YFC Reflections

YFC 2013 is officially over. I must say that I've learnt the most from YFC as it was PW in action. Though it was tiring, I enjoyed this journey as I've learnt many valuable life lessons from my friends, teachers and volunteers.

 

Well, I was the treasurer/secretary of the group and I must say that it isn't fun to handle money. By the way, I think that I'm pretty good at this job. Though I'm not very systematic and am really forgetful, I learnt that I've to be really alert and systematic to ensure that I will not make any mistakes when updating our I&E statement. I was really stressed because its money and I cannot afford to lose any money. Not only that, I've learnt many communication skills and logistics skills. I've also learnt a lot from my teammates and I'm extremely grateful to be able to have Ngan, Denise and Evan as my teammates. Each of us have different strengths and weaknesses. Such as Ngan, our creative director, who is able to do the publicity of the project. Evan, our event manager, who oversees the street sales. Denise, our boss, who directs us what to do. I'm really glad that we are able to tap on each of our strengths to raise funds for the Lions Club of Goodwood Singapore. In addition through this project, I learnt to be bold, have a thick skin and big smile. Nothing is impossible. I still remember vividly that we got rejected by khong guan 3 times but our persistence finally paid off as we managed to get sponsorship. Every time when I look back, I really wondered what will happen to us if we didn't manage to get the sponsorship of 2500 packets of 80g of ice gems from Khong Guan. Will this project fail before we even start?  I'm really grateful and thankful that they've agreed to sponsor us. (By the way, I love their biscuits. Especially the ice gems lol). The rationale for ice gems was on the concept of relieving past memories.
My team had learn to be as CHEAPO as possible. We spent 1/8 of our seed funding of $1600 because we used recycled boards for our publicity and ensured that we used popular cards whenever we purchase something from popular. We even printed some of our posters using the free printing service in our school because we want our VWO benefit from this financially. Arguing over prices and what to let go and what to not let go was a difficulty. We had to differentiate between a want and a need. (This is really useful to me right now because my spending reduced greatly.)
The funds we raised will be donated to the lions homes for the elders and during this journey, my teammates and I have went to visit the home for a greater insight so that we could better advocate our cause to the public.

Though I must say that the funds we raised isn't probably enough to buy a machine to lift the bedridden, my team hope that we could contribute in someway or another. We've also learnt that some of the elderly or the bedridden there do not have family members and that simple company will do. I don't want to sound like a hypocrite because I did not volunteer at their homes but I've MYMCA's big sweep to do in which we go to the elderly's house to accompany them once a month. Though I don't think its sufficient but this year just caught up with me due to PROMOS, PW and YFC. That I almost died. This project had given me insights on the costs of healthcare in which I realized that machines are really not cheap after all and hence I shouldn't be spending money frivolously. I also learnt a lot from the public as we've to have really thick skin to be able to advocate for our cause and to ask for donations.
Despite being rejected by the public many times even before approaching them, I learnt that we cannot give up especially when we were so determined to raise as much funds as possible for the homes. Though some might be skeptical as to whether its real despite the license, I'm still grateful that they've donated because if that was me, I wouldn't have donated and would have went straight for the QR code.
As I reflect, I feel that there were areas that we could work better on and that we shouldn't avoid in any way. Firstly, we didn't prepare for the worst situation. We were just banking on sponsorship and I learnt that we should have an alternative and ALWAYS have an alternative solution to what we are doing. Next, we shouldn't keep focusing on the funds but instead of bringing the message across which I hope to be able to guide my juniors in this aspect. Lastly, lack of volunteers. Lack of volunteers would mean lack of public outreach and lack of people to help to raise funds. We could have a better recruitment drive for volunteers. I hope that my team and I could guide our juniors so that they would not make the same mistake as us so that YFC would be a meaningful project for everyone involved in one way or another.
I will certainly miss having late night group Skype session with my team members in which we argue for hours over location, logistics and many more.(I remember denise having to take the ukulele to get attention to stop us from fighting) Our street sales range from east coast park to bishan to orchard to raffles place to helix bridge and the school. Though it was not easy (Imagine waking up to see 84 boxes of icegems... scrap that... 15 boxes of ice gems in front of you), I'm glad that each and everyone of us manage to pull through tough times and that we were able to get through this journey together as a team. (Our whatsapp group changed to.... 2014 Honorroll: CORE) I will not forget the valuable lessons that I've learnt as I've certainly grown through this year.

