Showing posts with label poly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poly. Show all posts

Friday, January 11, 2013

Pre-semester Stress Disorder

Oh. My. Goodness. 

My heart just raced ahead when I saw how much work there is waiting for me when the new semester starts. And I thought to myself, why am I doing this again? Oh right, I need the degree certificate to aid my life. 

Going to a local university has got to be a wrong decision on my part. But, I just want to be that few percentage of Polytechnic graduates who get to go to a local University, to show that I can make it too. If I get emotional over it, so be it. I have no choice but to grit my teeth and go along. It will be worth it in the end, wouldn't it? At least I get to be an undergraduate and wear the gown, right? At least, there is a sense of pride when I said I'm from XXX. 

As the saying goes, "when Life gives you lemons, you make lemonade". 

God, I feel pathetic to be so affected by academia, just when the government and society is downplaying on academic achievements. I should be letting go! This is my second last year in an educational institution, for goodness sake! Why am I still so strung up about grades and projects?! Why indeed? 

I need a therapist. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Viva La Liberte

I'm free! Well, not really. But this is as close as it gets.

I'm done with the social work project which I have been ranting about for days. I'm done with the presentation as well which is miles apart from what I used to do in Poly.

I don't do last minute work. Therefore, I cannot stand it when some people came along and change my views. I'm ashamed by my own actions, you know? I've done quite a lot so why is it I'm feeling guilty? Is it because I slept when the others were doing till the wee morning? But, I have done my fair share of work.

It's definitely a culture shock. I promise myself I will never do anything like this again.

I'm left with one last project for economics and then it's time for the examinations. It's going to be another headache and heartache.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

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.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

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.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Anti-climatic

Yesterday was the second day back to school, or more appropriately, University. I would say it's quite anti-climatic. With all hype surrounding University, I had thought that things will be a little more "exciting" but no, it's just normal.

Perhaps, I will worry again when the tutorials start proper. Afterall, projects are a big deal and I am really scared that I will end up with less-than stellar group members.

A friend told me that University can be lonely and I can see why. There is no fixed class, therefore, a friend for this tutorial does not mean she will be there for the other tutorial. We are all drifting souls, going from one place to another.

I realise that since the end of Polytechnic, I have been worrying non-stop throughout the months of holidays.

First, I worried about not getting offers from Universities. Then, I worried about whether I made the right choice in not choosing SMU Business. After which, I worried about whether Arts and Social Sciences is a good choice and whether the major I intended to do would be a good track for me. Now, I have to worry about all sorts of miscellaneous stuff; group members, exams, projects, tutorials, locations for classes, printing services etc.

I admit I am a worrier and I will get wrinkles sooner or later. I've been wound too tightly for years.

Friday, August 12, 2011

First Day Jitters

You would have thought that at 20 I would have gotten over the first-day jitters. After all, I've enough experience of being a new kid in school. But no, of course not, even adults will experience butterflies in their stomachs on the first day to work.

In a way, I am glad that school term is here, again. It brings closure and I've been waiting for the axe to drop anyway.

University is pretty intimidating, isn't it? When you have to take a bus to get to the library, you know you are in it bad.

I miss my Poly! I miss the library and the facilities. I had spend many happy hours sleeping on the study tables. I miss the Business School's computer labs and its printers where we can print whatever we want. On top of everything, I miss the close proximity the school provides.

Sighs, I never thought I will be saying this but circumstances change. I do miss the tough times which bring sweet returns. I have been really lucky in Poly and I hope to be in University too.

I cannot lose my touch.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Uncharted Waters

Am I ready for University? The answer is no. I am freaking out over it. It’s happening too fast and it’s too real.

Perhaps the thought of it being no child’s play makes me so jittery. Perhaps the thought of not doing well turns me off.
The local University scene is notorious for being “too high standard” for Polytechnic graduates. Parents and students have been lamenting for years how it is unfair to them and how they have to seek out overseas Universities.

I know they said it is tougher for Poly graduates and I am worried about that.

I get into one by my sheer hard work. I am proud of the fact and yes, I surprise myself. But now the real challenge begins.

It’s one thing to get accepted and another to graduate with a degree, nevermind honours. So can you blame me for not wanting to make sure my roll continues? It isn’t easy to get in and it isn’t easy to maintain. I don’t want to be labelled as that “University dropout”.

As the last days of holidays bring me closer to reality, there is a battle of 3-4 years in front of me. It’s uncharted waters ahead, and my standards for myself and the aspirations from relatives and family stress me out.
My most primal fear is fear itself. There I said it. I am afraid of not adapting well. I am afraid I make the wrong choice. I am afraid of having regrets because I choose this path. Even if I do regrets, I have no one to blame but me.

I am afraid of hitting road blocks and too-high hurdles. I am afraid of examinations. I am afraid of not doing well enough. I am afraid of failing myself. I am afraid of having to work with not good groupmates. I am afraid of finding a job afterwards.

