Chitti Faridah D/O Abdul Latiff and Syed Nizar Syed Nifraaz

Humble Upbringings, Inspiring Lives

Chitti Faridah D/O Abdul Latiff:

This is a story of a simple girl growing up in Singapore who believes that happiness lies in simplicity. But even in simplicity - one can still make a difference to the lives of others.

Fatimah grew up staying in a one-room rental HDB flat with 6 siblings. Born to a very hardworking father who toiled tirelessly at his hawker stall daily to provide for the family. He only rested once every two weeks. Her mother, like many others at that time, was a devoted homemaker, who took care of the family.

“She’s a weirdo!”
“She’s a nerd!”
“She’s so behind times!”
“Her tastes are so outdated!”
“What a poor thing!”

As a child growing into a teenager, Fatimah was aware such comments were made about her all the time. And this affected her self-esteem.

However, Fatimah did not understand the need to follow fashion to a T. She did not understand the chase to own the most trendy ‘stuff’. She did not understand why there is a need to succumb to peer pressure. She was just happy simply being herself.

Fatimah studied hard. She wanted to make a difference to her family’s life and wanted to contribute to them. Moreover, during her schooling days, she was inspired by her teachers and how they shaped a class and she aspired to also become an educator someday.

Being an early childhood educator for the past 22 years, she truly found joy in teaching and making a difference to the lives of the young minds she has been entrusted with. She is happiest when working directly with children. And over the years, she found her professional calling and thereby, increased her own sense of self.

Now, Fatimah has found pleasure in the more meaningful things in life. By shaping the minds of very young children, she hopes that it will motivate them to achieve their fullest potential in future.

Syed Nizar Syed Nifraaz:

My childhood education was so amusing and gratifying with Teachers like Mdm Fatimah. It was so fun that I often loved to spend time in schools. My Teacher took care of us by making sure we are very safe and exultant when in class. The likes and dislikes of physical training, the vibrance of maths class, the beauty of English words, most importantly, the break time to eat. It was such a wonderful time that motivated me to study well because of the love, guidance, and encouragement that Teachers like Mdm. Fatimah gave us.

I am a boy with a lovely younger brother and working parents who live in a HDB house. Both my parents are scientists and they are my reason to appreciate scientific findings and explorations from my childhood days. ‘How’ and ‘Why’ are my often tossed questions to my Father. My Mother loves teaching and she is the best teacher in my life.

“Look at his grades, he barely passed the exams…”
“Poor guy finding it hard to cope up…”

This was my first encounter with such nasty comments after moving into my Primary school. Being slow in grasping concepts and low grades in early education eroded my self-confidence. There were unfavourable feedback from school on my education prospects and it caused a major apprehension during that period. Literally, I was in dire straits looking for help to overcome. This was one of the best learning lessons to me as I grappled with bouncing back from all the negative remarks.

Advice from my childhood school teacher like Mdm. Fatimah and a consultation from empathetic parents led to a pivoting turn in my life.

“Try and work hard, learning is a continuous process and don’t expect immediate results”

A golden word from my Mother changed my perspective. I made sure to get the ball rolling on my studies. Slowly and steadily, I was learning the concepts and formulae of not only the subjects but also of life and the way to approach the problem.

“Son, look for looming solutions and don’t revolve around the problems!”

My Father’s life lesson helped me to look for solutions rather than focusing on the problem.

A slight headway in my studies boosts me to get a target for higher education. The effort to achieve success was underway despite those negative comments. Because of my persistence and determination towards achieving my goal, Teachers started noticing me. Grades started to improve steadily and life moved smoothly.

“What an awesome feeling,” I told myself when a few of my friends approached me asking to clarify some of the mathematical concepts. I enthusiastically explained the concepts to them because I have been through those situations and I can empathise with how painful those moments of helplessness could be. That year, I was awarded in ‘The Grace Day’ for my best practice and I continuously got the award for the last 3 years.

I worked hard to make the cut in my studies. I have just completed my exams and strongly believe that the results will be good enough o my dream school. Learning skills that enhance one’s productivity, adhere to the best practices, and commitment to the goal become key principles of my life. Mdm. Fatimah’s life lessons give an inspiring vision to overcome any crisis in life.

There are many knots to untie for the rest of my life. I am sure that with dedication and patience, I can overcome those odds. Always committed to embrace the value of life and support with my innocuous scientific innovations in the days to come.