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| It has been two whole years. So many memories, so much emotion, so much pain, so many achievements. Well, actually, it has been 6 years! It felt as if it were a few days ago when I left ACJS and enrolled into the school, with my 1.3 classmates, then my 2.4 classmates.. So many things to say, but I'll just briefly talk about these 2 years.
To be honest, I had no idea how I got into IB. My results were atrocious, and so was my behavior record. All I can say that it was God's grace that had led me down this path. Till this day, I cannot imagine myself being in any other JC or Polytechnic. Perhaps RJ but that would've been through DSA Track and Field. Still, would I have benefited more if I had gone to RJ? What would have changed? Hm, I've always thought about it, but at this stage, I feel that it is immaterial and I have no regrets.
Much has changed within these two years.
My friends who have graduated and left the school, are now in different social circles, doing different things with different aspirations and short term life targets which they fulfill at 2am in the morning. Nevertheless, I still love each and everyone of them. Those who have stayed - Some of them have gone girl crazy, some of them became even better friends while some of them took the opportunity of this clean slate to carve an entirely new identity, which they would like other people to see - a reputation that was ruined and could not be achieved when everyone else was around.
Friends are made, friends are lost, that is life. I have made many new friends, and to be straightforward, I love my class (minus 1). Even though we may have our differences, I would not have it any other way. WOW was amazing, it was great for bonding, and no details shall be mentioned in case the senior admin might use this as evidence to prosecute us. I have so many individuals to thank, without you guys, I could not have done it. I would have never gotten this far. So many of you, I'd list out all of you but I'm afraid I'd miss out some names and hurt people's feelings.
People have changed, I understand, and I accept it. From focused to infatuated, from happy-go-lucky to emotional, from someone who is playful, to someone who knows how to get down to business and perform when need be. I have seen myself change as well. I am so impressed and inspired by so many different people throughout the level. One of my aims was to speak to everyone in the level at least once, but I have failed. Oh well. On the flip-side, there are many people too, whom I dislike, deeply dislike. However, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each and every one of you whom I detest. You serve as a constant reminder to me - reminding me of what and who I do NOT want to become. While on the other hand, many others who have inspired me and encouraged me, I thank you too. I hope I have managed to do the same for you.
By and by, I leave ACS with a heavy yet excited heart. I dread leaving the school, after six years, the friendships, the teachers, the street soccer court. But, being in the same school for six years is indeed a long time, and it's about time it came to an end. Mount EETOKIA has been climbed and conquered, now the long awaited IBDP is approaching (23 days guys). Time passes by so quickly. It passes especially quickly when you look back. I wonder what life has in store for all of us. Army.. University.. A chapter has been written, and another chapter in life is waiting to unfold. Such fear and excitement in the unknown.
I will miss a minority of you, and I hope that we will keep in touch.
IB IS HERE. Study hard, all the best and God Bless! We can do this, for the best is yet to be. | | |
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Hello cousins, before you leave…
Firstly, to my beloved twins: We have grown up together side by side, through the various stages of life, through times of trials and turmoil, as well as times of gladness. You’ve been there when I’m sad, been there when I’m mad, both insane and angry. We have lived together, now it is time for us to leave one another. Although school and work (and various embodiments of love) have confiscated the time we used to have with one another, from us, I know that the bond between us is still as strong as ever. Even though we do not talk as much, or see each other as often, we know that the words of our hearts do not have to be spoken. Now borders, seas and land will come in between us – just momentarily. But there’s always Skype and after all, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. I’ll miss you guys.
To my dearest Shi Min: Definitely will never forget growing up with you, as I have various scars on my body to remind me – of the times you pushed me off the swing or scratched me. I am sure you will agree when I say that it must have been a miracle of mercy how our relationship developed. Despite seeing and conversing with you on rare occasions, we have so much in common. I am proud of you too! You have conquered Singapore’s ridiculously rigid and unbelievably foolish educational system, and it is time for us to send you to America, where you were undermine the pseudo-intellectuals of the sluggish American Learning System. All the best in Princeton, get me a jacket. I don’t know when you will be back, or if you will ever come back, but I am certain we’ll meet again. Email me whenever you can!
By the time I see you guys again, IB would have been over, and I will be liberated from this Singaporean hell-hole of an education. We shall rendezvous in America, indeed, the land of the free. –cough- outlets.
Hence, as all of you depart and move on to a new stage and take yet another step in your lives as it gradually unfolds, I pray that your paths will be straight, and opportunities and friendships will blossom like flowers, abundant in spring (a season you will actually get to experience). Be confident and patient as you begin to build a home away from home, for in time things will settle down and so will you. Study hard, stay focused and have fun! Take care and God bless!
Love all of you so much.
P.S. Help me look out for a cute petite brunette girl, long brown/golden hair, about 170cm tall, and import her to Singapore by FedEx, not UPS because they always make deliveries when you’re not home. I’ll pay for the shipment fee, and rest assured, I will take care of her.
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| As it draws nearer towards the end of the year. Pressure begins to mount. Education gradually overwhelms. The weight of expectation upon my shoulders. Trials are hard, tribulations are harder. Every movement scrutinized, and thereafter analyzed by the critiques of the household. Words that build or destroy. Actions that aid or curse. Liberation is near but the path is to it is narrow and the directions are a blur. No time to talk, no time to walk, no time to jog, it is time to run. Sprint and finish with pride. Do not let the burden of regret dwell after completion. Do not fear competition. The future is scary yet intriguing. We cannot stop, we must move. Only forward for backwards is old. Depend on yourself, then on others. Pain is futile, glory is impermanent.
