Phew. Just finished clearing the cobwebs on this blog.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come...
Boy am I excited at the impending holidays; christmas, going home and taking a break from everything:) After talking to Foong yesterday, I realised how out of touch I was with everything and everyone. Life here seems to work on a totally different time zone(nevermind that it actually is), and it frankly seems like I've been here forever.
Not that i'm not enjoying myself, I mean with climbing and activities every minute and hour, it's almost impossible to ever feel bored. Making pancakes at 2am in the morning? Heh:) And, tomorrow's St Nicholas Day, which is an excuse good enough for the Commune to hold a christmas party in the main piazza, complete with hot wine and performances:)
It's not that we don't do work here, why any of the second-years (and some first-years too) can probably write an extended essay just based on the things that they need to do, but then they'll never finish, because the work never does too. I'm taking time now to enjoy my first year, when i dont have to worry about university apps, ees, tok, basically all and sundry.
The thing though is that despite the work, there's just so much else on offer. And I mean activities:p MUN club tomorrow, carolling practice today, concert on Sunday, street bazaar, SOSudan, anything and everything. The only thing about many of the official events is that lots of it is in italian and so I don't understand all that I would like to. I mean seriously, speeches are often quite interesting?
And yet, at the same time, many of us seem to wonder why we deserved to get this chance. It's definitely not only about bringing young people from all over the world together, and allowing them to have a cultural exchange. Why, if that was so, it could be done in many more less costly ways.
United World Colleges makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures to ensure peace and a sustainable future.
Personally, much of what we contribute back to UWC and the sponsors will take place after we leave the college, while in our different environments, spreading the simple messages of greater understanding and an interest in the world in those around us.
But that should also not stop us from doing something while at the college, making use of the vast talents and expertise of everyone here. Something that is able to effect a practical change in a situation that needs help. Something that must be sustained and constantly and persistently worked on.
We need to do more.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
HEH
Whoops.
I kinda promised to update this blog at least once a week, but it's been almost one month now.
It's 8pm now, and im sitting in a classroom, procrasting. Was supposed to have a meeting half an hour ago, but could not find anyone. hmmm.
Life's been good. Just returned from Villach, an Austrian border town about 2 and a half hours away from Trieste. It was really nice, especially since autumn has arrived and the trees are turning colour! Time is passing soooo quickly, and yet it seems like i've been here forever. The feeling's just so wierd.But i am enjoying it haha
I was supposed to have a math test tomorrow, but found out that i need to go down to register my fingerprint for the permit thingy. Alone. Goodness knows how im going to communicate with my barely-there Italian:p.
Have lots of homework including 2 lab reports to do, and yet i still find myself sitting in front of the computer, hoping that the reports will do themselves (nothing suggestive here)
I look forward so much to thursdays cos that's when we go climbing! Unfortunately, there's no climbing this week since all saints day falls on thursday...We will be going to Rome and Milan in 2 weeks time! I think i'm more excited about going together with everyone else rather than the idea of going itself. Furthermore, since our tutorial group will be staying with several other interesting tutorial groups, i reckon we might just have a mighty interesting time...
Congrats to all who finished promos and I really hope that you all are happy with your results:) School is ending for so many and barely starting for me....
I'll be back in Singapore on Dec21!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see everyone again:)
I kinda promised to update this blog at least once a week, but it's been almost one month now.
It's 8pm now, and im sitting in a classroom, procrasting. Was supposed to have a meeting half an hour ago, but could not find anyone. hmmm.
Life's been good. Just returned from Villach, an Austrian border town about 2 and a half hours away from Trieste. It was really nice, especially since autumn has arrived and the trees are turning colour! Time is passing soooo quickly, and yet it seems like i've been here forever. The feeling's just so wierd.But i am enjoying it haha
I was supposed to have a math test tomorrow, but found out that i need to go down to register my fingerprint for the permit thingy. Alone. Goodness knows how im going to communicate with my barely-there Italian:p.
Have lots of homework including 2 lab reports to do, and yet i still find myself sitting in front of the computer, hoping that the reports will do themselves (nothing suggestive here)
I look forward so much to thursdays cos that's when we go climbing! Unfortunately, there's no climbing this week since all saints day falls on thursday...We will be going to Rome and Milan in 2 weeks time! I think i'm more excited about going together with everyone else rather than the idea of going itself. Furthermore, since our tutorial group will be staying with several other interesting tutorial groups, i reckon we might just have a mighty interesting time...
Congrats to all who finished promos and I really hope that you all are happy with your results:) School is ending for so many and barely starting for me....
I'll be back in Singapore on Dec21!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see everyone again:)
Thursday, October 4, 2007
This past week and weekend in particular has been simply fabulous. We had this long weekend last week, where we got friday off, in addition to sat and sunday, making it a 3 day holiday. Together with about 15 others, I went to this mountain range called the Dolomites. It's basically part of the Italian Alps, on the border with Austria. The best part about it was that it happened to be snowing the day before we arrived and so we couldnt do what we originally planned to do, which was to climb a mountain, about 2500m using this other system of rock climbing called the via ferrata system, and so we kind of spent a whole morng walking up a mountain with snow up to almost our knees. some pple were really experienced, but for tropical pple like me, it was really quite an adventure. i think i spent more time falling in the snow then i did walking in it.
The best part was probably going down the slope. Because it is usually used for downhill skiing, its not too steep nor too gentle. Instead of walking down in a dignified manner, we all ended up running down the slope, trying to pretend that our hiking boots were frictionless. THat was seriously FUN. the snow was still fresh and soft and perfect for sliding down on. It was about 3pm when we got back to our mountain refuge, which was this cute little rustic house kind of in the middle of nowhere. We played board games and tried to warm up while some pple went by van to the nearest village. Crazy as i was, i decided to join some others who were taking a "short walk" up a mountain, which was actually quite nice. As it was pretty late, we could only walk for abt an hour before we had to head back for dinner, which was prepared by our guides. And then, after dinner, i totally lost my mind and agreed to go on another walk, despite having already walked pretty much the whole day.
That was the icing on the cake. Seriously. About 5 of us took a 5 minute walk to a nearby stream, where we spent abt 1/2 an hour in silence whether lying down or standing up, simply thinking. Indeed, its moments like these that remind you what life's about. aNyhow, it was a great weekend as expeditions always are. oh we also finally managed to do a bit of rockclimbing cum hiking up this ~2200m mountain called ponte fiames, which was tiring but great. Inshort, expeditions ever fail to brighten my day, week, month, year, and this certainly didnt break the trend.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Pics
Hey Pple! you can check the pics out at http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u100/germaine_liu/. I'm in the process of putting more...soon:)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
whoa
WHoops. I didnt realize how long this blog has laid stagnant for.
