'I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy... I wasn't interested in school'
School was not his top priority. The young Shaiful Khairi Mohammed Johari would rather spend his time rock climbing than hitting the books.
"I was very playful," Mr Shaiful, now 47, told The New Paper.
"I did not go to ITE because I was stupid or lazy, but because I wasn't interested in school. It wasn't fun.
"I told my mum I would get my NTC-2 but that would be all.
"There were acquaintances who laughed at me for having 'nothing' to my name. They looked down on me because of the path I chose."
On May 13, the father of three went on stage at Temasek Polytechnic to receive his Diploma in Engineering (Aerospace) - fulfilling a promise he had made to his mum, who died in 2017.
"I'm not academically inclined but I told myself that if I wanted to set a good example for my kids, this is one way to do it."
Mr Shaiful's graduation was witnessed by his 18-year-old daughter Nur Amalina.
"It is cool to see how far my dad has come, having juggled years of work and school," said Amalina, beaming with pride.
In 2021, a colleague encouraged Mr Shaiful to enrol in a part-time course.
"I really wasn't sure back then," said Mr Shaiful.
"I was already comfortable where I was but the pandemic gave all of us a lot of extra time, so I gave it a shot."
Going back to school was no walk in the park for a man who loves the great outdoors and would rather be spending his time cycling.
"There were times I really felt like quitting," admitted Mr Shaiful.
Even his daughter Amalina was surprised to hear her dad's intention to pursue a diploma.
"I was a bit confused when he first told me about his decision to go back to school. But the more he talked about it, the more I was assured this was what he wanted and he would get it."
And his children had his back.
Amalina, along with her 20-year-old sister Iman Natasha and 14-year-old brother Muhammad Zakir, helped Mr Shaiful with whatever they could, such as showing him how to use a scientific calculator.
Now, with a diploma in hand, Mr Shaiful is eligible for promotions and received a $10,000 CPF top-up under the ITE Progression Award.
"I feel good. I kept the promise I made 30 years ago. Even though my mum is no longer around, I still did it," revealed Mr Shaiful.
"Don't limit yourself. Just try, especially now when there are so many alternative routes to further your education."
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