Once again,
And everything shall come to pass. | | |
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Track and Field was something I never thought I would ever be a part of. However, I was proven wrong. So many memories, full of tears, blood and sweat. Painful memories are amongst those memories, but there are so many more fun-filled ones. People I thought I would never meet, or ever talk to, are now some of my closest friends…
Nationals. During this time, our nerves begin to shake. Sleepless, anxious, thought-filled nights. Butterflies in your stomach. All that technique, all those experiences, all that advice given to you by your coach, replaying over and over in your head, again and again, until it is finally your turn to compete. You might pour your heart out, do your best, or maybe fall short of your best, probably lacking the composure to do so, and go home empty handed, after all that hard work. Long hours of training. Heat. Pain. Sacrifice. Perseverance. To those who went home with a medal or medals, congratulations. Well, to those that did not, always remember. Even those who did, remember as well. It is not about the competition, it is not about the medal. That short period of competition time, that piece of colored metal, the fame and glory will soon fade. What will remain are the fond memories, of your trainings, with your teammates, coaches. Nostalgic memories, of meeting new people, discovering how to improve your technique, hitting your goals during training with people you love around the witness it. That is what is important and you will realize that your tears were unnecessary. It is not the product but the process.. What matters is the journey...
During this time of competition, we all come together with one common purpose: to do our best to do the school and God proud. Well, the special quality that this competitive period has is that, it brings everyone together. People you see during training, at the fields, at the pits, beside the hurdles, on the benches and running on the track. People you always see but never get the chance to talk to. Well now you do.
Well, our season will come to an end in a few days. But the friendships forged will last a lifetime. We will come together for a meal, as a team for the very last time, for those who are graduating. But we will come together again in the future, as brothers and sisters, close friends.
It is with a heavy heart that my time being in the Track and Field team comes to an end. To all my friends that have been there for me, I thank you. To my coaches, no matter how annoying you can be.. ahem, I will still miss you. Finally, to my beloved douchebag of a junior, Chuen en! I couldn’t have done it without you!
To all who have yet to compete! All the best! Go in faith and confidence, finish with grace.
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| Enter. The entire room is dim. The only source of light faintly flows through the only window in the room, causing the curtain to glow and expose its brilliant pastel colored vintage flowers. The light is reflected on the green wooden curtain frame. The soft sound of the fan spinning is heard, everything else is silent. The silhouette of a fence could be seen. “Sleeping soundly, silently. Such peace rendered unto you. Such sweet, sweet peace, O’ you tender child. Your eyes have not met the Sun; neither have your feet set foot on the warm earth. Your soul is in deep slumber, patiently waiting to surface like a submarine hidden by the depths of the sea. You have yet to travel the world, to see the wonders of the Grand Canyon, the magnificent glaciers of Alaska, the gorgeousness that winter brings to the cherry blossoms in Japan. So much you have not yet witnessed, but you will, les the world comes to an end.” Complete silence, the curtains dance as the fan blows. Exit.
Enter. There is a swing in the middle of the park. The surroundings are shrouded in a fuzzy mysterious tint of grey, distorting much detail. Everything is monochrome except the sky blue overalls of the boy that is seated on the swing. “Time has been kind, your cheeks are rosy like the flesh plucked cherries of spring. I see you have learnt to run, laugh and smile. I have a message: The life ahead of you-“ “Who are you?" [laughs] “Well child, I am-“ [he giggles] “Sorry Mommy says I am not allowed to talk to strangers” [he exits and fades into the black] “-The life ahead of you will be tough dear child. The Sun’s heat will scorch you, the earth will collapse on you, but there is still time… Everything is not lost… Your life awaits you, they await you…” Exit. Now everything fades to black.
Enter. The entire bus is filled with the voices of children. He sits alone, be seated next to him. “What nuisance is imposed on your mind dear boy?” “Everything… is painful”. “Look up, everything is not lost. This is merely the spark to the fire that will come. The blazing inferno that you will overcome, you have yet to experience blood and sweat so look up. Your days are numbered, so why count? Instead look forward into the distant future and know that it will be good”. “But-“ “But do not doubt, for everything will come to an end, but your end is not yet”. Exit. Everything is engulfed by the high-pitched laughter of children.
Enter. The hall is packed with people. A man stands on the stage. He looks across the mass of people, expecting, waiting for something. People are squeezing, walking all over the place, dressed the same. “My mind is confused, my soul filled with discontent”. “Do not fear. The best memories of your life will come from these years. Savor and enjoy them, know that they are good. Trials and tribulations will come, pain and pleasure you will find. Pause for a moment to think, but do not dwell, for dwelling will spell your doom.” He looks up and says nothing. “Do not sit on fences, do not be water that is Luke-warm. Savor every moment. Seize every second. Time will fly past, quickly. Everything will change do not wait. Everything will fall apart, do not wait”. [pause] He looks up and says nothing. “I beseech you, do not wait, if not-” Exit.
Enter. “You have failed me, this regret overwhelms me. This boulder before me, I can barely break. The tides are against me and the wind opposes me. The stars, they fade into the darkness of the night. The moon- is sick and yellow. Empty vessel- Empty vessels make the most noise, empty vessels make the most noise. God, where is thy hand that rescues thee? I require an honest soul to simply say that everything that wears or wrecks can be whole again, my soul. No? My dear boy, you have become a man. Yet as your body gets bigger your heart gets torn up. Your cynical heart. You misanthrope. My dear boy, Life is- I know. Be still! Listen to me, child! I am- I know, I know. But, worry not about what tomorrow brings, for tomorrow will worry about itself”. Exit.
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