The Good & Bad of 2011

I can hardly believe that 2011 is ending! Hold your horses though, because I intend to make good use of the last day of 2011.

Year 2011 is a year full of ups and downs, personally, locally and internationally.

For me, I graduated with a Diploma with Merit and an award for the Kingsmen Creatives Prize. That was the glory of my life, my pride and joy. I was at the top of the world. Then, came the task of choosing a University. I fretted over whether I am good enough to enter a local University and thought that I lost my chance. In the end, I chose NUS and am planning to major in Geography.

I wouldn't say that 2011 is good to me because it isn't. The year seems to hover between good and bad, besides, I am not entirely pleased with myself and the way things are heading. Indeed, I would say that the earlier half of the year was so much better than the later half.

If there is one regret I have for 2011, it is that I failed to fulfil my goal and dream of going to USA. All these years, I worked so hard and am going to reward myself with a bang but yet, it failed to materialise. That goal is still standing. I can only hope that I can fulfil it sooner not later.

In Singapore, this is nerve-wracking year. Toes are trod-on and fingers are pointed at. We witnessed the watershed General Election and Presidential Election. I finally realised that Singapore is not what I thought it to be. I thought that people will be more grateful and thankful for we have, alas, that was not the case. People, especially, the younger generation, have grown contemptuous and cynical. They have grown "fat" from all the coddling and protection.

2011 is a year full of disasters that one can almost say it's a disastrous year. Not only are there earthquakes, floods and tsunamis with thousands of lives lost, there is also the financial crisis that sent countries into debt and the stock markets a-tumbling. The powerhouses of the world are not so powerful after all.

The technological world lost a visionary, Steve Jobs, who redefines technology. The world, too, lost dictators such as Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il.

All in all, it's been a roller-coaster ride of a year. However, I will still miss it simply because the year is gone. The new year ahead seems daunting and tough, for the world economy and for myself. Not to mention, the supposedly end-of-the-world will arrive. I will be entering into my second semester of studies and I have to grit my teeth to bear with it.

For all the pessimism I show, I still have hopes that 2012 will be wonderful as it can be. Besides, the year 2012 is made better already with the thoughts of Sherlock season 2 in January and The Hobbit in December starring both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in both shows. Oh, it's Christmas!

Mid-semester Tests

I am woefully behind in updating since the weeks have been hectic.

I did my first ever mid-semester test in the University on 3rd October, and even though I really put in a lot of effort, the difficulty of the paper killed me.

I got stuck doing MCQs and when I realised I spent too much time on that, I quickly jumped to the short-answer questions. I was slowly doing question 1 and when it was announced that there were only 15 minutes left, I panicked and the rest was history.

My mind went blank and I literally feel cold sweat breaking out. I have never ever experience such a thing before. I scribbled what I can and did the few MCQs left without much thinking. I will be lucky if I pass, that is how bad it is.

I didn't have much time to study for history test which took place the next day. However, I feel that I have done quite alright. We'll see when the results are back. There must be at least one test where I have to do well. If not, it's a double-whammy to my self.

In the Thick of Things

The weeks just past in a blur. It's week 6 now and what have I done? The nightmare has began when I saw all the due dates and the amount of projects I have to do. It's time to get into the thick of things.

I'm really not adapting well into University. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a "model" student. I never was and never will be. I hate to use the word, but I procrastinate too much. 'Tomorrow' is such a beautiful word. But, I can't stand last-minute work too.

I miss TP very much as well as my former group members. I miss the group meetings we had and the hours of discussions about business matters. If there is one thing I got out of University, it is that I finally know what I like.

I like the business viewpoint and how different companies use strategies to grow. I like the practicability of the business world. Above all, I miss the business projects in my entrepreneurship classes.

So then, the question is, did I regret taking Arts and Social Sciences? Perhaps regret is too harsh a word, although sometimes, I find myself questioning my choice. Ultimately, it's my choice.

I don't know if choosing Business Administration at SMU will mean that I will be happier because at that time, I feel jaded about continuing with business. I mean, I hate to go through Organisation Behaviour and Marketing all over again.