After 5 consecutive hours of lessons this morning, all i wanted to do was flop onto my nice soft bed and Sleep. but, of course some things are more important than others. like rock climbing:)
I never realized how different and similar artificial rock walls are to the real thing. techniques used are mainly the same, esp when it comes to belaying and top-rope or lead climbing.
what i did with my physical activity group today though was different. instead of going vertically up, many times, we were walking along the cliff, suspended from cables attached to our harnesses and carabiners. more like bouldering i guess.
there are mainly limestone cliffs around here which are great for handholds and stuff like that and the college has equipment and has also brought in some external instructors! the best part abt it is that Nnxt week, there is a long weekend, where we get friday off, and so I'll be going to the Dolomites, a limestone range for 3 glorious days, hopefully!
My thoughts now are quite start-stop and broken, ,probably cos there's so much to say, and so little time. im currently in the study room of my residence, where theres like internet. I was lucky to get a nice and new residence, which although does not have the view of the sea like other residences, does have a separate huge bathroom which only 4 pple share, which is luxurious in comparison to many residences. We have a fully-equipped kitchen, but mainly go to a main school canteen for our meals.
School has been ok with some lessons better than others. For example, what we are covering in math and the sciences now are what i covered in the firs sem of JC, and so thigns are pretty repetitive. not that im complaining though, cos it gives me more time to concentrate on my Italian, which is unfortunately kinda non-existent.
Haha but anyway, got to go now. Take care everyone!
After 5 consecutive hours of lessons this morning, all i wanted to do was flop onto my nice soft bed and Sleep. but, of course some things are more important than others. like rock climbing:)
I never realized how different and similar artificial rock walls are to the real thing. techniques used are mainly the same, esp when it comes to belaying and top-rope or lead climbing.
what i did with my physical activity group today though was different. instead of going vertically up, many times, we were walking along the cliff, suspended from cables attached to our harnesses and carabiners. more like bouldering i guess.
there are mainly limestone cliffs around here which are great for handholds and stuff like that and the college has equipment and has also brought in some external instructors! the best part abt it is that Nnxt week, there is a long weekend, where we get friday off, and so I'll be going to the Dolomites, a limestone range for 3 glorious days, hopefully!
My thoughts now are quite start-stop and broken, ,probably cos there's so much to say, and so little time. im currently in the study room of my residence, where theres like internet. I was lucky to get a nice and new residence, which although does not have the view of the sea like other residences, does have a separate huge bathroom which only 4 pple share, which is luxurious in comparison to many residences. We have a fully-equipped kitchen, but mainly go to a main school canteen for our meals.
School has been ok with some lessons better than others. For example, what we are covering in math and the sciences now are what i covered in the firs sem of JC, and so thigns are pretty repetitive. not that im complaining though, cos it gives me more time to concentrate on my Italian, which is unfortunately kinda non-existent.
Haha but anyway, got to go now. Take care everyone!
Monday, August 27, 2007
day 4
Its been 4 days now.
I arrived in Duino on Friday afternoon *Duino is 6 hours behind Singapore in summer* with like 3 pieces of big luggage and a haversack. Whew.
Am now in the computer room, after coming back from Trieste, the nearest major city, which had its origins as a port in the Austro-hungarian Empire. Lots of history here yeah.
The residence that I have been given is a wonderful one, complete with kitchen, basement and lots of nice rooms. It's more a house than a hostel, with 15 girls and a house tutor. i have 3 room mates, from Hungary, Italy and Norway and other residence mates from countries like Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece... Pretty multinational.
Theres more. We just had a physical activities briefing today and I really really hope to take climbing *real limestone cliffs!!!*, sailingandkayakingandhikingandmusic lessonsandsocialserviceandsomethingtodowithscience! Oh. and did i mention that there are only 24 hours in a day? Whoops.
Anyway, we will see if we can do some magic, and in the meantime. Take Care and Ciao!
Germaine
(my Western Sahara second year insists that Germaine is Jameen, which is a male name, and thus i should be called Jamilah)
I arrived in Duino on Friday afternoon *Duino is 6 hours behind Singapore in summer* with like 3 pieces of big luggage and a haversack. Whew.
Am now in the computer room, after coming back from Trieste, the nearest major city, which had its origins as a port in the Austro-hungarian Empire. Lots of history here yeah.
The residence that I have been given is a wonderful one, complete with kitchen, basement and lots of nice rooms. It's more a house than a hostel, with 15 girls and a house tutor. i have 3 room mates, from Hungary, Italy and Norway and other residence mates from countries like Venezuela, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece... Pretty multinational.
Theres more. We just had a physical activities briefing today and I really really hope to take climbing *real limestone cliffs!!!*, sailingandkayakingandhikingandmusic lessonsandsocialserviceandsomethingtodowithscience! Oh. and did i mention that there are only 24 hours in a day? Whoops.
Anyway, we will see if we can do some magic, and in the meantime. Take Care and Ciao!
Germaine
(my Western Sahara second year insists that Germaine is Jameen, which is a male name, and thus i should be called Jamilah)
Friday, August 24, 2007
the first hello!
It’s been 5 days since that last glance.
Nothing has changed, and yet all has.
Spending the last few days in a land where fountains literally flow aplenty, the eternal city has indeed much to offer; both to the common and discerning alike.
I spent an entire day in none other than the Vatican City, walking under countless frescoes, ornate rooms, peering intently at century-old artifacts, trying (note: try) to decipher all that meaning behind these great works. However, dense as I am, the one form of culture that I probably gained was a yoghurt.
It’s been nice so far though, especially on Tuesday, when I went up to Castel Gandolfo, a little town overlooking some great scenery. If it sounds familiar or famous, it’s not just because I’ve been there (cue: choke) but ‘cos it’s none other than the summer residence of the Pope.
It was a great 5 hours spent with a great friend, one whom I look up to, really and whom has in her own unassuming way taught me so much. It was really, really nice to see her and have one of those long (and meaningful) conversations.
I have never been one of great sentiment, always believing that it’s so much easier to untangle oneself when the knot is not so tight; and continuing correspondence really made me realise that little things like a short email or letter to stay in touch make such a difference.
I hardly had the chance to thank every single person who means so much to me. I’ll briefly try and include as many pple because this is really really important but I’m also quite lousy at many important things.
Thanks to everyone, really.
Sec 4/1! I really didn’t expect all that and it was really so heart warming to see everyone again. It was almost as if we had never parted, and I had a wonderful time listening to and playing all those funny, silly yet great games. Although you all probably had to move mountains and seas to collect badges and book the room, you all did it, and I’m really want to thank everyoneJ.
