However, over the years, my perception have changed. I remember excitedly telling my friend one day that I want to migrate to this country, and the kind of life I wish to live. And then he said, "Stress is everywhere across boundaries. Did you think that by just running away to another country, stress won't follow you?" It dawned on me the reality of life. And the reality of life is, yes, like my friend mentioned, "Stress is everywhere".

My parents had always taught me to climb up back from where I fell, take the stress, and carry on. Life is just like that.

Competitveness is evident in every society in every country - it just depends where or who you are to that particular society. Let me give you an example: A farmer in Australia would probably love his job (like the farmer I met when I was in Australia). Compare him to a lawmaker who's under a lot of pressure due to court cases. However, they can both be happy simply because they love their jobs! They must have came across the word "stress" more than once in their lives. Stress is part and parcel of your growing up life - be it a doctor, a teacher or even a road sweeper.

Treat it as something that pushes you to improve yourself everytime, a challenge to overcome - and before long, you'll realise you've indeed improved. And then, you can proudly look back and say, "Yes, I've done it. And I'm proud of myself."

"You may not know where you'll be in the future. But wherever you are, do your best in everything. God will watch over you." I thank God for this person who told me this.

So, to all those who made it possible for me to stand here today, who lent me a helping hand and a listening ear in times of need - to my family, Aaron, Janani, Randy, Robby, Nicholas, Jane, Riane, Gary and the many others - Thank you. For the true friendship we share.