Letting Go

Darn it. I've got to learn how to let go. I have to realise I can't get everything I want and that not everything has to go my way.

Why then is it so hard for me to do that? Hey, if there are people better than me, I've no problem letting them take charge. The problem arises when I know that I'm right and I have better ideas. My stakes are high and that's why I must make sure things are on the right track. It's hard to take a step back and look at the issue without a critical eye.

For some reason, some of the slogans that a group member suggests get on me. Having study tourism before and did projects on it, I have to say I have greater experience and knowledge on the topic. Afterall, my former group was steered to great results.

We'll see about this issue tomorrow. Hopefully, the group can choose something great and broad based. I hate to be the "bad guy".

Perhaps, there are times when I'll have to condescend. Sighs, this is not the way I want to do things but group work is all about give and take.

I miss my Poly project group more than ever when I see the depressing way I go about tackling projects at University. I don't know the different people well enough to have the right dynamics.

Voyage de la Vie

On 14th July 2011, the whole family went to watch Voyage de la Vie at Resort World Sentosa.

One ticket originally cost S$100+ but because my uncle's colleague had some special deal, it only cost S$20+. Our seats were the second best from the house, just 3 rows away from the stage!

It's thanks to such deals that we get to watch this kind of theatrical shows. Can you imagine us paying the full price as a family?

It was quite amazing actually. It has a Cirque du Soleil feel to it, except this is smaller in scale. The storyline is pretty simple as the main course is the effects and stunts. I particularly like the one with the crossbow and arrows.

Now, my wish is to watch Lion King at Marina Bay Sands. Truth be told, Lion King appeals to me more than this.  

That afternoon, after my Qualifying English Test at NUS, I went to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 by myself. That was my first time watching a movie alone and I must say, the only bad thing about it is there is no one to discuss with after the movie.

As for the test, well, I think I did alright. Hopefully, I can pass without having to take up any English modules. Fingers crossed.

Three times the Charm?

"Too much of a blessing does not necessary mean a good thing"

Oh gods, I just received a phone call from SMU saying that I have been shortlisted for their Business Management course. The interview and English test is scheduled next Wednesday in the evening.

The problem is, I don't even know if I want to do Business anymore. Furthermore, SMU is not my choice of University.

Now that I have 3 Universities offering me courses, each a different one, this is definitely a dilemma. NUS will be my best bet. NTU Economics is out. As for SMU, well, the course offered is my first choice but do I want to do accounting again? Do I even want to be there?

Anyway, I will go for the interview, if I screwed it up, then it will be fine. All the more I will choose NUS. If I managed to score an offer, well, that's another tale for another day.

One is my second choice in the University I like the best. The other is my first choice in the University l like the least. The problem is should I go for something new or do maths again?

It is better if I did not receive the lousy phonecall at all. Sighs. I have already made up my mind to go into NUS. I know there are a lot of people who want a place in SMU, but given that, I think I should make an out-of-the-box choice.

A few weeks ago I was thinking unsavoury thoughts about what would I do if no Universities were to contact me. Then, NUS came with a salvation. Although it is not my first choice, there was something. I am thrilled. I almost made up my mind.

Few days later, NTU came with an offer of Economics, also my second choice. I would have jump at that months ago if I had not been enlightened. I want to minimise the risk of taking calculus again.

The last surprise is today, when I received that phonecall. It does not mean that I am offered a place, it's just shortlisted for an interview. Now I am more shell-shocked than pleased.

Interviews are not my thing. But I will go through them because there is no choice. My problem with SMU is partly because of this, and that I don't see what the big deal is. Everyone sings the praise of SMU but the way they conduct the classes don't appeal to me. And I had a hard time convincing myself that I don't need to go through calculus or Maths again. Am I quite naive to think that way?

I shouldn't say too much, eh? Else I would put my foot in my mouth if I choose SMU.

