Posted on: Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Posted at: 8:03 AM
Posted at: 8:03 AM
The Invisible Handshake
In a garden under a tree, I sat alone
Waiting with a pocket watch in one hand
You said you would have been there
But it had been an hour
Am I a fool to trust you?
Am I to you just an instrument?
Although the garden is serene and peaceful
My heart is otherwise
I watch on as a humming bird feeds his wife
And I ask if our love would never die
What love is there, when there isn't one?
What lies there is, when it fills our hearts
Your eyes did speak "come to me"
And mine replied "wait for me"
But when it comes to times like this
You wreck my attempts to make this into reality
But then again I see your face
Your dark eyes and long hair
The innocent look you gave me
Then I sat upright awaiting the handshake
You lowered your head
And played with your hair
You got fainter and fainter
And disappeared into thin air
I checked my watch, two hours
I could wait for years
But you would never come
Then what reason is there for me to wait
As tears welled up in my eyes
I picked up my picnic basket
And the warm evening sun beams down on the garden
As if reminding me I'm a fool of the love that didn't exist
A gust of wind shook the trees
The brown leaves fell just as my heart did
In a garden under a tree, I sat alone
Waiting with a pocket watch in one hand
You said you would have been there
But it had been an hour
Am I a fool to trust you?
Am I to you just an instrument?
Although the garden is serene and peaceful
My heart is otherwise
I watch on as a humming bird feeds his wife
And I ask if our love would never die
What love is there, when there isn't one?
What lies there is, when it fills our hearts
Your eyes did speak "come to me"
And mine replied "wait for me"
But when it comes to times like this
You wreck my attempts to make this into reality
But then again I see your face
Your dark eyes and long hair
The innocent look you gave me
Then I sat upright awaiting the handshake
You lowered your head
And played with your hair
You got fainter and fainter
And disappeared into thin air
I checked my watch, two hours
I could wait for years
But you would never come
Then what reason is there for me to wait
As tears welled up in my eyes
I picked up my picnic basket
And the warm evening sun beams down on the garden
As if reminding me I'm a fool of the love that didn't exist
A gust of wind shook the trees
The brown leaves fell just as my heart did
Posted on: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Posted at: 6:21 PM
Posted at: 6:21 PM
SINGAPORE'S EDUCATION ranks among the top as the best education in the World. She has done well in educating the young, specifically in Math and Science. Having participated in international competitions, Singapore Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students emerged champions for Mathematics and Science competitions. In 2011, National University of Singapore was ranked 34th university in the Times-Higher-Education-World-Ranking, also the best university in Southeast Asia. The world-class education may portray Singapore to be managing well in education but in reality, is Singapore's education really as good as it seems? Does it not have flaws? She may have done well increasing the knowledge of the young generation but what about the creativity, the morals and other aspects? I personally feel that Singapore deserves being called "world-class education hub" for it has fulfilled most of the criteria of being one.
Critics argue that Singapore's education stifles creativity. This is especially seen from the monotonous regimes and structure of primary, secondary and for some tertiary education. Singaporeans are clothed in their pre-designed standard uniform and have to attend school from early morning to late afternoon and during lesson time, they input the knowledge that the teachers are teaching and "vomit" this knowledge out during their examinations. Many do not understand the main purpose behind learning it and are just memorizing for the sake of memorizing. Unlike liberal arts education that encourage creativity and presentation, Singapore's education involves mainly sitting down and listening to teachers. In terms of interaction and presentation, it is a far cry from liberal arts education. Wearing of fashion clothing is banned for primary, secondary and Junior Colleges. Instead of raising a population of creative individuals, Singapore's education system seems have raised mechanical robots instead. This is however not true because Singapore have programmes in place to stimulate creative thinking and interactions. A few examples are Co-Curricular Activities, Aesthetic Programmes, Be-Yourself Day, Project Work. During such activities, they get to exercise their creativity and leadership when working with others. So while Singapore nurtures intellectual individuals, she ensures that they have the element of creativity as well.
Singapore has a good education system as meritocracy is key. The education system rewards Singaporean who puts in hard work. This makes it fair by putting all Singaporeans on a levelled competitive field. It pushes other people to fight for their own desired outcome. It is much better than favouring the rich since everyone now has equal opportunities to succeed in life. Singapore companies look at applicants education certificates before choosing or not to employ them. So if one wants to succeed, it is up to him the amount of effort that he put in.
Also, Singapore provides a failure-proof education structure where one cannot fail through his years of education. This ensures economic equality among citizens and gives second-chance to those who initially fail to succeed. This failure-proof structure is brought about by the idea of retaining. If a student fails to meet requirement for promotion, he does not immediately get kicked out of the school or get sent for national examinations unprepared with weak foundations. Instead, he goes through one or a few more years of the same level education until he is strong in it and competitive enough to attend the national examinations. So if one fails to get into a Junior College or Polytechnic due to not being able to meet the minimum points requirements, he might still be sent to an ITE. Either three college ensure that one gets a certificate out of it and with this certificate, he is able to apply for jobs. Those who are more capable may advance to taking up degree courses in university. Even if one fails to get into JC, Poly and ITE, he may either choose to retain and brush up on his studies or take another attempt at the national examination by being a private candidate.
Singapore is indeed a "world-class education hub" that produces students with exceptional results topping the world. Through the structure of education ensuring avenues of interactions, it ensures that creativity is not stifled at the expense of intellectual learning. Singapore provides a meritocratic system that gives all equal success opportunities and ensures that there are fall-backs along the path of a student's education.
Posted on: Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Posted at: 8:04 PM
Posted at: 8:04 PM
CONFORMITY is rather controversial and each person have their own perspective to whether or not one should conform. Conforming, or following rules or trends, may seem to be the easiest thing to do. Rules had been set and all you have to do is follow them. It is not only safe, but also comfortable. Majority of the world today conforms. But will stepping out of your comfort zone to experience the different be of better good to you? A risk is always involved when you attempt not to conform. A risk of being caught with punishable consequences, or a risk of being out-casted in the social realm. So what are then the benefits of not conforming?