Sec 2/2! It’s been 3 years since we were together as a class, yet it seems the ties have never frayed. It was great to see you all on national day, although it was a small group of us, which was nonetheless really good. And of cos my “greek partners-in-crime”, thanksJ
IJ councillors! Thanks for the reminder on which country I’m fromJ I think that I must do something to change my image because everyone seems to think that I have the memory of a goldfish! Haha I really remember everyone who wrote, and many more! To last years sec 4s, thanks for everything, it was great seeing everyone (well not everyone, I mean, well I didn’t see everyone, not it was not great seeing everyone. I should keep quiet. You get it.) that day!
08S03Q! Although I seemed to have the emotions of a stonefish, I’m really touched by all the things you all did for me. The party, candle light in the field, pizza, book… my goodness, the things done are endless! No point saying it now, but I really couldn’t and can’t bear to leave everything and everyone behind. Work hard (that I prob don’t need to say), play equally hard, and stay together yeah?
Odac! 23! Yikes, I really really am so sad at not being able to go for EOY and other trips. Every single activity was such great fun, and all probably would beJ I know that there are so many Odacians who are full of passion and love for the club, and I really can’t see anything greater for Odac to have than passionate members. Thanks for everything, especially the cakesJ Although they were fattening, especially at 12 am 2 days in a row, they were really really nice and meant a lot.
L’abbits! Esp the 3 best OGLs in the world! Some people take years to find a few great friends but It took only 3 short days to get such a great group of friends (pretty worth it, huh?) No one would have even dreamed that something like that would have happened. But it did. No one might ever truly get over it, but as long as we are there for each other, as we were at that most crucial time, everything will be fine. Oh! And Thanks for the board tooJ
All my teachers! From my IJ teachers, to my RJ teachers, to my piano teacher, to non-former-teachers- of-mine! Thank you for everything. Really.
All my friends and everyone whom I haven’t mentioned specifically. You all matter and will always.
Ok I had better stop here for today. Will write more when the time comes to. In the meantime, if anyone is making plans for holidays… come visit!
My Address is:
Collegio Del Mondo Unito Dell’ Adriatico
Via Trieste 29
34011 DUINO (TS)
ITALY
Well, at least I think that that is what it is?
Yup I’m actually currently still in Milan, meeting up with some relatives who live here, and will be going down to Duino, Trieste today.
Ok! I had better end this here today! Till then, ciao!
Nothing has changed, and yet all has.
Spending the last few days in a land where fountains literally flow aplenty, the eternal city has indeed much to offer; both to the common and discerning alike.
I spent an entire day in none other than the Vatican City, walking under countless frescoes, ornate rooms, peering intently at century-old artifacts, trying (note: try) to decipher all that meaning behind these great works. However, dense as I am, the one form of culture that I probably gained was a yoghurt.
It’s been nice so far though, especially on Tuesday, when I went up to Castel Gandolfo, a little town overlooking some great scenery. If it sounds familiar or famous, it’s not just because I’ve been there (cue: choke) but ‘cos it’s none other than the summer residence of the Pope.
It was a great 5 hours spent with a great friend, one whom I look up to, really and whom has in her own unassuming way taught me so much. It was really, really nice to see her and have one of those long (and meaningful) conversations.
I have never been one of great sentiment, always believing that it’s so much easier to untangle oneself when the knot is not so tight; and continuing correspondence really made me realise that little things like a short email or letter to stay in touch make such a difference.
I hardly had the chance to thank every single person who means so much to me. I’ll briefly try and include as many pple because this is really really important but I’m also quite lousy at many important things.
Thanks to everyone, really.
Sec 4/1! I really didn’t expect all that and it was really so heart warming to see everyone again. It was almost as if we had never parted, and I had a wonderful time listening to and playing all those funny, silly yet great games. Although you all probably had to move mountains and seas to collect badges and book the room, you all did it, and I’m really want to thank everyoneJ.
Sec 2/2! It’s been 3 years since we were together as a class, yet it seems the ties have never frayed. It was great to see you all on national day, although it was a small group of us, which was nonetheless really good. And of cos my “greek partners-in-crime”, thanksJ
IJ councillors! Thanks for the reminder on which country I’m fromJ I think that I must do something to change my image because everyone seems to think that I have the memory of a goldfish! Haha I really remember everyone who wrote, and many more! To last years sec 4s, thanks for everything, it was great seeing everyone (well not everyone, I mean, well I didn’t see everyone, not it was not great seeing everyone. I should keep quiet. You get it.) that day!
08S03Q! Although I seemed to have the emotions of a stonefish, I’m really touched by all the things you all did for me. The party, candle light in the field, pizza, book… my goodness, the things done are endless! No point saying it now, but I really couldn’t and can’t bear to leave everything and everyone behind. Work hard (that I prob don’t need to say), play equally hard, and stay together yeah?
Odac! 23! Yikes, I really really am so sad at not being able to go for EOY and other trips. Every single activity was such great fun, and all probably would beJ I know that there are so many Odacians who are full of passion and love for the club, and I really can’t see anything greater for Odac to have than passionate members. Thanks for everything, especially the cakesJ Although they were fattening, especially at 12 am 2 days in a row, they were really really nice and meant a lot.
L’abbits! Esp the 3 best OGLs in the world! Some people take years to find a few great friends but It took only 3 short days to get such a great group of friends (pretty worth it, huh?) No one would have even dreamed that something like that would have happened. But it did. No one might ever truly get over it, but as long as we are there for each other, as we were at that most crucial time, everything will be fine. Oh! And Thanks for the board tooJ
All my teachers! From my IJ teachers, to my RJ teachers, to my piano teacher, to non-former-teachers- of-mine! Thank you for everything. Really.
All my friends and everyone whom I haven’t mentioned specifically. You all matter and will always.
Ok I had better stop here for today. Will write more when the time comes to. In the meantime, if anyone is making plans for holidays… come visit!
My Address is:
Collegio Del Mondo Unito Dell’ Adriatico
Via Trieste 29
34011 DUINO (TS)
ITALY
Well, at least I think that that is what it is?
Yup I’m actually currently still in Milan, meeting up with some relatives who live here, and will be going down to Duino, Trieste today.
Ok! I had better end this here today! Till then, ciao!
Friday, July 27, 2007
so much to tell
I have so much to tell. But So little time. Suddenly, I've found a part of me that I thought I had lost for a long while. The excitable, effervescent, silly, toooo outspoken part of me. I took so much for granted, never realizing many honours that had been bestowed upon me. It was so refreshing knowing that I made a fool out of myself in the way i used to.
