Against all odds - he triumphs (Featured Article for July)

Which is more important to you? Is it earning more money or pursuing your dreams? For many, it may be financial stability whilst sacrificing their dream jobs but for Mr Samuel Soong, 29 - he overcame all odds and chose to pursue his music aspirations.

Venturing into the arts scene in Singapore would seem impractical or even impossible. However, Mr Soong has never given a second thought not pursuing his passion. Be it the performing, the writing, or the imbibing of it, he felt that music is his inspiration and drive in life.

Fulfilling his dream, Mr Soong now is a music teacher in Evergreen Secondary School where he imparts his knowledge and inspires his students from all walks of life to continue their musical journeys.

However, the road in becoming a music teacher was not easy as there is a big difference between being a musician and a musical educator.

One of the biggest challenges he faced was learning how to be an effective educator. To be an educator, he had to organise his thoughts properly and share them with his students whom may have different opinions. Furthermore, instead of just focusing on creating the best possible music, there are challenges like getting the less musically-inclined students to express themselves through music.

However, with much dedication and hard work, he managed to overcome these challenges. Most importantly, he proved that choosing music is not a dead career path. Becoming a music teacher allowed him to do what he loves with a steady income. Though he did not break the stereotype, he worked around it and initially still gets to follow his passion.

Teaching is definitely tough but when his students found confidence in writing their own original songs, he was tremendously encouraged. It made him feel that he was on the right track and that gave him his life purpose. That drove him to continue working out the kinks in his pedagogy, which also got him to where he is today.

“The happiness you get from creature comforts is different from the happiness you get from doing what you love. “ – A quote by Mr Soong. Happiness comes in many different forms - some are temporary while others can last a lifetime. Though there are many obstacles, with hard work and perseverance, one will be able to achieve his dream and obtain the lifelong happiness that is to be cherished.