In nature, people want to do things differently. When a teenager's mother ask him or her to keep quiet, he would usually feel angered and want to talk more, even more than he was intending to. Yet when he is told to talk more by his mother, he will not want to spend the extra effort exercising his jaw muscles. Its just by nature that no one love to be told by someone else to do something. Thus the law-offenders in the society. Not to conform satisfies the natural urge and desire to bend around the rules.
Eccentrics are light-hearted and oblivious individuals who do not conform to society's board of rules. Research have proven that eccentrics are healthier, happier and more creative than conformists. Non-conformists indeed posses a higher level of creativeness. Perhaps, the latter is the reason for why they do not follow the rules or standards. Bertrand Russel, a late British philosopher and the all-famous physicist Albert Einstein were non-conformists and yet achieved high level of creativity. In a society that forces their people to strictly conform to every rules, they are limiting the creativeness of the people. The robots follow the rules fed to them. They are not able to exercise their innovation and come up with multiple alternatives. Soon the creativeness will wither in them and the result will be a society of uncreative individuals.
Although conforming may be comfortable, at times not conforming may bring about even greater comfort. When everyone in class are talking to someone else and you are feeling dead tired from a basketball match, wouldn't it be more comfortable if you can ignore everyone else expectations and sit at a corner and enjoy some soothing music? Or will you feel obliged to join your other friends in the conversation, knowing that not doing so may label you as being unpopular and quiet? No one around you can tell you what you can or cannot do, but yet why do you feel the urge to conform?
On the other hand, conforming is almost guaranteed safe. There is a reason why countries set laws. Citizens choosing conforming to the laws may result in a disastrous and chaotic country. Rules are made to be followed and behind every rule is a reason. Often, rules are meant to protect the general population. It had been considered carefully and given the approval as the best possible option for that situation. Additionally, following laws will not risk you for being fined or jailed.
Conforming also prevents you from being marginalised. If the trend of today is of low socks, will you want to go to school with knee-high socks given a choice for the length? Unless your purpose is to be unique from others like popular star Lady Gaga, it may only destroy the impression others have on you. No doubt it is your choice, conforming may lead to being excluded from society.
All in all, to conform or not to conform is one's choice but he or she has to be fully aware of the consequences waiting for him. It is perhaps the type of situation that determines if a person should or should not conform. Peer pressure is prevalent and rampant among teenagers today. Conforming to unhealthy things should be discouraged. When wanting to break loose and not conform, look at the situation for there is a time to do so and there is a time that being obedient children may be a safer option.
In nature, people want to do things differently. When a teenager's mother ask him or her to keep quiet, he would usually feel angered and want to talk more, even more than he was intending to. Yet when he is told to talk more by his mother, he will not want to spend the extra effort exercising his jaw muscles. Its just by nature that no one love to be told by someone else to do something. Thus the law-offenders in the society. Not to conform satisfies the natural urge and desire to bend around the rules.
Eccentrics are light-hearted and oblivious individuals who do not conform to society's board of rules. Research have proven that eccentrics are healthier, happier and more creative than conformists. Non-conformists indeed posses a higher level of creativeness. Perhaps, the latter is the reason for why they do not follow the rules or standards. Bertrand Russel, a late British philosopher and the all-famous physicist Albert Einstein were non-conformists and yet achieved high level of creativity. In a society that forces their people to strictly conform to every rules, they are limiting the creativeness of the people. The robots follow the rules fed to them. They are not able to exercise their innovation and come up with multiple alternatives. Soon the creativeness will wither in them and the result will be a society of uncreative individuals.
Although conforming may be comfortable, at times not conforming may bring about even greater comfort. When everyone in class are talking to someone else and you are feeling dead tired from a basketball match, wouldn't it be more comfortable if you can ignore everyone else expectations and sit at a corner and enjoy some soothing music? Or will you feel obliged to join your other friends in the conversation, knowing that not doing so may label you as being unpopular and quiet? No one around you can tell you what you can or cannot do, but yet why do you feel the urge to conform?
On the other hand, conforming is almost guaranteed safe. There is a reason why countries set laws. Citizens choosing conforming to the laws may result in a disastrous and chaotic country. Rules are made to be followed and behind every rule is a reason. Often, rules are meant to protect the general population. It had been considered carefully and given the approval as the best possible option for that situation. Additionally, following laws will not risk you for being fined or jailed.
Conforming also prevents you from being marginalised. If the trend of today is of low socks, will you want to go to school with knee-high socks given a choice for the length? Unless your purpose is to be unique from others like popular star Lady Gaga, it may only destroy the impression others have on you. No doubt it is your choice, conforming may lead to being excluded from society.
All in all, to conform or not to conform is one's choice but he or she has to be fully aware of the consequences waiting for him. It is perhaps the type of situation that determines if a person should or should not conform. Peer pressure is prevalent and rampant among teenagers today. Conforming to unhealthy things should be discouraged. When wanting to break loose and not conform, look at the situation for there is a time to do so and there is a time that being obedient children may be a safer option.
Posted on: Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Posted at: 11:38 PM
Posted at: 11:38 PM
HELLO EARTHLINGS!
It has been a long while since I last posted on this graveyard.
A reminisce bringing back bits and pieces or memories.
It all started when I was secondary One, when blogging was a trend.
Now there is Facebook, Twitter and all the other exciting websites that get teenagers uninterested in their past-time favorite hobby of studying.
In this blog website, I will be posting updates of my "all-so-interesting" life, journal entries which quite means the same, stories, religious views and so on. Well, I was inspired to dedicate a portion of my time to writing. Not sure if this inspiration will die out, but let's see.
Well life had changed. So I was from Zhonghua Secondary School and scored 12 minus 2 points for Olevels and subsquently got into Catholic Junior College. Not my first choice but not bad a college after all. Well for one reason, it got me closer to God. You see I have been attending Christian Churches ever since I found my meaning in life.
What is the purpose of life? Is a frequent question I ask myself. Strange as it is, I think about such out-of-the-norm questions at times. Things about after-life and other items. It was until I searched those words on youtube and found my meaning. Whats yours? Maybe I'll share mine in another post.