Looking ahead, I still have to be able to contribute to this community in the future by volunteering in one way or another. Though it will not probably in terms of fund raising, I hope that I will still be able to help them by communicating to them. I guess it will probably be after Alevels because I'm actually starting to freak out when the teachers kept emphasizing on EXTREMELY BUSY year and the IMPORTANCE OF ALEVELS.
My new task force is Team Building camp 2014 in which I hope to make a difference in the juniors lives and that this camp will be a success in teaching them how to be a servant leader and more importantly, an advocate.

Academic Year Reflections

It's finally the end of the academic year.
Believe it or not, I can't believe that its already the 17th of November when school ended on the 15th of November.
This year was crazy. This is comparable with the number of pimples I have on my face. Its like a freaking major breakout.
By the way, I've been PROMOTED to J2 YAYYYY!!!!!
This academic year went by really fast. Overall 70 rp and 71/72rp for promos.
It was a struggle especially during the promos period when there were SO many temptations. I kept getting distracted because I can't concentrate for long hours and the topics that I've to study were too dry. Well, except for geography. Being easily distracted, I was honestly worried. I would do math halfway and start watching YHY sketchbook for a good 1 to 2 hours. Or I'd be fangirling for another 2 hours and regret later at night. Looking back, I think that I was really crazy to put my grades at risk especially when I keep going out at night.
Fortunately, I managed to get an A for Chem, an A for Physics, a B for Math and B for Geography. Physics was a shocker because I was never good in physics. By the way, I've failed MCQ for both my sciences. But then again the paper wasn't hard. Honestly, it wasn't. I would say that it wasn't hard but then I might get my concepts wrong and hence I would think the paper is easy AFTER THE PAPER. Thus I didn't comment on the papers except Chemistry because it was tough. It was the toughest paper I've ever had FOR CHEMISTRY and the A was a low A. Fair enough, I didn't draw out my chemical formulas because I didn't read the question and lost a handful of marks because of that.
As for GP.... D/E? I can't remember but I definitely need help for GP. So I've devised solutions for myself during this holiday. ((Before that, I think I'm going to read chick lit for 3 weeks first.))
I'd owe my academic success to my consistency when it comes to doing tutorials though because if I didn't do my tutorials and with what I've studied for promos, I guess I'd flunk. To be honest the greatest obstacle was memorizing geog and definitions.
Got this on Friday (: Hey, at least the school said that I'm awesome. :}

And my brother gave me this yesterday. Aww he is such a sweetie~ He knows what I like.

Project Work:
Its the end of PW. I must say it wasn't an easy journey. I do admit that I do get annoyed at times for no reason. Or maybe I just couldn't find a reason. Though I may not get an A ((yknow that gut feeling)), I've learnt a lot from PW with perseverance ranked first. Having YFC, PW, Chinese Alevels and PROMOS at the same time was overwhelming. It was really tiring and boring. Like I totally didn't enjoy sitting in front of the computer all day, staring at the same document. Though it can be really irritating I learnt that the entire group have to work together to check on the same document and read the report because every person has a blind spot. Besides, we shouldn't do things at the last minute because honestly, it gets us no where. It was really stressful. Not only that, I've also learnt that sleeping early is important. As for OP, I totally felt like a burden to my group because I didn't cue cards. I couldn't do it naturally despite remembering. Well, I learnt many presentation skills which I think that I'll be able to use in the future.
Despite PW being SO damn annoying, this is the only subject (other than GP) which I find useful for now and I sincerely appreciate it. I've learnt the importance of group work. Yes, I really do. No doubt.
With that I'll end of with a quote:

"If you're going through hell, keep going"

-Winston Churchill

Alright. YFC reflections tomorrow.
Byeeee.

THIS

life

PW and CHINESE

Let me live that fantasy

Just counted the number of weeks in my calendar and it has been 6 weeks since my last entry.
Promos are finally over and it was really a torture.
I admit I did somewhat study hard for it but I don't think I'm a no life mugger.
Anyway, it was torture because part of me wants to do well but part of me just wanted to slack and sleep at 10pm everyday. (It never happen after exams.) I just hope that I promote.  Its like history repeating itself... sometimes, I find myself questioning the formulas the nearer the exams just like Olevels. Its like who am I to question newton's law of gravitation? It was so miserable because I kept doubting all the physics and chemistry stuff and I can't help but doubt.

