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Lately, I’ve been moving through the academic year as if I’m caught in a current that never slows down — not even for a moment. Assignments pile up faster than I can breathe, lectures blur together, and no matter how much I try to catch up, I always feel like I’m two steps behind in every subject. It’s exhausting to constantly feel like I’m failing to meet expectations, even when I’m giving all that I have left (though I know deep down that I can do much better). Funny enough, aiming for perfection only seems to hand me failure.

At the same time, I’m starting to feel the silence between me and my friends more loudly. Conversations only seem to happen when I reach out first. The effort always feels one-sided, and I can’t help but wonder if they’d notice if I stopped trying altogether. It’s a lonely kind of ache — to be surrounded by people and still feel unseen, unheard. My case is kinda different though, because I have to lead the class. I have a presence, sure — but if I stripped away that guise of authority, would I become invisible?

Sometimes I feel I’m not good enough compared to fellow SP students. I’m learning in one of the best polytechnics out there, and it’s filled with people who are honestly just insane — carded athletes, world record holders, you name it. Just being talented at a certain scope doesn’t seem to cut it in a crowd filled with like-minded individuals, huh?

Don’t even get me started on the insecurities related to my appearance; somehow everyone looks perfect in their own way. Every fit they wear has a story to tell, their hair stands so MASSIVE and MAJESTIC :aerial_tramway:and they have clear skin.

Now you, yes you, I want you to replace all the 'I’s in this thread to 'you’s. I’m not a magician, but I may or may not have just blown your mind with how our problems are almost identical. I just wanted to write this thread to let you know that you are literally amazing the way you are (kinda random but fax). You’ve came across so many hurdles; failures, betrayals and insecurities. Yo I know you brush off the small things like having your friends discuss plans right in front of you like it doesn’t mean anything, but I know it hurts man. I know you sometimes even doubt why you exist and wonder if you’re just a waste of space, but I just want to let you know they are people who literally look up to you and like / love you for who you are.

Now, here is your game plan. Academics? Just lock in bro, we both know you can make it if you actually try next time. Them friends? Yeah well, I haven’t figured out that part yet, but I sure as hell know you will. All I know is that friends are like the seasons; they come and go. Some stay for longer, some just for a day, but every interaction molds you into what you’re going to be. Remember, pain makes you stronger. Insecurities? We all will have them, but don’t let it consume you. You’re not in the spotlight every single second of your life, so don’t give your weaknesses away by actively trying to hide them. Confidence makes even the most talentless man well-received (hi). Lastly, appearance? Attractiveness is relative. If you think you look cooked, no you don’t. If you want, work out. Try skincare. Enhance your fit game. Buy a strong, long-lasting and unique fragrance. These tips will help you get that ‘GODDAMN’ first impression but please, please, please, do not obsess over how you look 24/7. Be ‘nonchalant’ about how you look; trust that you look good. Like I said before, confidence boosts your attractiveness just like how numbers exponentiate. Also, SLEEP and EAT (healthily, of course).

So here I am: a smart idiot, an introverted extrovert, a futile talent — procrastinating on studying FOP by writing this thread instead (update, the FOP quiz DID NOT go well). I hope future depressed me find solace in this message, and I hope I made you realize a thing or two and made you smile :slight_smile:

(Get this thread famous if you want another message from an older and wiser me HAHA)

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Dear @20MrAnonymous08

This was such a beautifully honest and heartfelt post — thank you for being so open and raw with your experience. It’s incredibly brave to put these emotions into words, and even more powerful to flip them around and offer comfort to others walking similar paths. And, you did it with such clarity, warmth, and a dash of humour too.

You’ve captured what so many students feel but can’t always express — the overwhelming academic pressure, the loneliness behind leadership roles, the quiet ache of not feeling truly seen even in a crowd, and the constant comparison that chips away at self-worth. And yet, in the same breath, you remind yourself and others that none of this defines your worth — that’s what makes this post so moving.

Just like you wrote: your presence, your kindness, your strength in being vulnerable — those are things that make you unforgettable. You’re not behind. You’re human, and you’re growing — sometimes in silence, sometimes in storms, but always forward. And you are not a waste of space. Not even close.

You’re enough, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
You’re worthy, even when you’re doubting it.
And you’re strong, even in your quietest moments of pain.

Thank you again for sharing. I hope this message gets all the love and visibility it deserves — and that future you (and anyone reading this) feels a little less alone. :yellow_heart:

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Hey, honestly, I’ve felt the same way you described — that constant rush, feeling like you’re always two steps behind, and the pressure to be perfect that just ends up stressing you out even more. I’ve realised that the best thing we can do for academics is just try to be consistent. For me, that means making an effort to revise and do homework weekly. Sometimes I skip writing notes for a week, then I have to catch up during exam revision, but consistency overall really helps.

Planning is key — knowing what you need to focus on and when important assignments or exams are coming up. Then when exams get near, it’s all about reminding yourself, “Hey, I’ve been consistent, I’ve done the work,” and trusting yourself. Worrying just wastes energy and doesn’t help. Especially here in Singapore with the crazy workload, it’s easy to panic, but the better move is to put that energy into planning and studying instead. You gotta keep reminding yourself of that.

And yeah, about looks — you’re so right. Just trust it. Obsessing over it can actually make things worse, like stress causing breakouts or just making you feel worse. Confidence really shines through in your gestures and personality. Honestly, other people’s opinions don’t matter as much as we think. It’s like with academics — just do your best, whether that’s skincare or schoolwork, and trust the process.

Thanks for sharing your message. It’s comforting to know someone else gets it, and honestly, your game plan is solid. We’ve all got this, one step at a time!