So I am taking Bio Chem Math and Econs in my Junior College. And appointed today as President of Strategy Games Club. So that is my update of my life for now!
Have to sleep soon due to zero-period morning Chinese Lessons!
It has been a long while since I last posted on this graveyard.
A reminisce bringing back bits and pieces or memories.
It all started when I was secondary One, when blogging was a trend.
Now there is Facebook, Twitter and all the other exciting websites that get teenagers uninterested in their past-time favorite hobby of studying.
In this blog website, I will be posting updates of my "all-so-interesting" life, journal entries which quite means the same, stories, religious views and so on. Well, I was inspired to dedicate a portion of my time to writing. Not sure if this inspiration will die out, but let's see.
Well life had changed. So I was from Zhonghua Secondary School and scored 12 minus 2 points for Olevels and subsquently got into Catholic Junior College. Not my first choice but not bad a college after all. Well for one reason, it got me closer to God. You see I have been attending Christian Churches ever since I found my meaning in life.
What is the purpose of life? Is a frequent question I ask myself. Strange as it is, I think about such out-of-the-norm questions at times. Things about after-life and other items. It was until I searched those words on youtube and found my meaning. Whats yours? Maybe I'll share mine in another post.
So I am taking Bio Chem Math and Econs in my Junior College. And appointed today as President of Strategy Games Club. So that is my update of my life for now!
Have to sleep soon due to zero-period morning Chinese Lessons!
Posted on: Monday, July 26, 2010
Posted at: 10:40 PM
Posted at: 10:40 PM
This post was posted as a note on facebook:
Disclaimer: Any text below will not subject me to any serious actions as it is not meant to defame or offend anyone or anything. :) I am only revealing this because I am stepping down and will no longer hold the pres position with effect of tmr & for personal reference.
A long way to becoming President of 7th Student Council.
2007.
Although this year may not be of great significance for me to Student Council, it was one where I was introduced to the various roles of being a student councillor. When I first stepped into Zhonghua, I had the mentality that i wanted to be a councillor for I was a prefect in my primary school days and wanted to have an upper edge over the others.
I admired greatly the councillors of Zhonghua at that time. Those were of course the early months of my first year in school. I remembered Leona, who was 1E5 class attachment councillor, Regina who was the PA member, Alan the famous councillor and so on.. I wanted rather greatly to be a councillor.
Then came the Sec 1 Orientation camp, when at that time. the camp was organised by the Student Council. My impression of student council deepened. Then was Lynn who was the President of the 4th Student Council, whom I also held great admiration for.
When the council interview came, I had perhaps overly prepared myself such that the interview was full of "textbook answers" and much stuttering and forgetting. My interviewer was Ms Lea that year. It had turned out that I did not make it into being a councillor that year. I had then given up my dreams of being a Student Councillor.
Later that year was Music and Movement which I had been selected as Emcee, together with Nisa. Wearing the blazer and tie was a pride for me. Ironically, JiaYi commented, "You had better wear your blazer properly hor. I don't even think I have the chance to wear it in future!"
2008.
Life passed with the usual stuffs. I signed up to be in the debate team in a bid to improve my English argumentative skills. But that's beside the point. The annual student councillor elections came again. I crossed votes with Kai Seng and Ryan from the debate team, which means to say we voted for each other. As for the teachers side, I'm not too sure. The list was up, and I was in. Elated, but not as anticipating as before since my previous failure had demoralised me.
I almost did not manage for the interview due to a school field trip. However, I approached the Vice-President of 5th SC, YiMei who told me that she will request a make up interview from Ms Ong. I remembered clearly that it was a usual afternoon when I was eating opposite with Kenan and some other 2e5 guys. Next thing I know, I was abruptly disturbed from my lunch and both of us with JinX ran across the zebra crossing to school to have our make up interview. Ms Ong was waiting there and normal procedures. We fill up the form, answered a few questions and left. This time, the interview was more natural and informal.
Hallelujah, I made it into the Student Council, together with the other Sec 2s who went for interview. First was council camp. For duties, I was attached to Regina who taught me some PA stuffs. Brandon was in PA too. So most mornings were spent in the general office or else the podium. Being in PA was something I held honour about. Recess duties, there were ppl like Bryan and Gretel in which we all went up and close the doors and chase ppl out of class rooms.
Oh and at that time, I loved council so much that I could cry for it, at times when I remembered what we all did. I look forward to any council activities and stuff. Every time the EXCOs call names for duties, I was wishing my name would be called out. Most of the times, yes it was called out. Most duties were foyer ushering. One of the particular one I would never forget is Mid Autumn Festival. Maybe its due to the evening and night environment. I remembered Brandon was claiming to block Melody from the sun (due to their contrast in height) and we were having much fun.
Council was my life. So was the tie.
That year I had spent much time studying in the library and mugging for the streaming exercise. Surprisingly, I did not treat council as a waste of my time. There was NACLI camp which I was honoured to be selected. It was very memorable, especially the nights when we would play strip poker secretly and one in particular, had to strip to his undergarments. It was hilarious and interesting. Even watching the pictures that Yi Heng kindly sent us months after the camp, made me tear of the memories. I may seem serious, but yes I do have feelings. Again, I held great admiration for the President then, Keziath who was ill for months.
At the end of the year, there was the organisation of the 2008 November Council Camp. Surprisingly, I was selected to be the AIC of the camp, together with Beatrice. Shaun, the president and IC of camp, met up with us during the holidays and we discussed through the planning of camp. It was memorable as well. Both me and Beatrice organsied some minor activities and came up with proposals and schedules. On the camp night, both of us and YiHeng had even went out of school to buy the graduating gift materials. We had to climb over the school gate.
2009.
A new class, a new beginning. Being in 3E2 had also been my dream, which was one of the motivations to work hard in sec 2. Guess it paid off. That year, being seniors of the school, tgt with the Sec 4s, I was more aware of the surroundings and stuff. I also became more bold. I also stuck much around with Beatrice due to council stuffs, which got me introduced to councillors like Xin Hui, Eugenia, Jia Yi.
