, in my experience, are the people close to you. A parent who works without complaint. A teacher who stays back to help struggling students. A friend who picks himself up after every setback. Someone whose values you witness up close, not just read about in an interview.
When you see a role model live out their values in ordinary moments, not just on stage or in a motivational video, that is when it becomes truly powerful.
How to find and use your role model
Here is a simple exercise I give to students who feel lost or unmotivated.
Ask yourself: what quality do I wish I had more of? Patience? Consistency? The courage to keep going when I feel like giving up?
Then ask: who in my life or in history has shown that quality most clearly?
That person is your role model.
And once you have found them, study them, not just their highlights, but their struggles too. How did they handle failure? What did they do on the days when nothing was going right? That is where the real lessons live.
A small challenge for you
Before your next study session, spend five minutes thinking about your role model. What would they do if they were sitting at your desk right now, facing the same chapter you are struggling with?
Would they give up? Or would they take a breath, open the textbook, and try again?
I think you already know the answer.
If you are looking for a tutor who genuinely cares and not just about your grade, but about where you are going, feel free to contact me for 1-to-1 Math or Science tuition (online or in Yishun). I would love to be part of your journey.
All the best. :)