I'm really sad to leave my present school, esp with the improving ties within my class and those in my cca. and of course I hate to leave my friends alone:( but i'm excited all the same. it just seems so interesting. I always gave myself the excuse that it would seem like bragging but I guess it's also about letting people know they matter. Sigh
I'm really sad to leave my present school, esp with the improving ties within my class and those in my cca. and of course I hate to leave my friends alone:( but i'm excited all the same. it just seems so interesting. I always gave myself the excuse that it would seem like bragging but I guess it's also about letting people know they matter. Sigh
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The need that has to be addressed
i have run away from reflections for so long, trying to fool myself into thinking that they were of minimal importance. Perhaps its the blankness of my mind and yet the myriad of thoughts that swarm through, untouched yet not unnoticed. Life in such an fast-paced society has had its effects. Anything that does not directly contribute to self-benefit immediately becomes an after-thought. Subconciously, i thought that all this could be stored away by detaching myself from reality, from the bare facts of life that surround me.
I was lost for words. There it seemed that the surroundings were perfect for reflection. A simple question. and yet, i had no reply. I didnt want to give a pc answer, that would seem so artificial, andd cliched to boot. And yet, i had reservations about revealing too much. Why?
I started with hopes, dreams, BIG visions. Save the world. or so it seemed. Yet, as days went by, nothing was accomplished. I wished to do more. I still wish to do more. And yet, i hit hard ground again. So many things undone, yet leave is to come soon. The enthusiasm for life, lost while study-numb, was somewhat rekindled through the outdoors. I have hardly felt this much attachment and love for a club ever, or so i think. Unaware perhaps.
I'm supposed to write a speech, but every word seems so hypocritical. Do i practise what i preach? Can I preach what i practise? An awareness is the first step towards inner beauty. And what a difficult step.
I have learnt so much, so much that it cannot be quantified. From places expected, and many unexpected too. Coincidence has made a large impact on me, with its enthusiasm for life and all that matters to me too. Frankly, everyone seems to have noble character in them. Unfortunately, the gap between action and deed is simply so complicated. No, not too complicated, for it can be overcome. But only if we try. And yet, are we willing to put down all we have thought to be important, and follow our hearts? That shall be our question for today. What do we want to live life for?
I was lost for words. There it seemed that the surroundings were perfect for reflection. A simple question. and yet, i had no reply. I didnt want to give a pc answer, that would seem so artificial, andd cliched to boot. And yet, i had reservations about revealing too much. Why?
I started with hopes, dreams, BIG visions. Save the world. or so it seemed. Yet, as days went by, nothing was accomplished. I wished to do more. I still wish to do more. And yet, i hit hard ground again. So many things undone, yet leave is to come soon. The enthusiasm for life, lost while study-numb, was somewhat rekindled through the outdoors. I have hardly felt this much attachment and love for a club ever, or so i think. Unaware perhaps.
I'm supposed to write a speech, but every word seems so hypocritical. Do i practise what i preach? Can I preach what i practise? An awareness is the first step towards inner beauty. And what a difficult step.
I have learnt so much, so much that it cannot be quantified. From places expected, and many unexpected too. Coincidence has made a large impact on me, with its enthusiasm for life and all that matters to me too. Frankly, everyone seems to have noble character in them. Unfortunately, the gap between action and deed is simply so complicated. No, not too complicated, for it can be overcome. But only if we try. And yet, are we willing to put down all we have thought to be important, and follow our hearts? That shall be our question for today. What do we want to live life for?
Friday, April 13, 2007
hope
waiting.
waiting.
waiting.
its confusing. life is. is it worth the trouble to plan the days ahead, i wonder. think ahead, yes. it gives hope.but putting it together just seems tiring. its all with the final goal in mind. its easy to lose ourselves in our conquest for what might seem to be our dreams. hope gives us something to believe in, something to look forward to. yet, can hope delude and bring us away from what it is to be.
there are so many things that have changed. priorities perhaps. what i feared will come to happen if change does not take place. its when novelty wears off that i realize wwhat i had been thinking of it. hopefully the goal will not be that. i hope this waiting is not a form of escapism. it shouldnt be. not emo. just thoughtful.
waiting.
waiting.
its confusing. life is. is it worth the trouble to plan the days ahead, i wonder. think ahead, yes. it gives hope.but putting it together just seems tiring. its all with the final goal in mind. its easy to lose ourselves in our conquest for what might seem to be our dreams. hope gives us something to believe in, something to look forward to. yet, can hope delude and bring us away from what it is to be.
there are so many things that have changed. priorities perhaps. what i feared will come to happen if change does not take place. its when novelty wears off that i realize wwhat i had been thinking of it. hopefully the goal will not be that. i hope this waiting is not a form of escapism. it shouldnt be. not emo. just thoughtful.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Realizations
More than anything, laziness has led to the stagnation of this blog, or all by this author actually. having the thoughts, but not actually putting them into words is just too easy to do. However, if thoughts were to simply go past, would life be just as meaningful?
Two and a half months have passed since the start of the new school year. Indeed, time really flew without me even noticing it. I'm not quite sure if I'm enjoying school really, i often find only realize how much i enjoyed something after it has passed. Sad, but true. Very often recently, I've been hoping that the decisions that i've made have not been wrong ones. The only consolation i can offer myself at these times is that two years will pass really quickly, live them up, and they will be gone.
I started off idealistic. Great plans, great missions, great Dreams. i perhaps never realized how easy it was to lose these ideals, especially in the face of the paper chase (poet to be?). Nonetheless, it came back to me that one night at nowhere less than that good old hawker centre. Sitting there observing well everything, the realization hit. It made me just so much happier.
There was suddenly meaning to everything. We learn to look on the bright side of everything. I am happy because I am able to sit in an air-conditioned classroom receiving an education. I am happy because I am on track to acheiving my goals. I am happy because i see meaning. Really, it is doing things for others that we are happy.
Unfortunately, i do not understand why so many do not see this. Why, community service is but only a gold border to that university application?
I want to do more in Life. I know what i want to do, but the question is can i achieve it? getting into the course is but the first step, will my earlier decision have affected my chances? i sincerely hope not... What more can i do to realize this dream? But first, i must make sure that in acheiving this dream, i do not lose sight of the final goal. What can i do now?
Two and a half months have passed since the start of the new school year. Indeed, time really flew without me even noticing it. I'm not quite sure if I'm enjoying school really, i often find only realize how much i enjoyed something after it has passed. Sad, but true. Very often recently, I've been hoping that the decisions that i've made have not been wrong ones. The only consolation i can offer myself at these times is that two years will pass really quickly, live them up, and they will be gone.
I started off idealistic. Great plans, great missions, great Dreams. i perhaps never realized how easy it was to lose these ideals, especially in the face of the paper chase (poet to be?). Nonetheless, it came back to me that one night at nowhere less than that good old hawker centre. Sitting there observing well everything, the realization hit. It made me just so much happier.
There was suddenly meaning to everything. We learn to look on the bright side of everything. I am happy because I am able to sit in an air-conditioned classroom receiving an education. I am happy because I am on track to acheiving my goals. I am happy because i see meaning. Really, it is doing things for others that we are happy.
