"Don't let the number define your life" said my Vice-Principal a long time ago.
It's easier said than done.
Today was the inaugural day-release of the long awaited O'level results. Firstly, I would like to congratulate my secondary school, for breaking a record- they produced a 7-pointer. Well done!!
Next, I would like to congratulate my SCAP attachee, Jun Jia, for getting 10 points! the thing was, on Wednesday night, he was still worried that he might get like 21 points? but? !!! He damn pro can! CONGRATS. unfortunately, he is not intending to stay in pjc =(
A year ago, I shared the same feeling on many individuals who collected their results today. Some went with confidence, knowing for sure that they will do well, but they are also some, who went with fear, knowing that their fate is just a few steps away.
I,of course, went with fear. disappointment. i got 17. What a score! so much for studying 2 weeks before O'levels. hah. that explains.
Today, I felt really stupid, hearing from many sources, this batch of O'level graduates did pretty well. Single-points is the new IN. Suddenly, i felt very low. and affected. NO doubt, my fate has already been decided a year ago, in fact, many years ago, the day i stepped into Juying Secondary, i cannot help, but felt a wave of emotions engulfing me. I was overwhelmed. with disappointment. and regrets.
I regretted not studying hard for my O'levels. really. As I typed this entry, my mind began to drift away...to 4 years ago...
if i had study hard enough.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Humanity is the greatest challenge
The growth in human population and rising consumption have exceeded the planet's ability to support us, argues John Feeney.
In this week's Green Room, he says it is time to ring the alarm bells and take radical action in order to avert unspeakable consequences. We humans face two problems of desperate importance. The first is our global ecological plight. The second is our difficulty acknowledging the first. Despite increasing climate change coverage, environmental writers remain reluctant to discuss the full scope and severity of the global dilemma we've created. Many fear sounding alarmist, but there is an alarm to sound and the time for reticence is over. We've outgrown the planet and need radical action to avert unspeakable consequences. This - by a huge margin - has become humanity's greatest challenge. If we've altered the climate, it should come as no surprise that we have damaged other natural systems. From deforestation to collapsing fisheries, desertification, the global spread of chemical toxins, ocean dead zones, and the death of coral reefs, an array of interrelated declines is evidence of the breadth of our impact. Add the depletion of finite resources such as oil and ground-water, and the whole of the challenge upon us emerges.
Barring decisive action, we are marching, heads down, toward global ecological collapse. Web of life We're dismantling the web of life, the support system upon which all species depend. We could have very well entered the "sixth mass extinction"; the fifth having wiped out the dinosaurs. Though we like to imagine we are different from other species, we humans are not exempt from the threats posed by ecological degradation.
Analysts worry, for example, about the future of food production. Climate change-induced drought and the depletion of oil and aquifers - resources on which farming and food distribution depend - could trigger famine on an unprecedented scale. Billions could die. At the very least, we risk our children inheriting a bleak world, empty of the richness of life we take for granted.
Alarmist? Yes,
but realistically so. The most worrisome aspect of this ecological decline is the convergence in time of so many serious problems.
Issues such as oil and aquifer depletion and climate change are set to reach crisis points within decades. Biodiversity loss is equally problematic. As a result of their ecological interdependence, the extinction of species can trigger cascade effects whereby impacts suddenly and unpredictably spread. We're out of our league, influencing systems we don't understand. Any of these problems could disrupt society. The possibility of them occurring together is enough to worry even the most optimistic among rational observers. Some credible analyses conclude we've postponed action too long to avoid massive upheaval and the best we can do now is to soften the blow. Others hold out hope of averting catastrophe, though not without tough times ahead.
One thing is certain: continued inaction or half-hearted efforts will be of no help - we're at a turning point in human history. Though few seem willing to confront the facts, it's no secret how we got here. We simply went too far. The growth which once measured our species' success inevitably turned deadly. Unceasing economic growth, increasing per capita resource consumption, and global population growth have teamed with our reliance on finite reserves of fossil energy to exceed the Earth's absorptive and regenerative capacities. Getting a grip We are now in "overshoot"; our numbers and levels of consumption having exceeded the Earth's capacity to sustain us for the long-term. And as we remain in overshoot, we further erode the Earth's ability to support us. Inevitably, our numbers will come down, whether voluntarily or through such natural means as famine or disease. So what can get us out of this mess? First comes awareness. Those in a position to inform must shed fears of alarmism and embrace the truth. More specifically, we need ecological awareness. For instance, we must "get" that we are just one among millions of interdependent species. It's imperative we reduce personal resource consumption.
The relocalisation movement promoted by those studying oil depletion is a powerful strategy in that regard. We need a complete transition to clean, renewable energy. It can't happen overnight, but reliance on non-renewable energy is, by definition, unsustainable. But there is a caveat: abundant clean energy alone will not end our problems. There remains population growth which increases consumption of resources other than energy. We have to rethink the corporate economic growth imperative. On a finite planet, the physical component of economic growth cannot continue forever. In fact, it has gone too far already. As a promising alternative, the field of ecological economics offers the "steady state economy". We must end world population growth, then reduce population size. That means lowering population numbers in industrialised as well as developing nations.
