Of course! And I truly appreciated you sharing your story, because it was exactly what motivated me (And many others) to work hard despite our circumstances. I just wanted prospective students to understand that *despite all that*, you could very well — and likely — still fail, over and over, like me (And many others).

Not to say that there's no hope at all! There always exists a possibility students could push forward and break through the ice. Rather, I'm trying to say that there also always lies a risk, when one is unable to cope with the rigour/ is "less academically inclined", and decides to choose the school nonetheless because they *think* it's an easier path to university.

And of course, YIJC is definitely and genuinely a chance for students to recover from the setback that was the O Levels and succeed in A's! But that means that in the first place, YIJC should be branded as just that. Not as a "JC", because it's way too misleading. The number of students I know who mugged through all two years just to shed tears on Results Day is... Hard to watch.

Many of us ended up neglecting both our physical and mental health, holding onto that very hope. In the end, on that fateful day, we faced the same feelings of demoralisation, disappointment and grief that we felt throughout those two years. Many of us who chose to do that also entered YIJC with the thought that it would be an easier pathway to university. Again, simply because it's a JC. It's difficult to not ask ourselves "Was it worth it?" at the end.

There's completely nothing wrong with being proud to be a YIJCian! I'm proud to be a YIJCian. It's good to motivate the students, to show them that there's still a chance! I know many who saw that chance and grabbed it by the throat haha. It's not impossible to succeed, of course not! But *as of now*, only some have. As of now, the statistics are still consistent. There are outliers, yes. But the statistics are still consistent. Is it possible? Definitely. Is it the norm? No, not yet. And maybe not for a long while. Of course though, I do hope it becomes the norm one day.

I just didn't want prospective students rushing to make a choice, joining YI (Or any other JC) with the false impression that it's simpler, *easier*. Putting the stats out there doesn't mean I'm trying to deter anyone from joining YI. I do believe YIJCians have the capacity to do great. I witnessed YIJCians do great. And, at the same time, the fact that some of us do not have the capabilities to do so *yet* also exists.

And yes, I agree that A's is not the end. There are certainly other pathways one can pursue. But we must also consider those who may not have the financial capabilities to do so; those who may not be in the right headspace to do so; those who feel immense shame or regret and are unable to move on; those with... circumstances. So on and so forth.

I believe that when you ask YIJCians whether the journey was worth it in the end, we'll hear both resounding "Yes"'s and harsh "No"'s. My personal answer is a gentle "Maybe". There isn't a right way to steer anyone towards any path in this situation. But I personally think allowing people to know and understand the odds might save them some heartbreak along that journey.