In early months of 2009, me, Beatrice and XinHui went to Hwa Chong Council Investiture. The facility was nice and thus another memorable investiture. I, together with the sec3s, were put in charge of more events and was involved with higher status like ICs. I continued my morning duty at PA and other than the ins and outs of PA members, nothing much changed.
Then was the EXCO interview. To be honest, I had never dreamt of being an EXCO considering that I had joined in Sec 2. Still, the interview went on and I convinced the teacher advisors and HODs on my interest and passion in Student Council. One fine morning, I was innocently taking my newspaper and abruptly got called up. A few of us Sec 3s stood there, and Ms Ong announced that we had passed the EXCO interview. I was rather elated, but had mixed feelings as well. She pointed at 5 of us, and said we were to go to the President and VPs interview. I was speechless.
In any case, I did not have the great urge to be the President for having a position like that would bring about great responsibility and be constantly observed by the students of the school. Thus, I insisted greatly that if I had to take a position, it would be Vice-president. Also, Beatrice seemed to be a great competitor and Jetaime was no far behind. Bryan opted himself out of the interview, also his blog posts had pointed against him.
On the day of the interview, I was also called to the Drama Studio for ELDDS meeting. The eldds members voted for the ELDDS EXCO. I had no intentions to be the P and VP of ELDDS either for knowing I would attain a rather high position in council. I was voted 3rd position in ELDDS - Secretary. Being rather joyful, I proceeded down to the EXCO interview which faced Principals and Vice-Principals and HODs. We talked, we gave feedback of the school and we left. Shortly after, it was announced Margaret took position of Publicity and 3 of us went for the school elections.
We presented our Presidential election speech to the school. Results were not announced. The 12 EXCOs were selected by then and we proceeded with Investiture preparation which lasted 3 weeks of the June Holiday. Beatrice and I was also selected to be emcees of the Asian Youth Games Exchange Programme Opening Ceremony. Throughout the investiture preparation, we the excos, got to know more about each other. On the last week of June, in the midst of preparing investiture, we were called up and Ms Ong made the grand announcement. She said, "The new president is... Xavier!" I was stunned and my mouth was agape, seriously. The applause I heard was muffled in my head.
Being the president had changed quite alot of stuff. I put on a stern face and things got rather serious. The EXCO was soon falling apart, as described by Bianca, due to a number of internal conflicts. I could not do much. In fact, I was one of the main cause of it. That year was the H1N1 year thus there was no guests from other schools and meetings were rare and hard.
Through the process, I had thought about the EXCO thing quite a lot and at times, well on a daily basis. Sometimes, I would be on the brink of tears. As we trained the councillors for Investiture, things were not easy too. Investiture came and I frankly did not enjoy much of it, considering the huge grey cloud above me.
Fortunately, I called for a Trash Out Session, as suggested by Shaun, the previous President. It was held in the Council room. I was rather the target of comments and criticism. There were other 1-to-1 pointings and shoutings. Many cried then. So did I. I got to learn the real reason behind them not accepting me, in particular being unable to think on the spot and being flicker-minded. I also reasoned with them and allow them to understand me, how much hurt and tiredness I was going through. The session ended with an big EXCO hug.
Things changed. I force myself to improve by reminding myself to think on the spot and make firm decisions. When I implemented that on my self, I received commendations from Jia Yi, saying that I did remarkable improvements. From the trash out session, things were going up. At Least, my side was resolved. Another trash-out-session was held for another conflict.
Even though i wasn't labelled as the ICs for events, I still coordinated the events and ensured that they turn out successful, fulfilling my role as a President. Things were getting better. My sec 3 of being President was tiring indeed, but I persevered on. Controlling a group of 100+ councillors is not a joke. Fortunately, I had my EXCOs at my side. We were strict on council discipline, everything that we had to step in, we stepped in. We confiscated ties, scold councillors and stuff.
Meanwhile, I also worked on my proposal for vending machines and mobile phone hot spots. Vending machine proposal was sent around late 2009. However, there was no reply to it. I was OIC of the 2009 November Council Camp, managing the council camp and turning it into a success. There was still a little friction between the EXCO though, and we tried to resolve it under the stars on the 1st day of the camp.
2010.
This year. The start of a new year. My picture was published in the 2009 school magazine, many slides, school website and student handbook. Being Sec 4s, we grew more matured and stopped quarrelling over small matters. Ms Ong said its always like that, when the exco come to sec 4, they become more matured. Maybe its cause we met less and had lesser time to bother about these stuff. Anyway, by sec 4, there was no major conflicts in our EXCO. Everything was stable. We had groomed the councillors to be more behaved students.
The year was a less hectic and tiring year. In fact, I had enjoyed what much effort put in at sec 3. Its from the corner of my eyes that I do know some sec 1s hold admiration for me, just like how I had held great respect for the President in my sec 1 and 2 years. But thats beside the point. Things were more smoother and because less time was used to manage the conflicts, I approached the principal and VP2 and VP Admin with regards to the proposal of vending machine and mobile phone hotspots. I had made frequent trips to their offices to discuss with them over the matter. Ultimately, instead of inclusion of vending machine, they decided to open 1 canteen stall until 5pm and improve the queue system of canteen vendors. Thats' a fair compromise, i guess.
Then, I decided to do other stuffs to the school. So I proposed a Valentine's Day selling of roses, which was reverted to Valentine's Day Talent Performance. Proposal was accepted by VP1 and I carried out to make speech for gathering crowd and performers. With only 1 grp of performers on hand, I thought it would be a failure. In the end, many groups came to sign up for the performance. The talent performance was a great success and there was a huge crowd that clapped and sung joyfully to the guitarists. For the lower sec performance, there were some ups and downs.
Apart from that, many events were soon handled gradually to the sec 3s to handle for we also had to study for our Olevel. Playing the role of a mentor was easier although a bit of time was still taken up in guiding them. Its worthwhile after all. We guided them through the 2010 March Induction camp and introduced changes like night activity as camp fire and morning exercise as walk to Kovan for breakfast. I also took part in dialogue sessions, in particular the sec 3 one.