And there were times when I felt so unmotivated because I feel that its impossible to even get into dentistry or medicine because there are many better people out there competing for the same spot.  I wondered what happened if I'm offered H3 (which will not happen because I didn't study hard enough). If it puts me at an advantage to get into the course I want, I might consider but I've to make sure I don't go crazy too. I need time to play too.

Anyway sad stuff aside. Many fun stuff (well, to me) happened in the 6 weeks.
I think I'll start from yesterday and I'll go backwards. Long blogpost ahead.


Saturday 5/10/13- One Great Step
After counting down for 40 days, down to the hours and the minutes, that moment actually arrived and I can't believe my eyes that I'm actually watching infinite live. With a pretty good seat. Though I don't get to see their faces up front and experience their fanservice, being there was good enough for me.

After the long wait, watching music videos and singing together on the big screen, infinite appeared.
I was really shocked because their live was really good (Destiny shocked me). Sunggyu's voice was really strong, L's voice is very unique, Sungjong's voice is so cute, Woohyun's voice is beautiful, Dongwoo and Hoya are really awesome rappers that can sing. :b
I sound like some insane fangirl because I'm obviously suffering from the after effects of a concert. As usual. SS4 and SMTOWN. HAHAHA.
By the way infinite has one of the best best best fanservice ever. Though I'm not at the moshpit (AND I REGRETTED IT), I still enjoyed it a lot.
I was shocked because there was no translator in the concert and they spoke in English. Though its a bit of broken English and the pronunciation was weird, I still loved it.
Sunggyu's 60 seconds was lovely. Like his voice was so clear and good. I've been listening to 60 sec since last year when it was released and I never thought I'd listen to it live with my own ears. It just sends me goosebumps. Same for woohyun singing beautiful. (The major factor that pushed me to attend the concert was when I saw the performance list) Beautiful is my most favourite song in the new challenge album because the lyrics are really nice! Oh my god and L's dimples when he played the guitar and sing. He was so shy he hid behind the teddy bear.
The inconvenient truth music video was super funny I wished they would release it but then it would spark loads of controversies. I secretly videoed it down because I want to watch it. :p Sorry I only videoed this down.
Sungjong spoke tamil and I can't believe it myself too he is so cute!! By the way his English is the cutest! His face and everything all the aegyo and L patting Sungjong's head.
ps paradise in wifebeaters... LOVELY I tell you. LOVELY.
Can U smile was one of the most memorable one though because it was the first song that I heard when shar introduced to me back in 2011. When they split stage... I was like "Oh shit who should I follow" LOL.
I can't list out all the songs because I think I'd go insane, I'm just really grateful to be able to listen to them live with the guitar, drums and all (SMtown and SS4 didn't have for every song). It was an amazing experience when everyone did the fan chant together " I N F I N I T E" that part during fly high before special girl by Infinite H and everyone sang special girl together.
I wished L would play the guitar for in the summer though.
Singapura is my favorite song now because Infinite sang it and it was really cute.
"Singapura, O Singapura, Sunny island set in the sea
Singapura, O Singapura, Pretty flowers bloom for you and me"
Aww I wished I could rewind because its not enough. I mean after counting down for 40 days and its over in 3 hours.

 

Thursday 4/10/13- end of promos

Thursday marks the end of promos. Well, I did not countdown to Thursday. My countdown timer only stopped on the first day, signaling the start of promos but I was impatiently waiting for Thursday to come while counting down to one great step.
Anyway, the original plan was to go cycling but it got cancelled and I was so upset about it ):
But alternative plan when Rosa, Bijuan, Bryan and Jason came to my house to play xbox Kinect. It was so hilarious (They were trying to beat my parents high score). River rafting, fixing holes, reflex thingy and dance central. To be honest the reflex thingy was really tiring as it was so fast. Squat jump left right left right non-stop. We then baked brownies which were overcooked LOL and then played cheat and taiti (I was the asshole and the shit) oh well. I had loads of fun. Went out to have dinner and lepak till really late! Thanks guys.

