(Credits: ProADL Asia)
So you just received your N or O level examination results, and it’s not what you expected.
“What am I going to do now?” is probably the question running through your head.
Then suddenly, you realise that you’re probably headed towards the school… ITE.
Followed by that thought usually comes the onslaught of negative thoughts about ITE, as the panic, disgrace, and self-disappointment settle in.
“What are my parents and friends going to think about me?”
“How am I going to survive in ITE?” and “What about my future? It’s screwed.”
I’ve been through what you’re going through before, so I know how hopeless and disappointed you must be feeling right now.
But what if I told you that contrary to your life being screwed up, it’s actually the start of many great things to come!
Feeling slightly better now? Continue reading to let this ITE graduate show you how going to ITE may be one of the best decisions of your life!
The Stigma Around ITE
(Credits: ZAYS)
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “ITE means It’s The End.”
Unfortunately, the public’s impression of ITE (Institute of Technical Education) has not improved much over the years.
The school is still seen as a school for hopeless students who will go nowhere in life, despite several makeovers in an attempt to clean this image.
However, do not let the negative connotations get to you!
The school is viewed negatively for many reasons, with most of it being illogical and unfair to the school and its students.
Vocational School ≠ Failure
Firstly, this is an outdated view.
ITE is a vocational school that opened its doors in 1992.
During this period, Singaporeans were hyper-focused on education, and you could only be “successful” by achieving good grades so that you could get a white-collar office job.
But think about it!
Countless blue-collar jobs like marine and offshore engineering, or even plumbing and repair work, don’t garner prestige as they’re looked down on as hard labour.
But some blue-collar jobs can pay just as well, or even better, than some office jobs!
Our Ministry of Manpower stated that an average Singaporean earned SGD$5,190 every month in 2023.
However, a CNA article revealed that truck drivers in Singapore can earn $5,000 a month, and experienced crane operators earn SGD$6,000-$7,000 a month. This number could even go up to $10K!
Do Not Judge the “bad” Students
(Credits: Dream+Photo on Pexels)
Secondly, many sub-groups of people who attend the school, like YPs, minahs, and mat reps with sleeves of tattoos and smoke, give the whole school a bad image.
However, I will admit… I had underestimated the Minahs who talk crudely and judged the YP who rolls his sleeves up when he smokes to show his tattoos off.
So imagine my shock when I found out the next semester that they have a 4.0 GPA!
Furthermore, they say that you’re either book-smart or street-smart.
But that wasn’t true for many fellow ITE students whom I’ve met. Not only are many of them well-read, but they’re extremely intelligent, socially and emotionally as well.
Moreover, another point to note is that ITE does not consist solely of students from lesser-known schools.
When I got to know many of my classmates, I found out that many of them were from fellow SAP schools like me, including ACS, Raffles Girls, St. Margaret’s, and CHIJ.
So if those ITE students were in the uniforms of their prestigious secondary school, you’d treat them with more respect, right? So why disrespect them now?
Nothing has changed.
ITE’s Teaching Style Allows Students to Succeed
(Credits: ITE)
If you’re not confident in your studies, don’t worry. Most students in ITE think that they’re incapable of studying. But to their surprise, they excel academically when they’re in ITE.
The structure of ITE’s teaching style gives flexibility and allowance for students of all learning styles and rates.
Additionally, students, including myself, commend the teachers for being their first educators to show support and faith in them. This boosts our confidence academically.
A stereotypical opinion is, “ITE’s education is easy, so why bother celebrating even if you did well in your studies? It’s easier than a polytechnic education anyway.”
However, even if the engineering course’s contents and syllabus in ITE are indeed easier than a polytechnic’s syllabus, it still does not mean you can slack off. Remember your end goal for when you’re graduating!
And if you do well in ITE, do not discount your hard work and effort. Good job!
ITE Students Are Not Lazy
(Credits: FreePik)
Many perceive ITE students to be lazy or unmotivated, which could not be further from the truth!