Scientists point to the population-environment link. But today's environmentalists avoid the subject more than any other ecological truth.
Their motives range from the political to a misunderstanding of the issue. Neither justifies hiding the truth because total resource use is the product of population size and per capita consumption. We have no chance of solving our environmental predicament without reducing both factors in the equation. Fortunately, expert consensus tells us we can address population humanely by solving the social problems that fuel it. Implementing these actions will require us all to become activists, insisting our leaders base decisions not on corporate interests but on the health of the biosphere.
Let's make the effort for today's and tomorrow's children.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A few days ago, I wanted to blog about the topic of family. Is modern day life threatening the existence of family? But i decided to do it next time, when I'm free-er.
Today was post Orientation 1.
Really had a great time and how I wish every day could be like that-carefree. I feel that the OGLs really did a wonderful job,both in O1 and Post O1, i cannot really put my thoughts into words, but i feel good interacting with them. O1 really widen up my social circle and it feels good to walk around in school and out of nowhere, someone appear in front of you and simply give you a smile, a wave, a hi, a bye. heh.
You know, though I've always wanted to be in the top 5 JCs, today, something in PJC touched me. As I was singing the school song, i felt a sudden flow of emotions, the sense of belonging and pride. The Pioneer Spirit. I feel proud to be a Pioneer. <3> As we walked out of school, heading for supper, some of us
started singing the council song
Today is the day, We've taken our
place, it's special beyond words can say
A change of lifetime, a gift that
life bless us with;The road will be rough and times will be tough
But
together we stand as one
We put our will in one voice, and move off in a
heart
And together we'll see it, through till the end;It's been like eons since someone sang this song, it really brought back many beautiful memories. How we started as individual elects,coming together to form a council. How we hated and gossiped about each other ( though now we still bitch about one another, but like wad Jeremy said, as long as, at the end of the day, we can till eat at one table, it's already a blessing)So stand up right, today we are stars,together we'll shine
and never give up
This passion burns with an unceased fire,no matter how
tough we're there to face
Cause we've made up our minds, the path we're gonna
take
to rise above;for the CALLING TO SERVECouncil is special. Talking about council, I've two new attachees : Jun Jia and Shu Yi, I believed they are all potential councilors, leaders in the making. Unpolished jewel! haha Great to know both of them!!After supper, headed home with Yang Yi, talked a little bit along our way but he had to make a move first as his dad came and fetch him.
Then suddenly, i felt very lonely and cold. I felt lost.I could hear the silence, my own breathing and my mind was racing with time. Thought about many things, how my past years have been. Ever since I received Christ 4 years ago, looking at my life now, everything seems to irrelevant,so far,basically, it's history. I remembered my secondary days,my classmates, my prefects,my teachers. S11 came into my mind, how silly we were back in J1 etc etc..
I missed the bus.I was left alone at the bus stop for half an hour. I sought solitude and found it. I do enjoy nights alone. just me,myself and I. I believe it is where self-reflection can take place, it is the time when we really start thinking and using our brain cells. It is when, we can seek the inner voice and look into our soul. It is when you let your mind loose, absorbing all the sounds and sights of the night. It is the time when you can relax your mind. It is where you find yourself.You know, I'm still contemplating if I should join Jamie's OG tmr for an outing. My pile of homework is yelling at me,literally. I know that if I don't complete, there goes the rest of the month. On the other hand, I feel that I should, as a clan master, show face, but more importantly, I wish to interact with the J1s and the OGLs, i want to make more friends =D and i go wish to see ImH.heh!! but..i know...there should be a limit to everything...grrr...afterall,books are still my best friends =D
Thursday, January 10, 2008
We were late for chemistry tutorial today. Mr Lee made us stand at the back of the class. Sorry Mr Lee =( I have an exciting week coming up because this coming weekend, my mum and I are going shopping for new furniture!! My entire house ( well, that excludes the kitchen and storeroom) will be revamped. All thanks to me, if i have not mentioned the word "change" my 13-year-old cupboards,dressing table,beds and study table will be here to stay.If I have not mentioned the word "change"...A lot of times, as leaders in our respective fields, we are required to call for change. We have to practise initiative if not, people's tongues will wag and start pin-pointing at us. Leaders are supposed to be initiated creatures, far-sighted and must have the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes,as and when necessary. Lewis mentioned something about Promises during our GM yesterday. I thought he spoke very well and what he said, made a lot of sense. I think his words did triggered a little emotions among many councilors that day. We were "forced" to recall what we had promised during elections...." I want to make a DIFFERENCE to the school..I want to do this..I want to do that..." But wait a min? what happened now? Where are the bright eyed people we saw during elections. Where were all the proposals that were supposed to be implemented? what differences have you made to the school? what CHANGES have you done? Let us repent, shall we? for not keeping our PROMISES, we have failed, as leaders. I do not wish to leave pioneer without leaving any mark,if not, my term in the council would have been wasted-totally. I want Pioneers to remember me, I want to be known among the school management, I want the school to regard me as their jewel, someone whom they have "polished" and "manufactured". I entered the school as a rough stone, now, I'm a jewel-something precious. My point is that, we have to start voicing out. We have to initiate, our mind must occasionally be thinking, what can i do to make pioneer a better place? How can i help our Pioneers have a memorable time in PJC? how? how? and then we have to bring these "ideas" to the table-to discuss. We have to talk about it, discuss its feasibility,examine the drawbacks,look at the advantages. This is what we should be doing. calling for CHANGES. If we don't do this, there will be no continuous improvement, our lives in pioneer will be stagnant,so will our character.no growth,nothing at all.When there is a time to talk, you TALK,but when there are times that we need to lie low,we keep our mouth shut. But now, obviously, start talking,create CHANGES. Thankfully, I called for changes. We'll see soon. Today's PE lesson was shiok.Bench PT. love Mr Kwok lah.hahahaha Things to ponder about: Do you have a habit of deleting your Drafts ( in ur hand phone)?