Unfortunately, i do not understand why so many do not see this. Why, community service is but only a gold border to that university application?
I want to do more in Life. I know what i want to do, but the question is can i achieve it? getting into the course is but the first step, will my earlier decision have affected my chances? i sincerely hope not... What more can i do to realize this dream? But first, i must make sure that in acheiving this dream, i do not lose sight of the final goal. What can i do now?
Sunday, February 4, 2007
cebu-the long lost recount
Project Mabuhay- More than just a project
It seemed that the odds were stacked against us even before we set off for the Philippines.
On the day of our departure from Singapore, there were no less than three alarming reports about the places that we were going to: first, a storm was coming to Cebu and Leyte; second, there was an undersea earthquake near Cebu; and third, there was a travel warning issued in response to the threat of terrorist activities reported in conjunction with the upcoming ASEAN summit, which was later postponed. Fear and hesitation that plagued each team member and their families, who started having second thoughts about the trip. Nevertheless, six of us flew to Cebu that night; two were to fly in the next day.
Arriving in the Philippines, it turned out that there was a storm; just not in Cebu, but in Leyte, where we were headed. As a result, we were unable to travel down to Leyte as planned, due to the suspension of ferry services. Instead, we spent the next day with a group of children from Barrio Luz, a nearby urban settlement.
After meeting the children and playing a few icebreakers together, we had the great fortune to gain an insight into life in a typical Barrio. Visiting the humble but happy homes of these children was certainly an eye-opener as we witnessed first-hand the quality of life offered to internal migrants who move from villages to towns in search of nothing more than a stable income.
We visited houses, which if situated in Singapore, would have long been slated for demolition due to fire safety concerns; and yet, these were homes that housed up to 14 people in a three-level structure the size of a typical Singaporean bedroom.
Despite these space constraints, we felt welcomed when we stepped into these houses, which were beautifully adorned with religious pictures and home-spun rugs. Knowing that every inch of space here was treasured and valued made us reflect on our own homes back in Singapore; the quest for big but often empty homes are foremost in many of our minds, making it easy for us to take for granted the sheer fortune of having a roof over our head, and also making us forget at times that love and warmth are but most important in a home.
Our next activity of the day was a craft session for the children from Barrio Luz. Indeed, one would not imagine the endless energy possessed by the children; after teaching them to make a Christmas wreath, the children in turn taught us popular local dances, songs, games and of course, the local dialect of Cebu, Cebuano. Extremely enthusiastic and patient teachers, the children clapped at our every effort, despite our awkward pronuciation and impossibly short memory.
At the end of that second day, we were tired, but happy. We had yet to embark on our main project in Leyte but had already learnt much from the children than just games and songs. Despite their stark poverty, the children did not grouse about a lack of basic needs, not to mention material wants; but instead looked towards the little things in life that made them happy. Indeed, many simple pleasures in life are but the greatest.
The next day, we made our delayed journey by ferry and bus from Cebu to Tolosa in Leyte. After a mid-day stop at Tacloban, the capital of Leyte, we finally reached Tolosa at about 5pm, just as the sun was about to set.
For the next week, our days pretty much followed a fixed schedule. We would leave for the school at about 8a.m, walking out to the main road, where we would flag down a trishaw or a jeepney, a long lorry with a covered cargo cart. The journey that took about 20 minutes was a scenic one, as we would pass by wide expanses of green lush grass as well as the occasional river and beach.
On the first day at the school, we were presented with orchid garlands the moment we stepped into the school. This simple gesture touched our hearts, as it was something that is seldom done even in Singapore. It was easy for us to imagine ourselves as movie stars as we walked into the school to a rousing welcome and applause. One almost expected throngs of reporters to set upon us, hurling cameras and fielding questions.
Of course, that was not to be and we soon got into the thick of work, with some of us setting up the computers; others processing the books into a database while the rest of us starting painting the room that was to be the library.
For those working in the computer laboratory, receiving electrical shocks soon became part of a day’s work. To the consternation of our very own computer expert, all the CPU towers brought from Singapore were giving static shocks because the motherboards inside were not insulated, posing a problem in the Philippines, where the electrical supply does not come with Earth/Ground points.
However, the work was not in vain, as soon after the CPUs and the laptops were set up, teachers began wandering into the room, and a short session on basic computer usage and Microsoft Office applications soon commenced. Some of the teachers had not touched a computer before and some groups had to be shown how to use the keyboard and the mouse. To us, the thought of having zero access to computers was unimaginable, as we had lived with it all our lives, often forgetting that it was a luxury and not a right.
It was certainly not an easy task to explain the complicated works of a computer in simple terms. However, after seeing the eagerness and excitement of the teachers at using the computers to make a simple poster, the feeling of satisfaction from being able to impart one’s skills and knowledge to others far outweighed any sense of tiredness felt.
It was equally tiring for those working on the library. Indeed, many of us never realized how much work went into preparing a library from scratch. After painting the walls of the library, we individually wrapped, labeled, strengthened and accessioned each of the 700 books.
However, no matter how tired we felt, all we had to do was look out the door of the room that we were in and we would instantly find the motivation to continue; for there outside would always stand many students, who during their breaks and after school, would come to stand at the door and talk to us, despite both parties mostly being unable to understand each other due to language differences.
In addition, a few of us played the role of relief teachers, taking over the class of the teachers who came to learn how to use the computers and libraries. Eager to learn all that we had to teach them, the children participated actively and engagingly in class, sharing with us and their classmates facts about themselves such as what they wanted to be when they grew up. Indeed, if passion and enthusiasm were all it took to succeed in this world, every single child in the school would easily qualify.
The next few days were spent in a similar way: showing the computers to the teachers and preparing the books for shelving in the library. Our aim was not only to provide a library, but also to ensure that the library and its books were maintained in the long run, so as to serve not only the present students of the school, but also the many more communities to come.
Thus, apart from physically preparing the books, discussion sessions were held with the teachers of the school. Ideas and thoughts about how to best utilize the new facilities in order to provide maximum benefit to the students and teachers were discussed and shared during these sessions, where we also learnt more about the education system in the Philippines. In addition, we held lessons with the teacher and student librarians on the library policies and on how to best run a library of this scale to ensure that there would be continued maintenance of the library even after we had left.
We picked up many interesting facts about the local people of the Philippines on our trip. This was indeed a nation of song, where karaoke seemed to be the national pastime. Every night, we would go to sleep in the company of voices belting out karaoke songs in all pitches possible.
Apart from that, we also experienced frequent black-outs and brown-outs (low supply currents), as often as three times a day. Indeed, there were afternoons with frequent blackouts when a sense of despair crept in: when our very own computer expert realized that the electrical supply would not be consistent and several voltage regulators we brought might not be sufficient to protect the computer hardware from current surges (there was already a burning smell in the little computer room!).
