I will never forget Ms K, my JC Civics tutor. Even before entering the school, her name had made its way into our conversations. She was known for her fierce nature, although "fierce" is probably quite an understatement. I remember her no-nonsense attitude, always accompanied by an extremely quick wit and even sharper tongue. We were never allowed to be late, slipshod or nonchalent. Her standards were terrifyingly high and uncompromising. Yet her mind was clear on her purpose - we were there not merely for the shaping of our minds, but the grooming of our character. We were not expected to be brilliant, but we were always expected to be committed. I owe so much of my own work ethic and beliefs to the sharpening edge of her high standards. And the best part? She did not just expect it, she lived it.