My EXCO had much fun together. We went out quite a number of times for lunch, birthday celebrations and movie. It was rather different from last year indeed. They had also joined me in serving detentions when our DM pointed at me alleging me of 3 detentions for not teaching the councillors which caused the sec 4 classes to come down late (which was apparently not my fault). Then investiture preparation came. With the birth of the new EXCO, we had less active roles which was good in the sense that we have more time to do our hwk and study considering we're sec 4s. Investiture preparation, as I saw the stuff that the new EXCO were doing, the stuffs that happened last year flashback. They too had their fair share of trash out session.
Tomorrow is the Investiture day, and after all these that we have gone through, we will take the walk off stage and leave student council. Although we will come back at times, it will never be the same.
In conclusion, I would like to THANK greatly all my 11 EXCO members for really supporting me through this. Council has really let me learn alot. I would also like to GRATIFY Ms Ong for patiently guiding me through. I would also like to WISH ALL THE BEST to the new 8th EXCO and hope their path will be one of joy and happiness.
This is not a speech, but a text. I remember the quote that I had used for the investiture speech last year, "Leaders are not born, they are made through hard work and determination". Ms Ong said she disagreed. Ironically, it had appeared quite alot in like council vid and stuff this year. I believe in the quote, and I believe that I had proved her perspective of the quote wrong.
Disclaimer: Any text below will not subject me to any serious actions as it is not meant to defame or offend anyone or anything. :) I am only revealing this because I am stepping down and will no longer hold the pres position with effect of tmr & for personal reference.
A long way to becoming President of 7th Student Council.
2007.
Although this year may not be of great significance for me to Student Council, it was one where I was introduced to the various roles of being a student councillor. When I first stepped into Zhonghua, I had the mentality that i wanted to be a councillor for I was a prefect in my primary school days and wanted to have an upper edge over the others.
I admired greatly the councillors of Zhonghua at that time. Those were of course the early months of my first year in school. I remembered Leona, who was 1E5 class attachment councillor, Regina who was the PA member, Alan the famous councillor and so on.. I wanted rather greatly to be a councillor.
Then came the Sec 1 Orientation camp, when at that time. the camp was organised by the Student Council. My impression of student council deepened. Then was Lynn who was the President of the 4th Student Council, whom I also held great admiration for.
When the council interview came, I had perhaps overly prepared myself such that the interview was full of "textbook answers" and much stuttering and forgetting. My interviewer was Ms Lea that year. It had turned out that I did not make it into being a councillor that year. I had then given up my dreams of being a Student Councillor.
Later that year was Music and Movement which I had been selected as Emcee, together with Nisa. Wearing the blazer and tie was a pride for me. Ironically, JiaYi commented, "You had better wear your blazer properly hor. I don't even think I have the chance to wear it in future!"
2008.
Life passed with the usual stuffs. I signed up to be in the debate team in a bid to improve my English argumentative skills. But that's beside the point. The annual student councillor elections came again. I crossed votes with Kai Seng and Ryan from the debate team, which means to say we voted for each other. As for the teachers side, I'm not too sure. The list was up, and I was in. Elated, but not as anticipating as before since my previous failure had demoralised me.
I almost did not manage for the interview due to a school field trip. However, I approached the Vice-President of 5th SC, YiMei who told me that she will request a make up interview from Ms Ong. I remembered clearly that it was a usual afternoon when I was eating opposite with Kenan and some other 2e5 guys. Next thing I know, I was abruptly disturbed from my lunch and both of us with JinX ran across the zebra crossing to school to have our make up interview. Ms Ong was waiting there and normal procedures. We fill up the form, answered a few questions and left. This time, the interview was more natural and informal.
Hallelujah, I made it into the Student Council, together with the other Sec 2s who went for interview. First was council camp. For duties, I was attached to Regina who taught me some PA stuffs. Brandon was in PA too. So most mornings were spent in the general office or else the podium. Being in PA was something I held honour about. Recess duties, there were ppl like Bryan and Gretel in which we all went up and close the doors and chase ppl out of class rooms.
Oh and at that time, I loved council so much that I could cry for it, at times when I remembered what we all did. I look forward to any council activities and stuff. Every time the EXCOs call names for duties, I was wishing my name would be called out. Most of the times, yes it was called out. Most duties were foyer ushering. One of the particular one I would never forget is Mid Autumn Festival. Maybe its due to the evening and night environment. I remembered Brandon was claiming to block Melody from the sun (due to their contrast in height) and we were having much fun.
Council was my life. So was the tie.
That year I had spent much time studying in the library and mugging for the streaming exercise. Surprisingly, I did not treat council as a waste of my time. There was NACLI camp which I was honoured to be selected. It was very memorable, especially the nights when we would play strip poker secretly and one in particular, had to strip to his undergarments. It was hilarious and interesting. Even watching the pictures that Yi Heng kindly sent us months after the camp, made me tear of the memories. I may seem serious, but yes I do have feelings. Again, I held great admiration for the President then, Keziath who was ill for months.
At the end of the year, there was the organisation of the 2008 November Council Camp. Surprisingly, I was selected to be the AIC of the camp, together with Beatrice. Shaun, the president and IC of camp, met up with us during the holidays and we discussed through the planning of camp. It was memorable as well. Both me and Beatrice organsied some minor activities and came up with proposals and schedules. On the camp night, both of us and YiHeng had even went out of school to buy the graduating gift materials. We had to climb over the school gate.
2009.
A new class, a new beginning. Being in 3E2 had also been my dream, which was one of the motivations to work hard in sec 2. Guess it paid off. That year, being seniors of the school, tgt with the Sec 4s, I was more aware of the surroundings and stuff. I also became more bold. I also stuck much around with Beatrice due to council stuffs, which got me introduced to councillors like Xin Hui, Eugenia, Jia Yi.
In early months of 2009, me, Beatrice and XinHui went to Hwa Chong Council Investiture. The facility was nice and thus another memorable investiture. I, together with the sec3s, were put in charge of more events and was involved with higher status like ICs. I continued my morning duty at PA and other than the ins and outs of PA members, nothing much changed.