Saturday, January 5, 2008
" This is the best Orientation in 3 years" She said.
The teachers stayed back, the seniors came back, pioneers joined in the fun, the freshmen were all overwhelmed by the joyous spirit,cheering,dancing-enjoying themselves
My eyes sting and I felt a tug in my heart. I was touched,very touched. What Jeremy said was true- the best thing that you ever want to hear is not, "hey, that councillor did a good job","or Orientation group leaders were very enthusiastic", the BEST thing that we want to see, is smiles on the freshmen's faces. Seeing that, makes our hearts contented. Our many nights of typing proposal, our countless arguments, long-hours of meeting, pressure from teachers all paid off. This is the BEST reward.
To my Alpha OGLs, Shaun, Hidaya,Ting Wei, Yanen,Dejin,Jamie,Poh Yee and Azra and to my council attachees and asst clan master, Wilfred,Seow Huan,Sabrina and Bong Yap, your efforts paid off, and really want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of you. You've completed Alpha.
I didn't really expect Orientation to end like that, yes,no doubt I've pictured the finale many months ago, but I didn't' expect myself to feel the "ouch". Orientation changed me.a lot. I've learnt to work as a team. Jeremy is right again. The 8th Council consists of many outstanding individuals,we have different talents but yet as leaders of the school, we fail to work together. But Orientation did the miracle. It brought our relationship to another level,seriously.It taught us the importance of teamwork. Without one another, Orientation wouldn't have been a resounding success. The 8th Council and the OGLs wouldn't have left our legacy. Pioneers'07
8th Student Council, where Stars unite. I used to joke about it. It should be where the Shit unite. But that night, my impression changed. I saw how people value council work so much. I saw the potential, once hidden, in some of the people that I've never imagine. I felt their love for council.
No doubt we might quarrel and bitch about one another, but like what Jeremy said, as long as at the end of the day, after all the quarrels and bitching session, we can still have dinner together, it really really meant something. I'm looking forward to a brand new 8th Council. We have blossomed.
However, having said all that, we know that Jeremy is leaving us. Let's start appreciating one another,shall we? To Jeremy, all the best! You'll be missed.
Oh ya, just in case any ruggers read my blog, I'm really fine with the touch rug girls and the rugby boys, maybe it is just two of the boys that really stick out like a sore thumb =/
Will history repeat itself? I ask myself time and time again. I believe it will. It is the fact that they cannot keep sowing into a ground that is hard, infertile land, there will be no reaping of harvest. They'll have to come to a point when they stopped doing what they do and leave it to Him. I think the moment has come. right?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Why was time given wings? Now, they travel so much faster.
Standing at the ram, as i gazed at the J2 students, no longer my seniors, but my peers. Yes, I'm J2. It was not so long ago that I stood in the Hall, ready for Orientation,ready to an entire new beginning, a fresh chapter of my life as in step in Pioneer Junior College. Look at me now, I'm J2
A year has passed, with or without my knowledge. There is no time to lose, we all know it. A levels is gonna come and go. Either you rise up to the occasion, and defeat this monster or let it crumple you, destroy your life. Your Future is in your hands.
I still remember how i felt as a freshman. Full of fear and uncertainty, longing for the secondary school life, how we were spoon-fed, from notes to collecting of consent forms. We were all very dependent on the people around us. Now, things are different.We're on our own. really.
And how unlucky to start 2008, with the introduction on my new P.E teacher. He is a national rugger. Tough by nature. short shorts and very very fit. I'm damn scared can. serious. it's like another Mr Dan Koh, who nicknamed me gu niang, just because i couldn't do his tug jump, or something along that line. grrrrr...
gosh. I'm tired. Orientation 08. two more days to go. Jiayou!