The SMU interview went pretty smoothly today. Just got frightened by the essay and comprehension tests. It's quite crazy and taxing given that I have not written an entire proper GP essay since A levels. Shall divulge the qns here.
1) Are you an idealist or a pragmatist?
2) How useful do you think reward systems is in shaping and directing a human's behaviour?
Hmm, so how? Shocking huh? At least i was even shortlisted for the interview which means i'm the lucky 1800 out of 7000 applicants. I wonder how they decide? haha
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Dedicated to all NJC basketballers
I'm not exactly a very outspoken person, I do not know how to express myself correctly in spoken words but I really do understand how all of you are feeling right now. The match against RJC was simply phenomenon. I watched as all of you triumphed over RJ during half-time, during the 3rd quarter. It was an exceptional showcase of talent. All of you had me standing up applauding. It isn't exactly fair to blame the referee entirely for his misjudgements but i'm sure the results would be different if the match was officiated by another referee.
I watched all of you toiled under the hot sun, perspiring training after training, pushing your body to the limit for the common goal of acheiving something for NJC basketball.
It is a sort of feeling that no one else understands apart from those in NJC basketball. Do not despair because in my heart, all of you are the victors! You have put up real solid defense and setting the benchmark for the most defensive team in A division match. Diving for every loose ball became the trademark of every NJ basketball match. The countless games played, the memories forged in the malaysia trip last year, the jokes, laughters, angst, anger are something only exclusive to us. Cherish the time with each other. One day we are going to look back to this very day and tell ourselves that we are never going to make this mistake again.
I watched all of you toiled under the hot sun, perspiring training after training, pushing your body to the limit for the common goal of acheiving something for NJC basketball.
It is a sort of feeling that no one else understands apart from those in NJC basketball. Do not despair because in my heart, all of you are the victors! You have put up real solid defense and setting the benchmark for the most defensive team in A division match. Diving for every loose ball became the trademark of every NJ basketball match. The countless games played, the memories forged in the malaysia trip last year, the jokes, laughters, angst, anger are something only exclusive to us. Cherish the time with each other. One day we are going to look back to this very day and tell ourselves that we are never going to make this mistake again.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Went for the first lesson of french today! It's kinda exciting and fun to learn a new language
Despite the small numbers in our classes, our french teacher made it quite an enjoyable atmosphere to grasp the language.
An example of a conversation.
A: Bonjour Monsieur! Je suis Madamemoiselle A. Comment vous appelez-vous?
B: Bonjour! Je m'appelle Monsieur B.
A: Enchante Monsieur B!
B: Enchante Madamemoiselle A!
A: Au revoir
B: Au revoir
Ok it sounds rather childish but yeah it almost summed up 50 percent of what I have learnt today! Proud of myself!
Despite the small numbers in our classes, our french teacher made it quite an enjoyable atmosphere to grasp the language.
An example of a conversation.
A: Bonjour Monsieur! Je suis Madamemoiselle A. Comment vous appelez-vous?
B: Bonjour! Je m'appelle Monsieur B.
A: Enchante Monsieur B!
B: Enchante Madamemoiselle A!
A: Au revoir
B: Au revoir
Ok it sounds rather childish but yeah it almost summed up 50 percent of what I have learnt today! Proud of myself!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Got shortlisted for SMU School of Business interview. Was quite a random day, watching gridiron gang in my office when the clerk called and told me to report to Lee Kong Chian School Of Business in SMU on tuesday 7pm. Ain't exactly prepared for any business interview given the inadequacy of my business knowledge and minimal interest back then in college days. But was rather grateful for being given this opportunity to present myself in front of them.