Then was the EXCO interview. To be honest, I had never dreamt of being an EXCO considering that I had joined in Sec 2. Still, the interview went on and I convinced the teacher advisors and HODs on my interest and passion in Student Council. One fine morning, I was innocently taking my newspaper and abruptly got called up. A few of us Sec 3s stood there, and Ms Ong announced that we had passed the EXCO interview. I was rather elated, but had mixed feelings as well. She pointed at 5 of us, and said we were to go to the President and VPs interview. I was speechless.
In any case, I did not have the great urge to be the President for having a position like that would bring about great responsibility and be constantly observed by the students of the school. Thus, I insisted greatly that if I had to take a position, it would be Vice-president. Also, Beatrice seemed to be a great competitor and Jetaime was no far behind. Bryan opted himself out of the interview, also his blog posts had pointed against him.
On the day of the interview, I was also called to the Drama Studio for ELDDS meeting. The eldds members voted for the ELDDS EXCO. I had no intentions to be the P and VP of ELDDS either for knowing I would attain a rather high position in council. I was voted 3rd position in ELDDS - Secretary. Being rather joyful, I proceeded down to the EXCO interview which faced Principals and Vice-Principals and HODs. We talked, we gave feedback of the school and we left. Shortly after, it was announced Margaret took position of Publicity and 3 of us went for the school elections.
We presented our Presidential election speech to the school. Results were not announced. The 12 EXCOs were selected by then and we proceeded with Investiture preparation which lasted 3 weeks of the June Holiday. Beatrice and I was also selected to be emcees of the Asian Youth Games Exchange Programme Opening Ceremony. Throughout the investiture preparation, we the excos, got to know more about each other. On the last week of June, in the midst of preparing investiture, we were called up and Ms Ong made the grand announcement. She said, "The new president is... Xavier!" I was stunned and my mouth was agape, seriously. The applause I heard was muffled in my head.
Being the president had changed quite alot of stuff. I put on a stern face and things got rather serious. The EXCO was soon falling apart, as described by Bianca, due to a number of internal conflicts. I could not do much. In fact, I was one of the main cause of it. That year was the H1N1 year thus there was no guests from other schools and meetings were rare and hard.
Through the process, I had thought about the EXCO thing quite a lot and at times, well on a daily basis. Sometimes, I would be on the brink of tears. As we trained the councillors for Investiture, things were not easy too. Investiture came and I frankly did not enjoy much of it, considering the huge grey cloud above me.
Fortunately, I called for a Trash Out Session, as suggested by Shaun, the previous President. It was held in the Council room. I was rather the target of comments and criticism. There were other 1-to-1 pointings and shoutings. Many cried then. So did I. I got to learn the real reason behind them not accepting me, in particular being unable to think on the spot and being flicker-minded. I also reasoned with them and allow them to understand me, how much hurt and tiredness I was going through. The session ended with an big EXCO hug.
Things changed. I force myself to improve by reminding myself to think on the spot and make firm decisions. When I implemented that on my self, I received commendations from Jia Yi, saying that I did remarkable improvements. From the trash out session, things were going up. At Least, my side was resolved. Another trash-out-session was held for another conflict.
Even though i wasn't labelled as the ICs for events, I still coordinated the events and ensured that they turn out successful, fulfilling my role as a President. Things were getting better. My sec 3 of being President was tiring indeed, but I persevered on. Controlling a group of 100+ councillors is not a joke. Fortunately, I had my EXCOs at my side. We were strict on council discipline, everything that we had to step in, we stepped in. We confiscated ties, scold councillors and stuff.
Meanwhile, I also worked on my proposal for vending machines and mobile phone hot spots. Vending machine proposal was sent around late 2009. However, there was no reply to it. I was OIC of the 2009 November Council Camp, managing the council camp and turning it into a success. There was still a little friction between the EXCO though, and we tried to resolve it under the stars on the 1st day of the camp.
2010.
This year. The start of a new year. My picture was published in the 2009 school magazine, many slides, school website and student handbook. Being Sec 4s, we grew more matured and stopped quarrelling over small matters. Ms Ong said its always like that, when the exco come to sec 4, they become more matured. Maybe its cause we met less and had lesser time to bother about these stuff. Anyway, by sec 4, there was no major conflicts in our EXCO. Everything was stable. We had groomed the councillors to be more behaved students.
The year was a less hectic and tiring year. In fact, I had enjoyed what much effort put in at sec 3. Its from the corner of my eyes that I do know some sec 1s hold admiration for me, just like how I had held great respect for the President in my sec 1 and 2 years. But thats beside the point. Things were more smoother and because less time was used to manage the conflicts, I approached the principal and VP2 and VP Admin with regards to the proposal of vending machine and mobile phone hotspots. I had made frequent trips to their offices to discuss with them over the matter. Ultimately, instead of inclusion of vending machine, they decided to open 1 canteen stall until 5pm and improve the queue system of canteen vendors. Thats' a fair compromise, i guess.
Then, I decided to do other stuffs to the school. So I proposed a Valentine's Day selling of roses, which was reverted to Valentine's Day Talent Performance. Proposal was accepted by VP1 and I carried out to make speech for gathering crowd and performers. With only 1 grp of performers on hand, I thought it would be a failure. In the end, many groups came to sign up for the performance. The talent performance was a great success and there was a huge crowd that clapped and sung joyfully to the guitarists. For the lower sec performance, there were some ups and downs.
Apart from that, many events were soon handled gradually to the sec 3s to handle for we also had to study for our Olevel. Playing the role of a mentor was easier although a bit of time was still taken up in guiding them. Its worthwhile after all. We guided them through the 2010 March Induction camp and introduced changes like night activity as camp fire and morning exercise as walk to Kovan for breakfast. I also took part in dialogue sessions, in particular the sec 3 one.
My EXCO had much fun together. We went out quite a number of times for lunch, birthday celebrations and movie. It was rather different from last year indeed. They had also joined me in serving detentions when our DM pointed at me alleging me of 3 detentions for not teaching the councillors which caused the sec 4 classes to come down late (which was apparently not my fault). Then investiture preparation came. With the birth of the new EXCO, we had less active roles which was good in the sense that we have more time to do our hwk and study considering we're sec 4s. Investiture preparation, as I saw the stuff that the new EXCO were doing, the stuffs that happened last year flashback. They too had their fair share of trash out session.