Yet, as the saying goes, all’s well that ends well. The day of the library handover was unexpectedly moving for many of us. We started the day putting finishing touches to the library: finding missing books, drawing & putting up a few more posters, and making sure the computers worked.
All the hard work that we had put in that past week finally came to fruition as we stood back and gazed at the room that had once been nothing more than an empty shell. Now painted bright yellow and decorated with colourful educational posters, it was finally a place we could rightly call a library.
Standing there, we realized what having a library truly meant. It was not just about having books per say; instead, it was knowing that a place where one could explore the depths of knowledge and escape into the realms of fantasy and history existed. It was an avenue that children who were caught in the vicious cycle of poverty could use to broaden their perspective of the world, increase their knowledge and break away from that cycle of poverty. It was an avenue for hope, hope for a better life and future.
In a country where graft and corruption were rife, we were deeply comforted in the knowing that the school principal, Mrs Fe Ibanez, was a woman of integrity. Her careful attention to details and planning was exemplary. Though we were somewhat averse to officious ceremony, we eventually came to appreciate the way she was determined to make the opening ceremony and handover as grand as it could be, from recording every donation made, right down to inviting local officials to the ceremony, in order to make the setting up of the library and computer lab as transparent as possible.
The short programme and hand-over ceremony that the school prepared for us was beautiful and sincere. In addition to the speeches and official handover of a certificate bearing the name of the library, a group of students performed a ballet dance for us. It was evident that much work had been put in to perfecting the dance, which truly touched our hearts.
In turn, our team prepared a short skit based on Roald Dahl’s “ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to entertain our friendly hosts: the principal, the teachers and the children. Apart from entertainment, the objective of the skit was to entice the students and interest them in borrowing books from the library.
The last item was truly one of the most simple and yet heart-warming performances that we had ever watched in our lives. As is common in the Philippines, a blackout occurred just before the last performance.
Nonetheless, we were amazed when a little boy no older than eight years old climbed up the stage and proceeded to sing a beautiful and sincere solo rendition of a popular Christmas hymn despite having to compete with the loud drones of passing vehicles in the absence of a microphone. The tenacity and strong will of this young boy reminded us that many things in life, and life itself, must go on despite any challenges faced. Indeed, the show must go on.
The trip has been one that would not have been possible without the cooperation and hardwork of everyone, from our contact in Leyte and Cebu, to the donors of the books and computers that we brought over. Initially, we had some "gung-ho" notions about the work we were going to do there, notions that we were going to do the project fairly independently But now we realize the usefulness and effectiveness especially of having local contacts and local people (Filipinos) on the team - they facilitate our requests, and know the local culture, people and practices more intimately. They bridge any language barriers and reduce the probability of cultural misunderstandings.
For many of us, the best part of the whole trip, apart from the fact that we were able to do something for the community in Leyte, was the experience shared among all of us. The idea, that we are all experiencing something new, and while doing so, enjoying each other’s companionship, in spite of our different perspective, cultural background, and upbringing. Although we had set goals before the trip, we were not focusing solely on them. Instead, it was the day-to-day experience that mattered.
Although most good outcomes are results of good planning, there was no mistaking that the role each one played during the project contributed even more to its success. Along the way, a lot of changes had happened. During these changes, we were relying on one another. If all institutions in all countries have this type of project and this kind of experience, then the world will be a better place to live in. If, in each unit of society, there is this practice of unity and diversity, would not the world be a perfect place to stay in?
The day we were to leave, we were both excited and sad at the same time; excited at the thought of comfortable warm beds and clean bathrooms, and yet sad at the thought of leaving this place and community that had taught us just so many important lessons in life.
Life is about learning to adapt. We must make do with all we have and be satisfied with what the world has given to us. It is not simply asking what the world can do for us, but what we can do for the world.
Serving these people gave us a sense of joy and belonging. It gives us a place in the world when we help others. Likewise, after seeing the quality and standard of living, life in Singapore has taken on a different meaning. What we perceive to be normal, to be standard, comes to pieces in impoverished places where life just is.
To quote a team member who joined us from The Philippines: We do not always have to have more than others to enjoy the wonders of this earth. Sometimes, the things we hoard for our own vanities can be given to those whose hearts are yearning for even the tiniest blessing that could possibly come their way.
It seemed that the odds were stacked against us even before we set off for the Philippines.
On the day of our departure from Singapore, there were no less than three alarming reports about the places that we were going to: first, a storm was coming to Cebu and Leyte; second, there was an undersea earthquake near Cebu; and third, there was a travel warning issued in response to the threat of terrorist activities reported in conjunction with the upcoming ASEAN summit, which was later postponed. Fear and hesitation that plagued each team member and their families, who started having second thoughts about the trip. Nevertheless, six of us flew to Cebu that night; two were to fly in the next day.
Arriving in the Philippines, it turned out that there was a storm; just not in Cebu, but in Leyte, where we were headed. As a result, we were unable to travel down to Leyte as planned, due to the suspension of ferry services. Instead, we spent the next day with a group of children from Barrio Luz, a nearby urban settlement.
After meeting the children and playing a few icebreakers together, we had the great fortune to gain an insight into life in a typical Barrio. Visiting the humble but happy homes of these children was certainly an eye-opener as we witnessed first-hand the quality of life offered to internal migrants who move from villages to towns in search of nothing more than a stable income.
We visited houses, which if situated in Singapore, would have long been slated for demolition due to fire safety concerns; and yet, these were homes that housed up to 14 people in a three-level structure the size of a typical Singaporean bedroom.
Despite these space constraints, we felt welcomed when we stepped into these houses, which were beautifully adorned with religious pictures and home-spun rugs. Knowing that every inch of space here was treasured and valued made us reflect on our own homes back in Singapore; the quest for big but often empty homes are foremost in many of our minds, making it easy for us to take for granted the sheer fortune of having a roof over our head, and also making us forget at times that love and warmth are but most important in a home.
Our next activity of the day was a craft session for the children from Barrio Luz. Indeed, one would not imagine the endless energy possessed by the children; after teaching them to make a Christmas wreath, the children in turn taught us popular local dances, songs, games and of course, the local dialect of Cebu, Cebuano. Extremely enthusiastic and patient teachers, the children clapped at our every effort, despite our awkward pronuciation and impossibly short memory.
At the end of that second day, we were tired, but happy. We had yet to embark on our main project in Leyte but had already learnt much from the children than just games and songs. Despite their stark poverty, the children did not grouse about a lack of basic needs, not to mention material wants; but instead looked towards the little things in life that made them happy. Indeed, many simple pleasures in life are but the greatest.
