The Yellow Ribbon Essay Example
The Yellow Ribbon Essay Example

The Yellow Ribbon Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (701 words)
  • Published: September 27, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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While driving along the road in Changi, my parents and I noticed a group of people walking outside Changi prison, each one clutching a yellow ribbon. Curiosity prompted me to inquire about their purpose. My father informed me that it was part of the Yellow Ribbon project, which aims to assist recently released ex-convicts. Frequently, these individuals struggle to adjust to life outside of prison and feel trapped, as if in a second prison. However, this project offers them a second opportunity to rebuild their lives.

I realized that we often take our lives for granted, missing opportunities without even acknowledging it. This stirred up thoughts about how I would grasp the opportunity if it ever came around again. A week passed and with anticipation, I went back to school looking forward to getting my end-of-year report.

...

As my peers and I enthusiastically speculated about our possible class rankings, I was oblivious of the unpleasant surprise that was coming my way. "This can't be right... There has to be an error!" Incredulity filled me as I vocalized these words. Rooted on the spot in utter shock, this couldn't possibly be reality. However, written on my report card was the heartbreaking news that I had to repeat a year!

I verified once, twice and thrice but there was no denying it - The word "retain" glared at me defiantly and unashamedly. Shame engulfed me while my friends rejoiced their progression to Secondary Four as I remained stagnant in my position. My life seemed paused whilst they progressed onwards. That evening, after bearing a seemingly eternal scolding session from my disheartened parents, I found myself sitting at a swin

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in a nearby playground.

I began to ponder the reason behind my misfortune. However, the answer was evident and uncomplicated. I neglected my studies and failed to dedicate myself to school. Instead, I wasted my time engaging in frivolous activities such as phone conversations, computer usage, shopping, and television watching. Consequently, I have experienced a significant failure. Unexpectedly, I noticed an object lying on the ground. I approached it and retrieved a yellow ribbon. Instantly, memories of the previous week flooded my mind when I initially encountered the Yellow Ribbon Project and contemplated the concept of missed chances and new opportunities.

Was this the chance I had been anticipating? Could this be the pivotal moment for my transformation? An epiphany struck me. Henceforth, I dedicated myself to rigorous study and work. I abandoned distractions like my computer, mobile phone, and other similar devices that could hinder my progress towards achieving my objective. The mockery and harsh words from others who constantly reminded me of being a retainee were ignored. To me, they were only transient clouds casting shadows over my day. Before long, a year flew by.

The anticipation leading up to the distribution of our report cards was high-strung for me, as I eagerly awaited my turn. In that interim phase, I took some time to ponder over my self-improvement throughout the academic year. From a detached and inexperienced adolescent in the beginning, I had evolved into a dedicated learner prepared to confront any challenges ahead of me. My feeling of accomplishment wasn't purely based on my performance in tests; rather it stemmed from the realization that no matter what happened, I gave it my all. When

my name was finally announced, I stood up and collected my report card - upon laying eyes on it, a wave of astonishment washed over me.

An expansive grin unfolded on my face as I approached my seat. The magnitude of the recent event was mind-boggling - not only did I attain the highest rank in my class, but also outperformed everyone at that stage! This remarkable sensation was ineffable and words fell short to convey my elation. As tears welled up in my eyes, it dawned upon me that this was a substantial accomplishment. My triumph resulted from an unwavering resolve to evade another year repetition and seize each available opportunity. We must never let potentially transformative chances slip away while we remain in our routine lives lacking noteworthy accomplishments. Given a second opportunity, there's no question that I exploited it to its fullest.

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