Had another cohesion day for NMS in the afternoon at Eng Wah Cinemas watching another random documentary by Al Gore titled "An Inconvenient Truth." Although some people dozed off during the screening, I paid my full attention to that"movie" as it was rather engaging and shocking. The Chinese always have this saying " 饮水思源“。Since Mother Earth is so kind as to provide us with the nurturing environment to live in, we should reciprocate and contribute in whatever means we can back to her. The CO2 concentration on earth is rising dramatically due to the relentless burning of fossil fuels, indiscriminate cutting of trees thus depleting our oxygen supply and causing global warming and in turn a rise in global temperature. The melting of polar ice caps, rising of water levels, desertification of once fertile land casuing drought and famine. It sets me thinking sometimes whether industrialisation is a good thing after all. Perhaps we should all live in the medieval/primitive ages, where we do not impose on our environment and learn to cherish it since our very exist is dependant on the climate of it. There is a solution to global warming however. That everyone is to do their own part. Although a person's effort may be insignificant, given the cumulative effect of many selfless individuals, our actions will no longer take a toil on the environment. This way we can ensure that our offsprings or the offsprings of our descendants will be able to enjoy living in a warm and comfortable environment just as we do. :)
Had another cohesion day for NMS in the afternoon at Eng Wah Cinemas watching another random documentary by Al Gore titled "An Inconvenient Truth." Although some people dozed off during the screening, I paid my full attention to that"movie" as it was rather engaging and shocking. The Chinese always have this saying " 饮水思源“。Since Mother Earth is so kind as to provide us with the nurturing environment to live in, we should reciprocate and contribute in whatever means we can back to her. The CO2 concentration on earth is rising dramatically due to the relentless burning of fossil fuels, indiscriminate cutting of trees thus depleting our oxygen supply and causing global warming and in turn a rise in global temperature. The melting of polar ice caps, rising of water levels, desertification of once fertile land casuing drought and famine. It sets me thinking sometimes whether industrialisation is a good thing after all. Perhaps we should all live in the medieval/primitive ages, where we do not impose on our environment and learn to cherish it since our very exist is dependant on the climate of it. There is a solution to global warming however. That everyone is to do their own part. Although a person's effort may be insignificant, given the cumulative effect of many selfless individuals, our actions will no longer take a toil on the environment. This way we can ensure that our offsprings or the offsprings of our descendants will be able to enjoy living in a warm and comfortable environment just as we do. :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Just completed a 4km run. Almost died of chest pain and asthma attack. Running when u're sick totally ruins the -enjoy the night wind- mood. This short 4km run seemed like running an ultramarathon with Mr Yong next to me. Not only was it enervating, my energy seem to be drained off in an increasing rate with every step taken. Seems like my training for 10km run in the morning tmrw will have to be postponed.
Well, at least today was a meaningful day. I managed to enquire about part-time courses in MDIS. After much contemplation, I reckon that a professional diploma would serve me best. Especially when I have nothing much to do in NS. Shall enrich myself so that I will be ready for the workforce soon. Went to Inlingua to enrol for my part-time french course which commences this saturday. Can't wait! The people there were very friendly as they kept entertaining me despite my incessant remarks and questions. Saw my primary school fren there taking korean as well. The most remarkable thing is that I witness a german guy speaking moderately fluent mandarin to the receptionist. Suddenly became motivated to speak fluent french as well. Haha.
Came across a very meaingful phrase written by Max Lucado about true love. In a short anecdote, a man told his wife that "I'd rather do nothing with you than to do something without you." Hmm, was quite touched by this sentence. However, sometimes I do wonder whether such true love really exist in this morally depraved and seemingly deplorable world..Does it?
Well, at least today was a meaningful day. I managed to enquire about part-time courses in MDIS. After much contemplation, I reckon that a professional diploma would serve me best. Especially when I have nothing much to do in NS. Shall enrich myself so that I will be ready for the workforce soon. Went to Inlingua to enrol for my part-time french course which commences this saturday. Can't wait! The people there were very friendly as they kept entertaining me despite my incessant remarks and questions. Saw my primary school fren there taking korean as well. The most remarkable thing is that I witness a german guy speaking moderately fluent mandarin to the receptionist. Suddenly became motivated to speak fluent french as well. Haha.
Came across a very meaingful phrase written by Max Lucado about true love. In a short anecdote, a man told his wife that "I'd rather do nothing with you than to do something without you." Hmm, was quite touched by this sentence. However, sometimes I do wonder whether such true love really exist in this morally depraved and seemingly deplorable world..Does it?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Nostalgic Day!
Woke up at 5.30am, take bus 24 to tanah merah, hitch a ride on the shuttle bus to CNB. The cycle is becoming more and more like a daily routine alr. From a fresh private out of tekong ( 5 days :) ) , to various postings such as clementi camp, TNB, mindef and eventually CNB, I have almost mastered the art of utilising my travelling time to my advantage. To put it in simplest term, it means sleeping comfortably in the bus.
Felt better today, but still a lil headache and cough plus sore throat. My supervisor was quite kind, he asked me to take an MC from the MO so that i can go home and rest. Well the MO showed me grace by giving me a day's MC. Went to support NJ's bball match after that first. It was extremely exciting to see the juniors play bball cos somehow it evokes feelings of nostalgia as well as a sense of familiarity which couldn't be found in any other matches which i have watched. Although NJ lost the match by 32-50, their defense was extremely solid given that their defensive flaws were greatly minimized. However, some of their attempts to score were rather unlucky as the ball failed to find the net. I find that NJ is the deserving winner for that match but oh well, it's over and there's no use brooding over it. Basketball is a sport that requires luck, guess lady luck left NJ for a moment today.
Really miss the days when i was training with the team, the camaraderie, the funny/partially sick jokes, the sweat, the blood, the agony, the pain, the sense of triumph, the fear of losing. All these memories will stay with me as long as I live. I would describe these days as the best few days in my life. Although i did not make it to the team then due to the lack of experience but i will not give up basketball and continue working towards my goal. Short people have their pride too! Haha. Shall look forward to more interesting things to do, courses to enrol in for now. Ps. I'm going to sign up for driving courses soon, hopefully will pass with flying colours and get a car real soon. Transportation will not be an issue when that day approaches. Shall end here then.