Tomorrow is the Investiture day, and after all these that we have gone through, we will take the walk off stage and leave student council. Although we will come back at times, it will never be the same.
In conclusion, I would like to THANK greatly all my 11 EXCO members for really supporting me through this. Council has really let me learn alot. I would also like to GRATIFY Ms Ong for patiently guiding me through. I would also like to WISH ALL THE BEST to the new 8th EXCO and hope their path will be one of joy and happiness.
This is not a speech, but a text. I remember the quote that I had used for the investiture speech last year, "Leaders are not born, they are made through hard work and determination". Ms Ong said she disagreed. Ironically, it had appeared quite alot in like council vid and stuff this year. I believe in the quote, and I believe that I had proved her perspective of the quote wrong.
Posted on: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Posted at: 8:26 PM
Posted at: 8:26 PM
Hi People!
As you would have known, I did not update my blog for the past months and will probably update it in June or November :x
Yup, but my facebook will still be updated (i guess...)
http://www.facebook.com/xaviersjh
And do add me there too!
Cheers
Xavier
*Do leave a tag too!
As you would have known, I did not update my blog for the past months and will probably update it in June or November :x
Yup, but my facebook will still be updated (i guess...)
http://www.facebook.com/xaviersjh
And do add me there too!
Cheers
Xavier
*Do leave a tag too!
Posted on: Friday, January 1, 2010
Posted at: 10:10 PM
Posted at: 10:10 PM
Today painted the house.
Bought the buckets of pain,
and had to paste masking tape all over doors and cover the sofas and stuff.
Then remove potraits.
And we painted the ceiling white, the original color.
Was the most difficult and tiring.
Make until my neck pain.
Then painted the side walls purple . . .
Actually its violet.
And the console wall dark purple which turns out rather like pink :x
Its the start of the new year!
Oh yea, and ystd wz asked me to go to the nearby bowling area at downtown east to esther and other of her e1 classmates.
And had a round of bowling.
Was rather awkward for me though, as I expected.
Then they all went to watch movie and I left for home.
Watched some TV movies with my family instead.
Countdown was as usual.
The boats at the shipyards were horning.
And I probably won't be blogging for quite a while after tis.
Olevels :xx
Just now me and WJ were msging bout the dreads of Olevels.
Gonna have many tests.
I guess we'll be numb to the tests anyway.
Having mixed feelings bout Olevel and opening of school.
Bought the buckets of pain,
and had to paste masking tape all over doors and cover the sofas and stuff.
Then remove potraits.
And we painted the ceiling white, the original color.
Was the most difficult and tiring.
Make until my neck pain.
Then painted the side walls purple . . .
Actually its violet.
And the console wall dark purple which turns out rather like pink :x
Its the start of the new year!
Oh yea, and ystd wz asked me to go to the nearby bowling area at downtown east to esther and other of her e1 classmates.
And had a round of bowling.
Was rather awkward for me though, as I expected.
Then they all went to watch movie and I left for home.
Watched some TV movies with my family instead.
Countdown was as usual.
The boats at the shipyards were horning.
And I probably won't be blogging for quite a while after tis.
Olevels :xx
Just now me and WJ were msging bout the dreads of Olevels.
Gonna have many tests.
I guess we'll be numb to the tests anyway.
Having mixed feelings bout Olevel and opening of school.
Posted on:
Posted at: 12:14 AM
Posted at: 12:14 AM
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Its 2010! Hope It'll be a better year!
More work I suppose. Sec 4...
Its 2010! Hope It'll be a better year!
More work I suppose. Sec 4...
Posted on: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Posted at: 11:58 PM
Posted at: 11:58 PM
Today basically went back to school for ELDDS camp.
So started with Dog-And-Bone
Then had choroids, or sth.
And frozen images.
Yea, then Mrs Dheeraj ordered mac breakfast for us!
And after eating, discussed on the play.
Mostly chitchatting with Jun An and some sec 2s.
Then had pizza for lunch.
And there wasn't SYF or movie screening.
Mixed feelings bout tat.
And the rest of the time, we played Truth Or Dare.
Interesting...
New Year is coming soon~ (random)
So started with Dog-And-Bone
Then had choroids, or sth.
And frozen images.
Yea, then Mrs Dheeraj ordered mac breakfast for us!
And after eating, discussed on the play.
Mostly chitchatting with Jun An and some sec 2s.
Then had pizza for lunch.
And there wasn't SYF or movie screening.
Mixed feelings bout tat.
And the rest of the time, we played Truth Or Dare.
Interesting...
New Year is coming soon~ (random)
Posted on: Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Posted at: 11:16 PM
Posted at: 11:16 PM
Today is Sec One registration.
Did foyer usher duty.
Usual stuff, bring them to the hall.
And the school cut off point decreased to 236.
And there are only 5 express streams this year.
Zhonghua standard seems to be deproving.
Not much comments bout the parents.
Students streamed into class by alphabetical order.
Then redeployed to catch parents and force them to hand in their evaluation form.
Quite tiring.
Overall ok :)
Then went with EXCOs to Cartel!
Jiayi was zhi-pai all the way.
Ate cheeseD chicken baked rice.
The cheese was liquidify so quite disgusting.
Then me and Martin took MRT back to Mac to meet the other project members.
We discussed.
Came to conclusion Zhonghua is deproving standards,
Like Literary fiestal, sec 1 was the best, during evening. Sec 2 norm time. Sec 3 no more and is in audi for the lower secs.
Then Sports Day, sec 1 in Bishan stadium, sec 2 in serangoon stadium, sec 3 in NYJC stadium.
Music and Movement, sec 1 in Victoria Concert hall, sec 2 in School hall, sec 3 dun have.
Yea, so lets see.
Did foyer usher duty.
Usual stuff, bring them to the hall.
And the school cut off point decreased to 236.
And there are only 5 express streams this year.
Zhonghua standard seems to be deproving.
Not much comments bout the parents.
Students streamed into class by alphabetical order.
Then redeployed to catch parents and force them to hand in their evaluation form.
Quite tiring.
