Graduated from University!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

I am a mixed bag of emotions right now. Having had a prolonged childhood (16 years of being a Singaporean student!), watching it end elicits a mixture of sadness and happiness. I have been living my life as a student that it seems surreal, almost like a dream to watch my education career end. It seems like my ability to be fully cognizant of my surroundings proceeds at a far slower pace than actual reality. Only now, a few hours after the ceremony has ended, in the morning did I finally grasp my current situation: I have graduated from University! Yesterday officially marked the last day of my undergraduate life!

Yesterday's 2014 commencement at 8 pm was a huge blur. Throngs of people - parents, professors, students, siblings, and friends - crowded the NUS Cultural Centre. The majority, including myself, were rushing through the crowd to find friends and professors to take commemorative pictures. There was a strong desire on our part to capture the moment, a beautiful memory, to serve as important reminders of who we were, what we did, who we met, and what we have accomplished.

I must admit, even though I am not excessively fond of my entire 2014 History cohort, especially the guys who had been acting arrogant and snobbish throughout the year, I will miss them greatly. I deeply treasure my moments, albeit few, with them. Honors year had been tough on us all. Because our grades are mainly based on our ability to gather information and produce a convincing essay, most of us spent days in the school library to source for materials, while a few others camped nights at school.

I could still remember - physically, emotionally and psychologically - the countless days when I had to travel back and fro to the school library to source for books. It was like an academic ritual. I would compile a list of books to read at the library, gather them, and then key in the important information. If I was lucky in my information-gathering, I would then proceed to write my essay. It usually took me around 2 to 3 drafts before I was actually satisfied. If it wasn't the grammar, it was a problem with my sentence structure. If it wasn't the contradicting information, it was the lack of evidence. It was really a love-hate relationship with this routine. I enjoyed the process because it undoubtedly yielded fresh insights, yet it was excruciatingly stressful especially when the dateline was always so near!

Having taken a total of 38 modules, the professor which most deeply impacted me was ironically a new professor who taught a History module called 'Culture and Literature of Southeast Asian History' just last semester. His name was Kelvin L. He was not like any regular professor who would immediately answer a student's question, especially if he thinks it's a good one. After a few daring souls chipped in their two cents, he would then phrase the question in a different angle, and ask even more questions. Most of us would either be left confused or strangely enlightened at this point. The entire point of his module was to get us thinking, to ask questions, even simple ones, and not look obsessively for answers. This is something we were all grateful to learn. Singapore's education system is so grade-driven that the mere knowledge process of being curious, asking questions and responding to them was lost.

After writing countless essays, the essay which I am most proud of was done for my Independent Study module. A mix of anthropology, history, and medicine, this essay was entitled, "Reinventing Neurasthenia in Modern China, 1900-1990." I was supervised by one of my favorite professors called Dr. Dimoia, who is an expert in medicine, science and technology, especially in South Korea. A total of 35 resources (books, journals, and conferences) and 5344 words, I never felt so happy upon completing this essay. It is my baby, my pride and joy, because I managed to conquer so many academic challenges while writing this essay. Reading medical journals about the disease was one thing, finding contradicting facts was another. I almost teared my hair out writing this paper. I am so glad I managed to piece everything together coherently and concisely. I have learnt so much just conducting research on the history of the disease!

Of course my education career was not just about studying, I met friends and my partner for life as well! There is the cute, highly independent and worldly-wise Cheche! The pretty, highly perceptive and mature Yenny! And the boisterous, adventurous, and hardworking Van! Finally, I met my darling Shijie! All of them have deeply impacted me in different ways. I love them all!

I am also very thankful to my history professors, Prof. Lockhart, Dr Brunero, Dr. Dimoia, Kelvin L., Prof. Amos, Prof. Teow, and Prof. Yang Bin. for making NUS an unforgettable learning experience! I will miss them greatly!

Reflecting upon all these now, yesterday did mark the end of my education career. But the learning and growing never ends. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to study at NUS!