The next day, we made our delayed journey by ferry and bus from Cebu to Tolosa in Leyte. After a mid-day stop at Tacloban, the capital of Leyte, we finally reached Tolosa at about 5pm, just as the sun was about to set.
For the next week, our days pretty much followed a fixed schedule. We would leave for the school at about 8a.m, walking out to the main road, where we would flag down a trishaw or a jeepney, a long lorry with a covered cargo cart. The journey that took about 20 minutes was a scenic one, as we would pass by wide expanses of green lush grass as well as the occasional river and beach.
On the first day at the school, we were presented with orchid garlands the moment we stepped into the school. This simple gesture touched our hearts, as it was something that is seldom done even in Singapore. It was easy for us to imagine ourselves as movie stars as we walked into the school to a rousing welcome and applause. One almost expected throngs of reporters to set upon us, hurling cameras and fielding questions.
Of course, that was not to be and we soon got into the thick of work, with some of us setting up the computers; others processing the books into a database while the rest of us starting painting the room that was to be the library.
For those working in the computer laboratory, receiving electrical shocks soon became part of a day’s work. To the consternation of our very own computer expert, all the CPU towers brought from Singapore were giving static shocks because the motherboards inside were not insulated, posing a problem in the Philippines, where the electrical supply does not come with Earth/Ground points.
However, the work was not in vain, as soon after the CPUs and the laptops were set up, teachers began wandering into the room, and a short session on basic computer usage and Microsoft Office applications soon commenced. Some of the teachers had not touched a computer before and some groups had to be shown how to use the keyboard and the mouse. To us, the thought of having zero access to computers was unimaginable, as we had lived with it all our lives, often forgetting that it was a luxury and not a right.
It was certainly not an easy task to explain the complicated works of a computer in simple terms. However, after seeing the eagerness and excitement of the teachers at using the computers to make a simple poster, the feeling of satisfaction from being able to impart one’s skills and knowledge to others far outweighed any sense of tiredness felt.
It was equally tiring for those working on the library. Indeed, many of us never realized how much work went into preparing a library from scratch. After painting the walls of the library, we individually wrapped, labeled, strengthened and accessioned each of the 700 books.
However, no matter how tired we felt, all we had to do was look out the door of the room that we were in and we would instantly find the motivation to continue; for there outside would always stand many students, who during their breaks and after school, would come to stand at the door and talk to us, despite both parties mostly being unable to understand each other due to language differences.
In addition, a few of us played the role of relief teachers, taking over the class of the teachers who came to learn how to use the computers and libraries. Eager to learn all that we had to teach them, the children participated actively and engagingly in class, sharing with us and their classmates facts about themselves such as what they wanted to be when they grew up. Indeed, if passion and enthusiasm were all it took to succeed in this world, every single child in the school would easily qualify.
The next few days were spent in a similar way: showing the computers to the teachers and preparing the books for shelving in the library. Our aim was not only to provide a library, but also to ensure that the library and its books were maintained in the long run, so as to serve not only the present students of the school, but also the many more communities to come.
Thus, apart from physically preparing the books, discussion sessions were held with the teachers of the school. Ideas and thoughts about how to best utilize the new facilities in order to provide maximum benefit to the students and teachers were discussed and shared during these sessions, where we also learnt more about the education system in the Philippines. In addition, we held lessons with the teacher and student librarians on the library policies and on how to best run a library of this scale to ensure that there would be continued maintenance of the library even after we had left.
We picked up many interesting facts about the local people of the Philippines on our trip. This was indeed a nation of song, where karaoke seemed to be the national pastime. Every night, we would go to sleep in the company of voices belting out karaoke songs in all pitches possible.
Apart from that, we also experienced frequent black-outs and brown-outs (low supply currents), as often as three times a day. Indeed, there were afternoons with frequent blackouts when a sense of despair crept in: when our very own computer expert realized that the electrical supply would not be consistent and several voltage regulators we brought might not be sufficient to protect the computer hardware from current surges (there was already a burning smell in the little computer room!).
Yet, as the saying goes, all’s well that ends well. The day of the library handover was unexpectedly moving for many of us. We started the day putting finishing touches to the library: finding missing books, drawing & putting up a few more posters, and making sure the computers worked.
All the hard work that we had put in that past week finally came to fruition as we stood back and gazed at the room that had once been nothing more than an empty shell. Now painted bright yellow and decorated with colourful educational posters, it was finally a place we could rightly call a library.
Standing there, we realized what having a library truly meant. It was not just about having books per say; instead, it was knowing that a place where one could explore the depths of knowledge and escape into the realms of fantasy and history existed. It was an avenue that children who were caught in the vicious cycle of poverty could use to broaden their perspective of the world, increase their knowledge and break away from that cycle of poverty. It was an avenue for hope, hope for a better life and future.
In a country where graft and corruption were rife, we were deeply comforted in the knowing that the school principal, Mrs Fe Ibanez, was a woman of integrity. Her careful attention to details and planning was exemplary. Though we were somewhat averse to officious ceremony, we eventually came to appreciate the way she was determined to make the opening ceremony and handover as grand as it could be, from recording every donation made, right down to inviting local officials to the ceremony, in order to make the setting up of the library and computer lab as transparent as possible.
The short programme and hand-over ceremony that the school prepared for us was beautiful and sincere. In addition to the speeches and official handover of a certificate bearing the name of the library, a group of students performed a ballet dance for us. It was evident that much work had been put in to perfecting the dance, which truly touched our hearts.
In turn, our team prepared a short skit based on Roald Dahl’s “ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to entertain our friendly hosts: the principal, the teachers and the children. Apart from entertainment, the objective of the skit was to entice the students and interest them in borrowing books from the library.
The last item was truly one of the most simple and yet heart-warming performances that we had ever watched in our lives. As is common in the Philippines, a blackout occurred just before the last performance.
Nonetheless, we were amazed when a little boy no older than eight years old climbed up the stage and proceeded to sing a beautiful and sincere solo rendition of a popular Christmas hymn despite having to compete with the loud drones of passing vehicles in the absence of a microphone. The tenacity and strong will of this young boy reminded us that many things in life, and life itself, must go on despite any challenges faced. Indeed, the show must go on.
The trip has been one that would not have been possible without the cooperation and hardwork of everyone, from our contact in Leyte and Cebu, to the donors of the books and computers that we brought over. Initially, we had some "gung-ho" notions about the work we were going to do there, notions that we were going to do the project fairly independently But now we realize the usefulness and effectiveness especially of having local contacts and local people (Filipinos) on the team - they facilitate our requests, and know the local culture, people and practices more intimately. They bridge any language barriers and reduce the probability of cultural misunderstandings.