I worry too much but how can I not? I am lucky in Polytechnic and I can only hope that I will be blessed in University.

I am messed up.

Friday, April 15, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Plan C

Crap! I just found out that I screwed something up. It is seriously depressing. I just realised that I left out the checklist when I was submitting the supporting documents to NUS.

All these time, I was only following what the NUS application guide brochure said. It was only today, when I looking through the website that I realised it. It's like a month too late. My mood fell immediately. Will I get a penalty for not doing that? Will it affect my application? NUS is my top choice! What will I do if this application falls through because of such a stupid mistake?!

I emailed the University and hopefully, they will give some good advice. I know, it's too late to make amendments. If anything untoward was to happen, then it is my fault.

I don't know what is wrong with me. Things have been wrong and I am getting so jittery nowadays. So what if I get a Diploma with Merit? It cheered me up but with all the things happening now with Universities, I don't know if that will be of any help.

I am thinking of worst-case scenarios if my worst nightmares come true and find myself in some parallel universe. Say I did not get in this year, what will I do? I will need to look for a job, go for a vacation, take up driving lessons and maybe do community work to boost my credentials. I will try again next year for Universities and this time, I will register for SIM too. There, it's only 1 year, one freaking year wasted.

I will look ridiculous, won't I? People have been telling me that with such grades, I should have no problem getting into a local University. Now that I have a Diploma with Merit and on the Honours List for being top 10%, it should boost my chances. But, why am I still so afraid and worried?

I have such fears and worries that I am too confident of my chances. Why can't I be satisfy like some people? Why did I have the thinking that a degree will lead to better opportunities in life? I am going crazy soon.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Freaked Out

I'm officially disturbed by SMU application. List 3 CCAs you considered to be important to you, what the crap, I only have 1 in secondary school. Anyway, I managed to squeeze out 3 for myself. One as a member, one as a committee member and the other for community service. Thank goodness the teacher elected me as a committee member.

I have finally applied to SMU although I have yet to send out the supporting documents.

I'm so jittery now. For one, I am freaked out by the mere thought of interviews in NTU and SMU. For that alone, I am determined to enter NUS. I know, pretty silly of me, but what can I say? After the interviews, I will be freaked out whether I'd screwed them up. I will sort of rest easy when the time for joint online acceptance comes.

Then, I will be worrying about the horrors of orientation. Gods, I sure have lots of things to worry about. And I entertained the thought of how carefree I'll be if I do not have such ambitions.

You know, if I have not done well the first semester and subsequently, just breezed through the rest of the semesters with Bs and Cs, I wonder if I will ever think about going to a local University which resulted in all these worries.

If only I can be contented with a part-time job and work full-time without a degree. If only in my dreams. I can't, that's not who I want to be. I want to have at least a degree. It is a common perception that having a degree will result in more opportunities in life.

I admire those people who have the means and will-power to drop everything they have in Singapore and leave for an overseas University. Afterall, it has been a dream of mine to study overseas until recently.

Ok, let's tackled things one by one. Interviews first and then the rest. I just need some time to breathe and conjure up politically-correct answers.

I need to have choices, damn it. That being said, please, let it not be just SMU which will accept me. I know I should be pleased to have a place, but I don't want to have to choose between SMU and nothing.

I have forgotten to mention about one very important aspect. Additional Mathematics. Yes, the bane of existence in secondary school. SMU and NTU requires one to have a good pass in A Maths, are you kidding me?! I don't even know if my C5 grade is acceptable. I can't go through an entrance exam in A Maths, I will just give up and walk away. Not after so many years of putting the misery behind me...

I am proud of my A Maths grade. It took me huge effort to get from F9 to C5. But, heck no, I am not going through the torture again. I'll take up tuition if I have to, but please, not an exam on A Maths. Not now.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Over & Out

Exams are over and I'm out of school!

Phew, the relief I felt after the Legal Aspects of Business paper ended was indescribable. That feeling of high tension I put myself through to keep my pace was gone as soon as the clock stroke 4.30pm.

It wasn't the difficult paper I envisioned and I finished it with time to spare. I found it doable, just like Managerial Account 2.

Now, eyes will be on my final grades for the semester, which will either make or break my cumulative GPA. For studies, I have never wanted something more than I want my GPA to reflect my hard work. Seriously, I have put in so much effort and sheer hard work this 3 years, and I don't want it to all go to naught just because of one lousy semester.

So, after the paper, my group and I went down to Timbre at Clarke Quay to celebrate. I have never been to that part before so it was truly an experience. Since we reached at about 6pm, we were their first customers.

My friend ordered a Margarita and I drank 2 sips. It was not bad, except that I like it better when the ice melted. We left before the live band started.

And that day was officially the last day of the Poly life. I can't say whether I am sad to leave because I am still not recovering from the "high" that is holidays.

I have push myself really hard these past weeks, even going into computer-celibacy. I never have chance for leisure reading and I cut down on time spent online during the exam season. During projects, all I did was surfed the net for related subjects.