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posted at 10:15 AM

A Prom and a Club

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Much as I loathed, with utter revulsion, the notion of clubbing or a club for that matter, I found myself enjoying the experience in an unexpected twist. Who knew that bobbing your head, dancing on sore feet, and pouring liquor down your throat could be such an exhilarating experience!

Narrowly did my feet miss being nailed to the floor by several killer heels was I forced to spent a good length of time staring down at the ground. Other than the sharp and murderous stilettos, the club was less perilous than a bomb mine.

Mag, in her self-assumed position as our caregiver, was particularly meticulous in steering clear our pathway of bombs, men, zombies chicks etc. And to Yings was I forced to reassess my judgment of her taste in men. And here was my conception of American men always beautiful and gorgeous severely subverted.

Under constant surveillance did I, like a tiger hunting its prey, scan across the dance floor for any man with a tinged resemblance to Korean pretty boys. ALAS! My eyes burned and sere. Where did the pretty boys die off to?

Prior to my first clubbing experience was also the first of my Prom Night. Words alone are not suffice to express my utter disappointment in both the food and the experience as a whole. Let it be my first and the last of my attending a Prom event.

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posted at 3:53 AM

The impossibles

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

My class has seriously cracked. (Or maybe it's just me) On a side note, a new bug has invaded my territory, it resides in the dusty corner of my closet. What should I do?! I am chased out of my own compound! I should contact Dode the insect exterminator.

Tomorrow celebrates the day my mother reluctantly produced their 2nd child. And tomorrow is also the day we're having Cross Country Race around MacRitchie Reservoir. AND tomorrow is also the day I planned to do intensive revision for History and Othello. I am being shortchanged, aren't I?

My friends happily intoned, "Wouldn't it be the best birthday present you've ever received? Running?"

Contrary to popular belief, I do not love running that much to actually celebrate my fateful birth drenched in sweat and tears. [I was obliged to run for the competition!] I would rather my birthday present come in the form of Tsuruga Ren, Kanda Yuu, Eiri Yuki or anything Anime/manga related. And no, I have no intention of accompanying my history notes for my birthday. Many would like to think so. I'm not that extreme of a mugger. =___=

Mag and Yings thought I had finally reached the breaking point. I screamed to them twice that I was going to consult a teacher but amidst the shouting and banging in class, they obviously didn't hear...so, thinking that Rain was going to 'pon' Lit Paper 4 and leave school, they dash at lightning speed to the bus stop.

Shocked that she would actually commit such atrocity, they furiously called her on her mobile phone but no one was picking up! "Woah, that Rain arh, finally cracked. She ponned her favorite lit lesson and missed seeing her favorite teacher!" exclaimed Mag.

Lo and Behold, 10 minutes later...I strolled into the class and the Yings was on an outrage. "Woah liao, where did you go?!! Mag and I tried calling you so many times lah! We all thought you left school!"

When the Yings told me a blow-by-blow account of what happened, I burst into sporadic laughter. "Mag ran?!!" I exclaimed in disbelief, for the Mag NEVER runs, and seeing her in action is almost like seeing the Yings in plaits. The sheer impossibility!

But it did happen. I laughed. Mag ran. Yings sped like a bullet train. And Marigold could teach.

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posted at 5:01 PM

I'm not that stressed!

Monday, March 2, 2009

There is something inherently wrong with me. The fact that I needed my History teacher to point out my stress level accounts for it all.

"Oh, Miss T said you are really stressed and that we should bring you out more often." said Mag in her amused tone.

I was bewildered. No, shocked. I know I'm stressed, but just NOT that stressed to plaster it on my face. I could go, "Yeah, I'm fucking stressed, I'm darn stressed, I'm bloody stressed, I'm damn stress. Look." [points to seriously confused face] But hell, am I really that stress for my history teacher to indirectly tell me, "You seem really stressed lately, you ought to go out and live a little!"