For many of us, the best part of the whole trip, apart from the fact that we were able to do something for the community in Leyte, was the experience shared among all of us. The idea, that we are all experiencing something new, and while doing so, enjoying each other’s companionship, in spite of our different perspective, cultural background, and upbringing. Although we had set goals before the trip, we were not focusing solely on them. Instead, it was the day-to-day experience that mattered.
Although most good outcomes are results of good planning, there was no mistaking that the role each one played during the project contributed even more to its success. Along the way, a lot of changes had happened. During these changes, we were relying on one another. If all institutions in all countries have this type of project and this kind of experience, then the world will be a better place to live in. If, in each unit of society, there is this practice of unity and diversity, would not the world be a perfect place to stay in?
The day we were to leave, we were both excited and sad at the same time; excited at the thought of comfortable warm beds and clean bathrooms, and yet sad at the thought of leaving this place and community that had taught us just so many important lessons in life.
Life is about learning to adapt. We must make do with all we have and be satisfied with what the world has given to us. It is not simply asking what the world can do for us, but what we can do for the world.
Serving these people gave us a sense of joy and belonging. It gives us a place in the world when we help others. Likewise, after seeing the quality and standard of living, life in Singapore has taken on a different meaning. What we perceive to be normal, to be standard, comes to pieces in impoverished places where life just is.
To quote a team member who joined us from The Philippines: We do not always have to have more than others to enjoy the wonders of this earth. Sometimes, the things we hoard for our own vanities can be given to those whose hearts are yearning for even the tiniest blessing that could possibly come their way.
Friday, January 12, 2007
roaming
This week has seriously been one of the slackest, in terms of the situation presented. I have been camping out mostly in the canteen, watching pple ard me eating meal after meal. i guess that is a downside to having such a wide variety of fairly good food.
Yet, there is a certain unsettled feeling that comes with not knowing what CCA you will end up in, not knowing what is to come in the next few months, not knowing the school, its culture, its very people. more than a school, this seems like a centre. opportunities abound, and many pple to take them too.
Yet, there is a certain unsettled feeling that comes with not knowing what CCA you will end up in, not knowing what is to come in the next few months, not knowing the school, its culture, its very people. more than a school, this seems like a centre. opportunities abound, and many pple to take them too.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
a fresh start
I have been wanting to publish a post abt cebu but have yet to do it!!!! not mentioning the article:) sigh
yet, i know that if i do not jot down my memories abt l'adeaumus 2007, i'm likely to forget that as well:). a few weeks before i went to rjc, i suddenly started meeting so many pple who were from there. apart from the choir pple, there were 3 on the trip with me, as well as several teachers. on the first day, walking through the school, it comforted me quite a bit to know that pple i liked and respected had walked through these hallowed halls(well not physically, but you get the idea).
Lucky for me, half of my OG were non-Rafflesians so i did not feel too out of place:), not that it was much of a problem anyway since everyone was really nice, esp our OGLS! it was a real surprise that our house won war games, since we kind of gave up our territory:p. nonetheless, it was a nice surprise:)
I felt quite bad about the EA and the lack of effort put in by me. Having fun or winning? was the statement i used to comfort myself, despite knowing the fallacy of this statement. games ARE all the sweeter if you win them too, no?
although i really felt tired or rather DEGEN over the weekend with all the meetings at VIVO and the esplanade, im really glad that we made the effort to go for it, since it was something that we would not have time for after school gets into full swing.
My OG was really nice and i enjoyed "the times we spent together", all the OG dinners and Degen sessions. I really hope now that i do get to stay after O level results are released. Nonetheless, i must say that i do miss IJ, esp after gg back briefly on Friday. In rj, i meet many like minded pple, which can be good or bad. however, in IJ, being with pple who have different priorities in life always serves as a wakeup call to remind me that the world does not simply centre around our own lives and interests, rather, this is a world where opposites live in harmony, and eventual unity.
yet, i know that if i do not jot down my memories abt l'adeaumus 2007, i'm likely to forget that as well:). a few weeks before i went to rjc, i suddenly started meeting so many pple who were from there. apart from the choir pple, there were 3 on the trip with me, as well as several teachers. on the first day, walking through the school, it comforted me quite a bit to know that pple i liked and respected had walked through these hallowed halls(well not physically, but you get the idea).
Lucky for me, half of my OG were non-Rafflesians so i did not feel too out of place:), not that it was much of a problem anyway since everyone was really nice, esp our OGLS! it was a real surprise that our house won war games, since we kind of gave up our territory:p. nonetheless, it was a nice surprise:)
I felt quite bad about the EA and the lack of effort put in by me. Having fun or winning? was the statement i used to comfort myself, despite knowing the fallacy of this statement. games ARE all the sweeter if you win them too, no?
although i really felt tired or rather DEGEN over the weekend with all the meetings at VIVO and the esplanade, im really glad that we made the effort to go for it, since it was something that we would not have time for after school gets into full swing.
My OG was really nice and i enjoyed "the times we spent together", all the OG dinners and Degen sessions. I really hope now that i do get to stay after O level results are released. Nonetheless, i must say that i do miss IJ, esp after gg back briefly on Friday. In rj, i meet many like minded pple, which can be good or bad. however, in IJ, being with pple who have different priorities in life always serves as a wakeup call to remind me that the world does not simply centre around our own lives and interests, rather, this is a world where opposites live in harmony, and eventual unity.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
overwhelmed
I must be the most muddle-headed creature on Earth. I have no less than 3 blogs (dating from 2003), primarily because of my short-term memory. Wonder of wonders(or not), i have managed to forget the password AND username to all my accounts, only to have later found out that retrieving them is as simple as ABC. and to think that i will be starting school in JC tomorrow:).
Frankly, a large part of my absence from the world of blogging could be due to sheer laziness and a lack of motivation. My rather mundane life falls short of the excitement characteristic of a post that cause people to bother wasting a precious minute of their life staring at.
However, after returning from the Philippines, and partying for 1 and a half months(since Olevels ended), I not only feel an overwhelming sense of emotions, thoughts and feelings, but also feel the need to exercise my writing skills(if I could even name them so).
This is but the prelude, with more due to come hopefully. For now though, i must finish up the Cebu report, before i find myself knee deep in JC life.
Till then, and hopefully, till soon.
Frankly, a large part of my absence from the world of blogging could be due to sheer laziness and a lack of motivation. My rather mundane life falls short of the excitement characteristic of a post that cause people to bother wasting a precious minute of their life staring at.
However, after returning from the Philippines, and partying for 1 and a half months(since Olevels ended), I not only feel an overwhelming sense of emotions, thoughts and feelings, but also feel the need to exercise my writing skills(if I could even name them so).
This is but the prelude, with more due to come hopefully. For now though, i must finish up the Cebu report, before i find myself knee deep in JC life.
Till then, and hopefully, till soon.
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