The public does not know your story. It does not know about the hurdles you faced that prevented you from doing your best, such as situations related to finances, family, or physical/mental health.
Furthermore, I was always in awe of my many classmates who had side hustles, such as entrepreneurs with small businesses, influencers with tens of thousands of followers getting brand deals, pursuing additional certificates on the side, or chasing their creative goals, such as DJing on weekends!
As such, many ITE graduates find success as entrepreneurs when they graduate.
Ever had a burger at ‘Burgs’, had a cup of joe at the ‘Dutch Colony Coffe Co.’ or applied your makeup with a ‘13 Rushes’ makeup brush? Then you’ve supported an ITE graduate’s business!
My Personal Experience in ITE
(Credits: ITE)
I was lucky to have relatives who had attended ITE before me, so it was not a negatively viewed topic within my family.
But at my part-time job, whenever I mentioned that I’d be going to ITE sheepishly, many of my co-workers assured me that it would be alright since they were ITE graduates who are now in a polytechnic or university.
When I began my official studies in ITE, I experienced something for the first time. I was confident in myself because of my teachers. They made an effort to chat with every student and get to know them well. And it never felt forced.
I had great relationships with my educators, who made me want to do well in school as a way to thank them for believing and encouraging me to reach new heights.
I guess you could say I had healed a part of me that was traumatised by snappy and elitist teachers.
Besides educators, I had also met some of the nicest and kindest, most understanding people there, who are still my friends to this day.
I scored well academically for the first time in my life, and over time, my confidence in my abilities to succeed in all areas of my life increased as well.
However, it was not all smooth sailing. I had friends whose parents lied about them being in a polytechnic instead of ITE, and friends who regressed when they fell to bad influences and turned to vices like smoking and clubbing.
I also faced prejudice after graduating.
Once, when I was at a new part-time job, I befriended a girl who was nice and kept striking conversations with me. When she asked why I was the same age as her but not in a university yet, I jokingly replied, “I spent 2 years in the army,” before revealing that I was from ITE and am in a polytechnic now.
She immediately stopped talking to me, unless it was to talk down to me in a condescending way to clear tasks for her.
However, I do not regret going to ITE at all, or I would not have met the lecturers and friends who changed my life and gave me the confidence in my abilities that I have today.
Tips To Excel in ITE
(Credits: ITE)
In every school, there are both students who excel in their studies and students who struggle with their studies. Similarly, there are also students who like to study and students who don’t.
Plan your next two years for personal development. What are your tangible and intangible goals? Then break those up into smaller, measurable goals.
For most, doing well and going to a polytechnic is their ultimate goal. So craft a study plan that will work for you.
However, go deeper and think about the kind of person you want to come out of ITE as. Someone who is their friend’s rock? A small business owner? A 4.0 getter?
Set personal goals and stay true to your journey. This might also help you to refrain from engaging in vices.
Lastly, remember to surround yourself with people whose goals are aligned with yours, so reaching them will be easier with the support around you.
Your Future After ITE
(Credits: ITE)
ITE is like the equivalent of an American community college in Singapore. Just put in the hard work needed here, and in 2-4 years, you’ll be in a polytechnic institute or gaining work experience.
However, don’t discount this period of your life. You don’t want to live 2-4 years of your life in a blur, right?
You can’t control much in life, but one thing you do have in your hands is your destiny.
Once you pass this phase of your life, it will be just like how you imagined it, and who knows, it might even exceed your expectations pre-ITE, 2-4 years ago!
Conclusion
The public’s negative views of ITE stem from outdated thinking, prejudices, and surface-level judgements.
So do not see ITE as the end of your life. You’re still young and have a lot of time to learn and grow.
Rather, see ITE as the next stepping stone in your life and as a pitstop of self-discovery and empowerment.
If you are in ITE, remember to pick yourself up, give yourself a pat on the back, and celebrate! Here’s to your bright future 🥂.
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