Wow, and just a few days ago, she was lecturing on how we should stay home and do a series of intensive revision for Decolonisation, Arab-Palestinian, Indo-Pakistani...you get my drift.

I must say though, that I was really touched. I never knew how perceptive Miss T was. She must have seen that tired, restless, edgy look of mine that never fails to leave after a night of insomnia. I would try flashing that toothy grin the next time I see her.

"No, you better not," said my sister. "She might send you to see the school counselor."

"EXCUSE ME?!"

"Think about it. Rain one-who-never-smiles is smiling? People will think you're crazy and run away!"

I cursed.

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posted at 10:14 PM

Rockafella

Friday, February 27, 2009

I have concluded that stepping into a Rock concert was perhaps one of the silliest things I have ever done in one lifetime.

While Mag and Yings were screaming at the top of their lungs, being wholly proactive and enthusiastic, I became increasingly bored and restless. Amidst the loud banging and roaring, I propped my chin on my head trying hard not to look a) bored b) tired c) restless d) disappointed e) all of the above. My face was probably plastered with feature E because the next thing Mag said was, "Eh, why you so emo?"

For the amount of hard work and effort put into Rockafella by the Student Council, I should applaud them, but the fact remains that 80% of the bands were terrible. The lead singers were clearly out-of-tune, band members uncoordinated, there was not a hint of stage presence, the audience were merely clapping along, and....I was really, REALLY bored to tears. Half the time I was itching to leave but due to moral obligations to the Mag and a Yings, I stayed.

So I was left with the choice of either a) joining in the display of madness (and aggravate the painful throb in my head) or b) continue sulking in my corner (while silently cursing my star-crossed fate).

Fried Rice (band name) made their entrance, the crowd went nuts (teachers had to control the screaming mob by relegating them back to their seats) and Rain's voice turned hoarse with shouting/screaming/shrieking.

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posted at 10:16 PM

I do love History

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

According to my GP teacher's comment and my sister's unnecessary input, my brain is easily muddled but the late revelation came to me only when I was scrambling for my Economics Case Study CA and GP essay test.

So there I was, coming into the Lecture Theater completely unprepared, completely clueless and acting completely nonchalant about sitting for my Economics test. The Economics lecturer had a voice that made my already mentally-adventurous mind venture into other realms otherwise known as my Anime-ogling hideout that resides somewhere in the non-practical side of my brain. (Yes, I would have won hands-down in a daydreamers contest.)

Her voice, the lecturer's voice that is, was a melodious monotone that caught my thoughts in rapture... I was transfixed, unable to think of anything other to preoccupy myself with than to do myself a favor and sleep.

"If we ever suffer from insomnia, we'd just need to record her voice and replay it at night!" Mag and I had simultaneously agreed.

I couldn't take it. Ask Mag, she knows best, I wouldn't sleep during lesson even if my tutor begged me to. Her voice was much too sleep-inducing that after a few minutes of lecturing, I would be dozing off...

Well! The consequences of sleeping in a sleep-inducing Lecture Theater came crashing down while I cooking up some practical, yet not so ludicrous 'answer' for my Case Study test.

1) Assess the effects of change in investments from...2002.

I stared dumbly at the Extract, looked pointedly at Mag who was propping her head on the table, and returned my stoned-gazed at the nearly blank foolscap. How WAS I supposed to answer but....

Answer: The change in investments saw a gradual decline...The effects of change from 2000 to 2001 could be attributed to September 11 2001 attacks on US World Trade Centre by Islamic Fundamentalist group, Al-Queda.

I found out later we were supposed to be use MPW (MPC?) somewhere along the lines. It never appeared in my script though. I was, and still am, thoroughly confused.

GP Essay Question: A benevolent dictatorship is the most effective form of government. How far do you agree?

Answer: (Paragraph 3) Thailand Marshall Sarit Thanarat was seen as a benevolent dictator with good intentions of reviving the economy... According to Clark D. Neher, an author equipped with vast knowledge of 'The Search of Political Structures in Southeast Asian nations', U Nu's charisma and impeccable honest won him much support from the Burmese.. Sukarno's Guided Democracy (1959) encompassed features of a totalitarian regime....