Another Offer

I just received an offer of acceptance from NTU to read Economics! I am elated of course. I'm so proud to get selected without an interview. However, while I cheered, this is my second choice. I didn't get chosen for Business once again.

Sighs. Why? Perhaps it is just not meant to be. Anywho, Economics used to be the path I want to take, until I realised how much calculus there are. Econometrics, the sound of it turns me off. So, I decided to wise up and give up the dream of having a Degree in Economics. Yes, it's impressive but why do I jump into the fire pit when I know I'll get burnt?

Putting Economics as my second choice for NTU was meant not to be taken seriously. I feel like I have to expand my limited choices and therefore put 2 courses. Not bad, it's a 50-50 chance.

So, it's a recognition for my efforts and I am thrilled. As for SMU, I'm in a conundrum. On one hand, I don't have a good impression of the University, long story. On the other, I know it's quite a good University. But the idea of an entrance exam and interview just isn't my cup of tea.

Looks like I have one foot in for NUS.

FASS

I went to the NUS Arts and Social Sciences briefing on Wednesday and was late for it. Thankfully, on the way, I met a fellow Poly student who sort of became my first acquaintance. I followed them to the lecture hall which I can never find it by myself.

Wow, it is an upward climb up to lecture theater.

The briefing gave me a lot to think about. My mind is not made up. I do not have a sure choice. I am thinking between Geography and Sociology among others. Sighs, I wish I am not given so many options.

I think the chances of getting another offer from the other Universities is quite bleak. I do not know, my GPA certainly is better than their 90% percentile. Perhaps the competition this year round is just too tough?

I do not know if having a Degree in Arts and Social Sciences is what I wanted. Will it get me a good job in the sector I want?

Swarmed

I'm swarmed by the tons of information and dates should I accept the offer from NUS.

Seems like there is high chance of me doing so. C'mon. Up till now, this is the only offer I received and I am grateful for this opportunity. Besides, the thought of not having to go through an A Maths exam is enough to thrill me.

However, I am not so thrilled when I realise all Polytechnic students have to take the Qualifying English Test. What?! Why? I agree that the last time I had properly wrote an essay was in O levels 4 years ago.

But, I have been editing and writing reports in Polytechnic. I think that my command of English is not that bad. I am nervous about the thought of writing an argumentative essay. I can do reports and factual information, even recommendations, but arguments, not so much. Furthermore, with the heavy usage of writing online with help from spell check and online dictionary, spelling is not my greatest strength. Hence, asking me to put ideas to paper is going to be tough.

Oh dear, oh dear, of course I will take this test over A Maths anytime. I will have to give it my best. Now I know how tough it is for Polytechnic students to get into a University. That being said, I don't regret going into one, because I will not do as well if I were to go into a JC. Believe me, it's a gut feel.

With so many deadlines and tasks to do, I can only hope that my planned trip to the States will go ahead. 10 days should be sufficient to do what I need.

Offer of Acceptance

Pardon me while I do a jig.

Just when my mind is filled with morbid thoughts about not qualifying for University in Singapore, I received an email saying that I got accepted into NUS Arts and Social Sciences. OMG!

As we like to say it "hallelujah"! Wow, I have been waiting and waiting and everyday I started thinking about what to do if I can't make it to University this year. Furthermore, remember when I said I kind of screwed up the application process for NUS? I thought I had ruined my best chance.

NUS Arts and Social Sciences is my second choice in NUS. First is Business Administration. I really do want to do that, since that is what I studied in Polytechnic. I guess my GPA of 3.75 is not good enough. Afterall, I only met the cut-off point of 0.02 based on last year statistics.

Beggars can't be choosers. I am thrilled. Now, regardless of whether NTU or SMU accept me, I have a back-up plan. I like back-up plans.

Of course, if NTU offers me their Business course, I will go for that. If SMU offers me the same course, I don't know if I should choose that or NUS Social Sciences. I think what my mother said make sense, I already have a Diploma in Business and that is sufficent in the working world. A Bachelor of Social Science is a good catch too.

Oh boy, at least, right?