Commentary: Does choosing a CCA in secondary school need to be this complicated?

LIFE LESSONS

It’s understandable that schools have to focus limited resources on nurturing students with potential. 

Nevertheless, being rejected for a CCA can be disappointing. I wonder what of those who chose a secondary school specifically for their interest in a certain CCA that school offered. After all, MOE does advise parents of PSLE students to consider “schools which offer CCAs and learning programmes that can nurture your child in their areas of interest and develop their potential”. 

My younger daughter did eventually get shortlisted for the entrepreneurship society – she was one of 12 chosen out of some 50 auditionees – but she felt sad for two of her trial groupmates who weren’t selected. 

I told her the same as I told my elder daughter: No one is any less competent or worse as individuals if they do not get selected. Rejections are a part of life, and shouldn’t be taken personally – indeed, they’re opportunities for our kids to learn resilience and adaptability, qualities that will go a long way later in life. 

I likened their experience to job interviews: Sometimes we leave thinking we aced them, only to later find out we didn’t get the job. Many factors beyond our control are at play, from changes in the company’s hiring policy to the presence of stronger candidates, and even plain luck.

What matters is how our children respond to these setbacks. They can pick themselves up and try again or embark on a new path. 

Ultimately, all roads lead to Rome – or in this case, a fruitful secondary school education. These experiences will help them grow stronger and more prepared for future challenges.

Vivian Teo is a freelance writer, children’s book author and owner of a parenting and lifestyle blog.