I got 33 for spamming History background knowledge: 60% was incongruous to the topic.

I'm waiting for that big RED mark for my Economics CA.

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posted at 8:48 PM

Silly old' school

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Because I have nothing to blog about, I shall rant about the few notable things that happened during the past few days.

Starting from my teachers...

I have the most charming, blue eyes, literature teacher. A relatively good GP teacher but also the WORST Economics teacher whose English pronunciation is more dreadful than my doctor's handwriting and that's saying a lot because you take an hour to decipher my scribbling.

I had raised a few questions pertaining to International Trade and, my god, establishing a discussion with her was harder than the h2 math tutorial questions. I had asked her about A and she started rambling about B. NO, she never did answer my question. I guess I shouldn't be too demanding as a student but I'm taking my goddamn A Levels this year and it surely would not help having a teacher who doesn't know her own work and simply regurgitates from PowerPoint slides.

My Paper 4 Literature teacher is probably the most charming...wait, I've already mentioned that, haven't I?) person in school, either than my SCOL of course! xD His orbs are a gorgeous silvery blue with specks of white dusts that circled from reflections. You would be defying the laws of attraction if you denied its mesmerizing value.

...to my banded classes...

Our class wasn't dispersed. We were instead banded according to teacher's recommendations and our Promotional grades. There were many bands and different classes so we ended up in a situation similar to Square one. o_o Before I could even warm my seat, we would be moving off to another class. The only lessons we're taking together are History Tutorial, PE and SD. Ridiculous, no? It wouldn't make any difference if they had displaced our class anyway!

And why the hell did they put me in the first Band?! It's like putting a toad into a tank full of goldfishes. And considering my tendency to wander off to emo land, it's a bad idea. *goes off to grow mushrooms in a corner*

FYI: The anime guy posing so gorgeously on my layout is scanned from the notebook cover that was given to me by Mag. Thanks Mag! =)

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posted at 11:51 PM

2 hours in CJC Open House

Friday, January 9, 2009

Because the Rain has never - and I do mean NEVER - stepped foot into an Open House, whether Junior College or Polytechnic, she shall ungraciously bore her random readers with a not-so blow-by-blow account of her experience.

I found it rather amusing, being involved in CJC Open House when I've never bothered to attend one myself. I questioned the sanity of Editorial Club. Nobody in their right mind should EVER ask me to be involved in such whimsical or utterly redundant (whatever you call it), school functions that only served to intensify my personal distaste for the school population.

I think it's a sign - a God given sign that I'm equally damned as every other unsuspecting souls in this universe - to partake actively in the promising social bonds of the school's society. My subconscious disagrees; claimed that I ought to leave the school building before the better half of my sanity gets destroyed by the palpable failure of CJC Open House.

People poked their noses in, with a half bored half tired expression, and shot a few glances here and there, across the CCA booths. Mag and I carried on being the most unenthusiastic members of our CCA, she grabbed a school's magazine while I willingly submitted myself to the hypnotic distortion of flying shuttlecocks.

And this was how I spent my Friday afternoon. THIS was how I spent a gratuitous amount of time, roaming about the school with faces as bewildered and as confused as any other. Good heavens. 2 hours of my very short life...wasted.

This is why I never bothered attending an Open House. =.="

Let's not forget that I'm 2 days away from submitting my incomplete holiday assignments and not to mention Mag and I are supposed to attend the CJ Alumni dinner this Saturday to collect insights and reviews for our next article. The President of our CCA sent a mildly pressuring message "You two are the only ones without an article." In a nutshell: Attend the Saturday dinner or you two are fired!! That tactic would have worked if I wasn't desperately trying to like my CCA OR if I had a slightly more rational brain.