Overall ok :)
Then went with EXCOs to Cartel!
Jiayi was zhi-pai all the way.
Ate cheeseD chicken baked rice.
The cheese was liquidify so quite disgusting.
Then me and Martin took MRT back to Mac to meet the other project members.
We discussed.
Came to conclusion Zhonghua is deproving standards,
Like Literary fiestal, sec 1 was the best, during evening. Sec 2 norm time. Sec 3 no more and is in audi for the lower secs.
Then Sports Day, sec 1 in Bishan stadium, sec 2 in serangoon stadium, sec 3 in NYJC stadium.
Music and Movement, sec 1 in Victoria Concert hall, sec 2 in School hall, sec 3 dun have.
Yea, so lets see.
Posted on: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Posted at: 1:00 AM
Posted at: 1:00 AM
Back from Genting!
As usual, the outdoor themepark, computer LAN, eating, sleeping and stuff.
Going to SuperStar Libra tmr.
Never went b4, so will take a look.
School reopens in 2 weeks time.
Hopefully will have a better year :)
As usual, the outdoor themepark, computer LAN, eating, sleeping and stuff.
Going to SuperStar Libra tmr.
Never went b4, so will take a look.
School reopens in 2 weeks time.
Hopefully will have a better year :)
Posted on: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Posted at: 12:33 AM
Posted at: 12:33 AM
This holiday suppose to go Habing and BeiJing
Then the tour agent say not enough families going.
So cancelled.
Then we're going to Genting and SuperStar Libra instead.
Well, still a week long, so I guess its quite okay for me.
Will come back next saturday.
Oh, and its two separate trips.
Next year is OLEVEL year.
K, being random..
Then the tour agent say not enough families going.
So cancelled.
Then we're going to Genting and SuperStar Libra instead.
Well, still a week long, so I guess its quite okay for me.
Will come back next saturday.
Oh, and its two separate trips.
Next year is OLEVEL year.
K, being random..
Posted on: Monday, December 7, 2009
Posted at: 6:14 PM
Posted at: 6:14 PM
There is only 6 words to describe the Holidays: Study, Computer, Television, Meals, Exercise, Sleep.
Anyways, I like the breeze these days.
Comes only one month a year. Maybe 2.
Thursday going to watch New Moon i suppose :)
Anyways, I like the breeze these days.
Comes only one month a year. Maybe 2.
Thursday going to watch New Moon i suppose :)
Posted on: Saturday, November 28, 2009
Posted at: 10:04 PM
Posted at: 10:04 PM
Today is Open House
Basically did ushering for Council duty.
Second shift.
Though I would have prefered 1st shift.
Ushered them up and down the school.
This year open house like not as good as last year one.
Feels quite last minutes.
Like the booths, last year were all around the parade square.
Now reduce size.
I rmb last year I was ushering Grace Tan (from YearBook) with her mum of 1e6.
Then saw her at Sec 1 Reg too.
Like so fast Open House agn.
Brought parents around, answer qns and stuff.
Then we all left at 3+pm.
Basically did ushering for Council duty.
Second shift.
Though I would have prefered 1st shift.
Ushered them up and down the school.
This year open house like not as good as last year one.
Feels quite last minutes.
Like the booths, last year were all around the parade square.
Now reduce size.
I rmb last year I was ushering Grace Tan (from YearBook) with her mum of 1e6.
Then saw her at Sec 1 Reg too.
Like so fast Open House agn.
Brought parents around, answer qns and stuff.
Then we all left at 3+pm.
Posted on: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Posted at: 9:03 PM
Posted at: 9:03 PM
Yesterday was the beginning of council & monitor camp.
So arrived in council room 7am.
Then prepared and stuff.
We started presenting at 8+
However only like 50 councillors and monitors came out of expected 80.
During the camp there were blow wind blow, games and night activity.
So went around and help out in the events, make sure running well and stuff.
Dinner combined with NCC.
Where we could take our ordered buffet stuff and some of the NCC barbequed stuff.
Night Activity, me and Amanda waited at the hall for vry long for the groupings to come.
Took rather long before the first group came.
This time my voice couldn't really go high, unlike march night activity.
Then went to other Night Activity stations.
All were rather ok.
Then after Night Activity we did debrief for facils and Camp Comm.
We Exco slept at the amphitheater.
Did some trash-out talk.
Then sleep, stars were nice.
Weather was rather cool too.
Today morning, with Jetaime and Bryan, lead with the PT.
Then breakfast.
Followed by departmental training which since I am not incharge of a department, a few of us keep the stuff in games stations.
Then had some chanbara programme arranged by Mr Eswaran.
Pretty cool esp last part.
Then was area cleaning and debrief by Ms Ong.
Break camp.
Excos stayed back to do the AAR.
And some of us went Mac eat.
By the time at Mac, I was mostly stoning.
Now eyes red, sneezing and runny nose.
Better get some sleep.
So arrived in council room 7am.
Then prepared and stuff.
We started presenting at 8+
However only like 50 councillors and monitors came out of expected 80.
During the camp there were blow wind blow, games and night activity.
So went around and help out in the events, make sure running well and stuff.
Dinner combined with NCC.
Where we could take our ordered buffet stuff and some of the NCC barbequed stuff.
Night Activity, me and Amanda waited at the hall for vry long for the groupings to come.
Took rather long before the first group came.
This time my voice couldn't really go high, unlike march night activity.
Then went to other Night Activity stations.
All were rather ok.
Then after Night Activity we did debrief for facils and Camp Comm.
We Exco slept at the amphitheater.
Did some trash-out talk.
Then sleep, stars were nice.
Weather was rather cool too.
Today morning, with Jetaime and Bryan, lead with the PT.
Then breakfast.
Followed by departmental training which since I am not incharge of a department, a few of us keep the stuff in games stations.
Then had some chanbara programme arranged by Mr Eswaran.
Pretty cool esp last part.
Then was area cleaning and debrief by Ms Ong.
Break camp.
Excos stayed back to do the AAR.
And some of us went Mac eat.
By the time at Mac, I was mostly stoning.
Now eyes red, sneezing and runny nose.
Better get some sleep.