Felt better today, but still a lil headache and cough plus sore throat. My supervisor was quite kind, he asked me to take an MC from the MO so that i can go home and rest. Well the MO showed me grace by giving me a day's MC. Went to support NJ's bball match after that first. It was extremely exciting to see the juniors play bball cos somehow it evokes feelings of nostalgia as well as a sense of familiarity which couldn't be found in any other matches which i have watched. Although NJ lost the match by 32-50, their defense was extremely solid given that their defensive flaws were greatly minimized. However, some of their attempts to score were rather unlucky as the ball failed to find the net. I find that NJ is the deserving winner for that match but oh well, it's over and there's no use brooding over it. Basketball is a sport that requires luck, guess lady luck left NJ for a moment today.
Really miss the days when i was training with the team, the camaraderie, the funny/partially sick jokes, the sweat, the blood, the agony, the pain, the sense of triumph, the fear of losing. All these memories will stay with me as long as I live. I would describe these days as the best few days in my life. Although i did not make it to the team then due to the lack of experience but i will not give up basketball and continue working towards my goal. Short people have their pride too! Haha. Shall look forward to more interesting things to do, courses to enrol in for now. Ps. I'm going to sign up for driving courses soon, hopefully will pass with flying colours and get a car real soon. Transportation will not be an issue when that day approaches. Shall end here then.
Monday, March 23, 2009
First ever blog!
Yay! This is my first ever blog!
I always wanted to create a new blog but couldn't find the time and lazy to do. Since i'm sick today then might as well spend fruitful time at home doing something. A summary of my life currently, I'm planning to take a diploma in accounting and perhaps take up part time french courses so that next time i can migrate to france and never see Singapore again. :)
NS is boring, really boring because theres nothing really important for u to do. People once said that u live for the future, but I live for the present only at the moment. How i wish time flies so that i can hurry up take my degree and start my whole new university life. Education in Singapore is seriously flawed, we have to study so so long just to get an A level certificate only to lose the knowledge we have acquired in NS. Singapore is such a studying-driven society that we rarely stop to think of what we are actually doing or what we actually want in our lives. Therefore, because of this scenario, I'm stucked in a dilemma of choosing from the myriad of courses available in respective universities. Haix, not sure what to put as my choice. Business, chem engineering, medicine etc.. If only i worked harder in my JC years, then probably i would have been able to get the courses i want without facing such stiff competition. But i really cherished my JC life when comparing that with NS. If only, i could retain and do better for As this year. Life has too many " IF ONLYs". That is why i will do my best to be forward looking and not ponder over the mistakes made in the past.
Being in NS also made me cherish people more. Friendships are really important in my life. Especially when my working hours do not allow me to go out and socialise with people other than my CNB mates. But i really thank the CNB mates for illuminating my life with their own experiences and occasionally peppering my life with advices that may or may not apply to me since i'm currently the youngest in the entire CNB camp. :) For people whom i hurt in the past, please forgive me because it wasn't intentional. And i really thank those who made an impact in my life shaping me into the current me. I shall be optimistic for now.
I always wanted to create a new blog but couldn't find the time and lazy to do. Since i'm sick today then might as well spend fruitful time at home doing something. A summary of my life currently, I'm planning to take a diploma in accounting and perhaps take up part time french courses so that next time i can migrate to france and never see Singapore again. :)
NS is boring, really boring because theres nothing really important for u to do. People once said that u live for the future, but I live for the present only at the moment. How i wish time flies so that i can hurry up take my degree and start my whole new university life. Education in Singapore is seriously flawed, we have to study so so long just to get an A level certificate only to lose the knowledge we have acquired in NS. Singapore is such a studying-driven society that we rarely stop to think of what we are actually doing or what we actually want in our lives. Therefore, because of this scenario, I'm stucked in a dilemma of choosing from the myriad of courses available in respective universities. Haix, not sure what to put as my choice. Business, chem engineering, medicine etc.. If only i worked harder in my JC years, then probably i would have been able to get the courses i want without facing such stiff competition. But i really cherished my JC life when comparing that with NS. If only, i could retain and do better for As this year. Life has too many " IF ONLYs". That is why i will do my best to be forward looking and not ponder over the mistakes made in the past.
Being in NS also made me cherish people more. Friendships are really important in my life. Especially when my working hours do not allow me to go out and socialise with people other than my CNB mates. But i really thank the CNB mates for illuminating my life with their own experiences and occasionally peppering my life with advices that may or may not apply to me since i'm currently the youngest in the entire CNB camp. :) For people whom i hurt in the past, please forgive me because it wasn't intentional. And i really thank those who made an impact in my life shaping me into the current me. I shall be optimistic for now.
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