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posted at 6:56 PM

Promotional Exam Results

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Friday was a joke. It was segregation at its best. O_O (for me, that is.)

My school principal made this amazing speech (for details I will not go into because half the time my thoughts were drifting to the newest season of Junjou Romantica.) and really wasn't kidding when he mentioned about 'going through 2 different doors': One for those who made the promotion, and the rest who didn't.

And my home tutor sure wasn't kidding either when she mentioned that only half the class will be receiving their certificates from her.

The long story?

I could only conclude that my principal loves organization. Those who weren't able to retain their 4 H2 subjects were to proceed to LT2 and that basically referred to all my classmates with the same subject combination. It was quite amusing because everyone stood up and left and I was pretty much emo-ing in my own corner. And dode had the nerve to add on that I might be transferring to another class. I quote from Dode 'You're like a subset of us, so you're either gonna get transferred or be put into your own class 2t05 B".

I really don't need to mingle or interact with a new class. Not when I'm taking my A Levels next year. O.O Let's say, in their moment of folly, the teachers displace our class, I'm really going to strangle them. And yes, I'm fully capable of committing a perfect crime.

I have improved on all my subjects, with the exception for economics, but I suppose that duly reflects the 'opportunity cost' of studying maths.

SOMEONE mentioned that he/she'd rather score B for Literature than some useless subject like maths. Well, considering how you attained a U for maths, do the homo sapiens a favor and shut your piehole. Because math is really useless for someone like you without the necessary aptitude for analytical thinking. AND I'd have you know that math is important to apply for ANY university. So, wanna give up on math? Go ahead. I'm not the one who has the drop 1 H2 subject.

I come from a family of low blood pressure species, but seeing that person's face really sizzles my blood to the point of hypertension.

I think my mom is quite satisfied with my results. I say 'quite' because she didn't really respond when I told her my results, but she did allow me to buy 2 more D.Gray-Man posters. The 4 walls of my bedroom are now covered with 4 D.Gray-Man and 1 Vampire Knight posters. I foresee another 10 more posters. ^^

*****

Lastly, I’d really like to thank 2 people who have really made an impact on my grades. The 3 of us were Muggers, and cramped up in school for night studies almost every day. I’ve never met such committed and inspiring friends for the 17 years of my life.

Aggie, you may not know how much you’ve done for me, but it was your perseverance and determination that relentlessly spurred me on in my studies. I was on the brink of giving up everything I’ve worked for, and yet your determination to excel kept my momentum and focus. And I still want to thank you for that bubble tea and Waffle cake breakfast you bought me. It really touched me. ^^

Wee kie, my Novena Church buddy, I can’t thank you enough for the emotional support you’ve provided me during the exams. The weekly visits to the Novena Church have kept my faith, love and devotion to Mother Mary.

Thank you Aggie and Wee kie, I would not have been able to promote without you guys. =)

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posted at 5:39 PM

Pre-Trip to Batam OCIP

Thursday, November 6, 2008

BECAUSE all my blog entries has been starting with 'Trip', I'll be continuing this thread. XD

And because my friend, Mag (I'm putting down her name so that she could feel...uh...somewhat guilty. xD), had made it my resolution to blog once per day.

My third entry. ^^ Yes! I'm making progress! (pats self on back)

Today was a joke. I woke up at 12 pm (I slept at 5 am, so screw you.) to meet Mag and Yings at Holland Village. We were searching ALL around Orchard for GPs and an economical clinic that DOES NOT charge beyond 50 bucks for a simple vaccination and consultation. I think we visited...3 clinics until Mag and Yings gave up and went for the 35 bucks offer.

I ended up having my medical checkup at my family doctor downstairs for 20 bucks. Joke.

Oh. When I was waiting for Mag at Holland Village, I actually took a stroll to my primary school childcare centre. Don't ask me why. Blame it on Mag for all my searching nostalgia. The vandalism at the playground remained the same. xD Looks like the government had the money to replace the sand but not remove the stains.

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posted at 10:49 PM