What Someone Told Me About Myself That I Never Forget

Surreal Writers

Jun 10, 20212 min read

Updated: Jun 15, 2021

"Don't let your potential go to waste."

At the risk of sounding arrogant, that was what my secondary school teacher, Mr Kwek, said to me or rather wrote to me. He loved writing personalised letters to his students. Everybody in my class received the letters. I wasn't the only one. I remember the contents being different for each student but the gist was the same. Don't let what you have, your intelligence, your talents, your skills, go to waste.

I was going through some rough moments at that time and he has seen me through some of my worst. He supported me in more ways than one and until today, I am always grateful that he was in my life.

What potential did I have that I shouldn't waste?

I always question myself. I am not super smart. My talents are so-so. If I don't know what my potential is, how do I know not to waste it?

The thing is we are constantly learning and evolving. Our potential are limitless. All of us have knowledge in something. It could Maths, Science, Baking, Golfing or even Event Planning. Whatever it is, that is your power of knowledge. And that is your potential. Your intelligence in doing what others may not know. Your skills in handling certain situations.

So how do I not let them go to waste?

If you know how to bake, you can start a bakery. You can even teach others to bake. Even if you don't want to start a bakery or teach others, baking for yourself and even your loved ones is a way to not let potential go to waste. Making others happy with what we have is a pretty awesome feeling.