I can still remember the day my father told me, “Since you can’t study, you go Geylang stand better.” I was left speechless, confused, and all sorts of emotions.
It was only then that I realised that he was suggesting that I go to Geylang and become a ‘chicken’.
I had not expected my father to make such a suggestion. After all, he had always been supportive of my dreams and ambitions. But now he was telling me to go stand on the streets and offer my body to strangers in exchange for money.
The truth is, I was a student who had not been doing well in school. I was failing my classes and was at risk of failing my exams. I had been struggling for a few months but had not told my parents about it. I knew they would be disappointed and I did not want to let them down.
But I guess my father had figured out what was going on and had come up with this solution. He thought that if I could not do well academically, I could make money from prostitution.
That day, I felt like my world had been turned upside down. I had always been an obedient daughter and followed my father’s advice. But this suggestion was something I could not accept. I knew I had to find another solution.
I decided to open up to my father and tell him about my struggles in school. I explained that I was doing my best but I was just not able to keep up with the work. I could tell he was disappointed but I could also see a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.
He told me he understood and promised to help me find a better solution. He said he would find a way for me to make money without having to resort to prostitution.
Fortunately, my father eventually apologize for me and got me a part time job but it paid enough for me to get by. I was able to continue my studies without having to worry about money.
I cannot even imagine what my life would have been like if I had followed his suggestion. I shudder to think about it.
But I am glad I was able to find a better solution instead.