I expect that withdrawal symptoms will kick in soon.

One thing I hope to get fulfil before University starts is to, of course, go for a vacation in the States. Really, really, please. I want to do something for myself once. I need a fairy godmother.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Le Premier Jour

"When Life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand something else"
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First day in school as a senior. Officially.
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Wow, it was a torture waking at 5.30am after a nearly 2 months hiatus. Naturally, buses were full of people but the bus I took had vacant seats.
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When I reached school, the front area near Engineering School had lots of people milling around. I bet most of them were first year students waiting for friends. It's quite funny though.
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Like my friend said, freshmen usually tend to stick around as a class for the first one month or so, and then they will start to spilt into their various groups and cliques.
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For us, we have "been there, done that". I'm quite desensitized.
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The situation in the canteens and buses are going to be bad for the first few weeks. There will be lots of students, all eager to make it. After the original first few weeks, attendance will drop and canteens will have vacant seats again. Not that I like canteen food.
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So, first day lecture was Event Management. I just found out that the month of August will be a holiday (study weeks) for us. It is due to the high participant rate in the Youth Olympics Games and the fact that the few week of September will be the examinations.
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Yay! All the more for me. I can treat it as a minor holiday before the day of reckoning.
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However, rather than cutting study materials short, I guess they squeeze all the syllabus before August. The deadlines for projects are certainly so. Oh boy, projects here and there. Have to start early.
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Well, that's that. Nothing to talk about actually. I'm glad to see my friends. One last year before everything changes. The debacle on JCs, Polys and Universities is making me very nervous and anxious. It's certainly a reality check for me.
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I know that going to University from a Poly route isn't going to be easy, but never have I thought it will be so tedious and difficult. I used to think that as long as I get good results, I can stand a fairly good chance of making it. Now? Not so much.
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I never think of stopping with a Diploma only from Day One. In my opinion, that's really not a choice if I want what I want. Each of us have different thinking, it's how you work it out that matters.
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In the past, I harbour thoughts and plans to go to an overseas University. I still do so, but I guess my dreams are going to crash. Going overseas is and still is my first choice for studies. If I can't make it this time round, there is always higher education like Masters. Then, I'll go overseas.
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At least, I have one year to work things out in my favour. I just need the strength and will-power to do that. If I am not changing now, when will I do so?
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Things aren't looking too good now. Life isn't a bed of roses, I know that. I just never thought that it will be a bed of steel needles. Sighs.
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Having work on Tuesdays and Fridays. Double Sigh.
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Not in Kansas

"Dorothy, you aren't in Kansas anymore"
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How true. It's my new favourite quote. It is versatile and can be applied to any circumstances. I think the meaning behind this quote is "wake up, darling, not everything is what it seems. The things you know of are changing and you have to move on."
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It's most certainly a love/hate relationship between me and education in general. I love to hate it, ranging from studies to going to school to homework etc. At the same time, I hate to feel affection for it. As I just couldn't do without it, can't I?
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Ever since Primary school, it has been repetitive. Holidays end, and I will lament over it. A school year ends, I too lament.
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Sighs, now I'm in Poly, you would have thought that I've wise up. If there is something that still remains, it's this.
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I can't believe I spend my time writing all these instead of posting what I already planned to post. There are a couple of pre-written drafts on topics I've been wanting to post. Yet, these words just flowed and flowed, especially at night.
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One another note, nothing like a look at other blogs and my own entries of the past to get a new perspective of stuff.
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I'm guilty of reading people's blogs, sometimes. It changes my view on things and allows me to reflect.
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I even read my past entries and cringe. Memories best remain as memories. Looking back, I wondered how I weathered through. A human is stronger than I expected.
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Well, well, this blog has exist for a long time, since I picked up the courage to start it. It exists mainly for my pleasure and an outlet to write and keep in touch with English. God knows I need it.
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Yes, over the months, I included slang and what not into my posts, but that's for certain. I live and breathe fanfiction for years. Generally, I hang out at fanfiction site and read those authors' stories.
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Alright, enough already, I should think.
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Monday, September 07, 2009

Poly class BBQ

Wednesday:
Met up with my Poly friends at Downtown East for the class chalet cum BBQ. I've to admit, this is the first time I went for a class BBQ for a Poly class.

Supposed to check in at 2pm, but, due to unexpected circumstances, we went in at only about 5 plus.
Started the fire quite smoothly and the girls just did the work since the guys came later. Ahh well, it's been long since I ate BBQ food. Most of the food were ordered in from the BBQ wholesaler. We only had to get drinks and some more food from the supermarket.
By 7 plus, most of the food were finished and we went up to the room. It's small and on the second floor located to the far end. A distance from the BBQ pit so it was not quite ideal.
They played drinking game but I didn't participate.
At around 9 plus, I went home by bus because I will start working on Thursday afternoon.