There’s a lot of us that keeps the world turning, but it takes all of us to make the world a myriad rainbow of great and beautiful. An education, a culture, a religion, small steps taken every day, a thought, a conviction. Take strength in being different, slightly off grid and an outlier. There’s nothing wrong with that, and helps to paint a broader canvas, a gamut of characters and skills.
20 years ago, I was introduced to Des’ree “You Gotta Be” 1994. Today, after a long hiatus, I am listening to it again, and wow, its still as beautiful as ever. The lyrics bellow my thoughts. The very reason there is eduKate, the very reason why I am doing this.
You gotta be:
You gotta be who you are, the person inside you is dying to get out. Take an assessment of your past, present and launch into the future. I see my future self, take that first step, and create that path for myself.
Get Stronger:
Learn to stand on your two feet. Get tougher, stronger, take it one step at a day, but don’t keep trying, as days go, strength will come, stamina too.
Love All:
Love everyone, for they are not your enemy. They can have their own prerogatives, their own agendas, problems to deal with. We do too. Not that much different are we? Put ourselves in their shoes, walk around in it, take a feel, wiggle ’em toes. Understanding people around us are the first few things we should do, but yet, seldom happens unless we consiously do so.
Time, my enemy:
Do the things that makes you happy, do the things that makes it worthwhile, time is our enemy, and it goes on without a blink or thought of who we are, what we do, nor think. If we take it for granted, it doesn’t get jealous, it just walks all over us.
Build your own private road:
Walk your walk, take your time paving that road, don’t worry what other people are doing, or where they are in their life. Everyone has their own ideas, enjoy your own. Listen to good advice, forget bad ones. Have the wisdom to decide so.
My oh my….
“You Gotta Be”
Listen as your day unfolds,
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears,
Stand up and be counted
Don’t be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Herald what your mother said
Read the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view,
My oh my, heh, hey
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Time asks no questions,
It goes on without you
Leaving you behind if you can’t stand the pace
The world keeps on spinning
Can’t stop it, if you try to
The best part is danger staring you in the face
Remember, listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears,
My oh my heh, hey, hey
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Yishun Tuition Centre for English Maths Science Yishun Tutor PSLE GCE O level IGCSE IB Diploma Integrated Programme IP 