Friday 20/09/13- My birthday
Honestly, if you question me what I do on my birthday... I did nothing except eating, physics and er attend school? Well, but then again I didn't tell any JC friends that it was my birthday because I feel that there's nothing to even celebrate about it. I just turn older, face the sad fact that I'm older and study for promos just like everyone else. I can't be asking people to play with me right or even expect them to remember even if I tell them.
Then again, I'd like to thank Evan, Clement and Yin Qing because they dragged me to play basketball cos it was my birthday and I need to have fun. And yes, I had fun. Owned them at the ABC shooting thing. And Advo for the messages and cards. I would also like to thank SN peeps, Beatrice's message at midnight was lovely. Melina still trying to be the first but obviously failed. The memes I've got from Alicia and Huijan and all the birthday wishes via whatsapp and messaging and twitter. (I know I replied like super late because I've lessons but I'm extremely grateful for the long messages that I've received).
17th wish? Stay healthy, pass promos and to be a better person.

With my younger brother on my 17th.

 

Thursday 12/09/13- dinner

Honestly, yes I was crazy. Look, I woke up at 12pm, had plans to study because I didn't study on Wednesday so I switched off my phone.

Well, Teresa had to call me (my phone was switched off and hence it was diverted to my tablet) on my tablet to tell me to check whatsapp. I whined about being lazy to even to and take my phone. Nevertheless, I did. Who wouldn't especially when someone specially called you to check whatsapp.

So it was Teresa, Clarissa and YanYing talking on this new whatsapp group about dinner. Yes dinner. I thought I needed to study but whatever. So I studied for 3 hours in total before zooming off to meet clarissa first to buy Yan Ying's birthday present. We went to body shop and ALMOST BOUGHT THE TESTER. I'd never forget. We were queuing and the person was like "You might want to take a new one". OOOOPS. Haha we then ate dinner together at the Japanese food court, YOLO max talking about our lives. We've been friends for like 7 years? The 7th year is almost coming to an end. Though YY wasn't with us in St Nicks Sec but sure I miss her so much. xD

>> I TRIED TO BE A HIPSTER. AND I FAILED. >< (Reached home really late :p)



 



Wednesday 11/09/13- Kbox
Had big sweep. WHOOOOOOOOO!
I swear I spoke Chinese really well to the aunty even though I had to search my phone for some translations. And I was the one speaking half the time cos I can speak Chinese while Vincent can't really. Monique was late though. I was really glad that the aunty opened up to us after many visits since April/March and I really enjoy her company and I hoped she enjoyed mine too. I told her loads of funny things that happened (Its not easy to narrate in Chinese okay) and vice versa. But I glad we kept her company or she would be so bored on a Wednesday morning.
Went for kbox after that. I think I went crazy. We sang many many songs and songs in different languages. We even did pom poms (acers day song) and shake it (school dance) together in the small ktv room that 10 of us squeezed in. And... I really enjoyed myself. (-:

 

 

Friday 6/09/13- mooncakes with Vivian

Though I really wanted to go back to St Nicks to visit Ms Yee and wish her happy teacher's day, school ended too late and the sad story of my life: I couldn't wish her happy teacher's day face to face. Well, I went out with Vivian and Ayana. Actually more like I ate with Ayana and Vivian but went out with Vivian. Aww man I miss those 2 peeps so much.

Vivvy and I once again did really stupid stuff. We went around tasting mooncakes. We were shameless. I know. Like we pretended that we'd consider but we just ended up gobbling the mooncakes that were meant for tasting. Well, I got myself a new tablet cover and screen protector. Its less disgusting now :p and talked about our retarded life.

I can't wait to meet Vivian again together with Amanda.

And Shihui, Beatrice, Sharlene etc.



There were many things that happened in between that I couldn't really talk about such as interview with counselor, interview with a caregiver and an ex-caregiver. Not to mention doing YFC final report while waiting for my group members to finish up their parts so that I could compile them. (I swear we're always so last minute. Every time a wild WR draft deadline appear, I flip and I've to sleep so late. But I want my A so I've to work hard for it.)
I've also avoided talking about all the papers because what is done is done. I can't do anything about it and I'm really scared about it okay. ._.


Well, the hectic season is finally over.
Initially: PROMOS, PW, YFC
Now: YFC, PW, CHINESE
It seems hectic but Chinese isn't as time consuming as promos. Besides, I've to work hard for my Mother Tongue because its so embarrassing that my Chinese is terrible and yet I'm a Chinese.

D-21 to Chinese Alevels
D-40 to the last day of school.