In the novel you have read, choose a character who has a positive influence in your life.

With close
reference to the text, give reasons how he/she has influenced you.

Based on the novel Sing to the Dawn by MingFong Ho, there are many things that I have learned
from the main character which is Dawan. She has influenced me to improve my life with maturity,
determination and kindness.

Dawan shows a great example for a young teenager like me by having matured mentality. Dawan
and her brother, Kwai, have a very unique routine by spending time on the old wooden bridge
discussing about everyday issues while watching the beautiful sunrise over the river. One day, they
are discussing about the scholarship to study at the city school. Dawan asks Kwai, what would he do
if he won the scholarship? Kwai excitedly tells about the things he will do and places he will visit at
the city. While Dawan disagrees that he will not have enough time to study and reminds him of the
hopes their teacher has for him. Even though Kwai was just kidding about his answer, Kwai explains
further that he would want to change the life at the village. Dawan shows agreement with her
brother’s opinion. From this discussion, it shows that Dawan is a little bit matured compare to Kwai
in which she is much more serious in getting proper education at the city. In my opinion, having
matured mentality at a young age proves that one has a high IQ. So, by being knowledgeable, I am
able to have more intellectual and meaningful conversation with people around me.

In order to be successful, having a high determination is a very important for a young girl who lives in
a conservative society. Living in a poor family, Dawan is considered lucky to have a chance to go to
school. In fact, this is the final year of her schooling as their father says that he is not able to pay for
another year of schooling. Therefore, winning the scholarship is very important for both Dawan and
Kwai as they will get free education at the city school. Eventually, Dawan wins the scholarship.
However, her brother is a bit disappointed with the result and he is in dilemma whether to tell
Father about he comes in second. Father is very upset with the result since he would prefer Kwai (a
boy) to win the scholarship and accuses Dawan for stealing her brother’s opportunity. He explains
that girls cannot go to the city because their job is at home, doing house works, cooking and taking
care of babies. In order to convince her Father, Dawan goes to Noi’s house to ask about the life at
the city since Noi had lived at the city before. Unfortunately, Noi discourages Dawan for not
accepting the scholarship as the city life is not suitable for a young girl like her. The next thing,
Dawan goes to see the Headmonk to ask him persuade her Father for allowing her go to the city.
Although the Headmonk is seemed respectful and wise, Dawan is disappointed again with the poor
reasoning from the Headmonk. He says that everything that she needs to learn is in that village
temple, so it is unnecessary for her to go to study at the city. From these three examples, they
clearly show Dawan’s determination to get her right to get proper education. I think, Dawan has
influenced me to work hard in my studies so that I can get flying colours in the SPM examination.

Being kind is another characteristic that being shown by the main character, Dawan. When she is
hurt by her Father’s words, Dawan still respects him as a father. She never raises her voice to her
father. In fact, she even gets injured for showing too much kindness to others. This can be proven
during the event at the market place. The second time Dawan goes to the market, she is actually on
the way home after the disappointing moment at the temple. She meets Bao, her new friend whom
she just met before. Bao is a girl who sells flowers and sparrows for people to make merit. Seeing
how devastated Dawan looks, Bao offers Dawan to release one of the sparrows for free just to teach
her a lesson. As the bird flies away, suddenly Vichai, Bao’s brother comes to the stall. He asks Bao
about their earnings that day. He counts the money he is upset about it. He hits Bao, and Bao
retaliates by releasing more birds. As he is about to hit her again, suddenly Kwai appears and
protects Bao. When Bao knows that the person who protect her is Kwai, she accuses him for being a
bully to Dawan. Confused and puzzled with the accusation Kwai tries to hit Bao for being rude to
him. Seeing the commotion between her brother, Kwai and her new found friend, Bao is getting
worse, Dawan interferes and protects Bao from being hit. Unfortunately, Dawan falls down on the
broken cages and injured her ankle. From this scene, even though Bao is not Dawan’s family
member, but she still being kind in protecting people and also animals. So, based on Dawan’s good
quality, I learned to protect others and be kind to animals. I think, being a good Samaritan is the key
for a peaceful society.

All in all, Dawan’s characteristic has really influenced me personally and changed my view of life. She
teaches me to be a better person. If everyone in the world has her good quality, I think the world will
be more peaceful and harmony.