The Change In Me

When I came over to Singapore, it was a huge challenge for me. I had to relearn everything in English as I had previously learned all my subjects in Chinese. So, you can imagine me getting confuse all over with Mathematics, Science and Geography. On top of that, there was also a huge difference in the standard of English language.

Anyway, when I arrived in Singapore, the school registration period for secondary school was over. No school was willing to take me in. I still remembered being turned down by different schools. Only Bukit Merah Secondary School was willing to take me in for the 1991 academic year. It was only a neighborhood school, but I am forever grateful that till this day, the school still practices the same philosophy of not turning back a student who is willing to study. Although I had the chance of changing to a better school, I decided to stay as it had never shut the door on me. I am never and not that kind of person that will jump ship as soon as a better opportunity appears.

Well, you can imagine - it really took me awhile to settle down in Singapore education system. Not to forget I got to make new friends. I actually grow up a lot in my secondary school days. My outlook of life and my maturity level has changed tremendously. Life isn't about study and being the top student anymore. I have learned to appreciate my life and learned more about friendship. It was then we formed a chess club, I took part in a lot of extra co-curriculum activities with St John being the most memorable activity that I had ever joined. I also happed to pick up basketball in my Sec 3 days. I also had the nick of "God of Copying" as I am able to outperform and score better than the original "source". Hey, I did have ethics; at least I went to check through the work and also pointed out mistakes for the kind-hearted owner. -_-

I am actually kind of outcast in the lower secondary (due to my arrogance / my nationality / my serious study habits? I don’t really know because we were still kids). An incident actually changed all that. I can still remember the day - it was on a Friday during the Sec 3 English lesson. On the following Monday there was supposed to be an inter-class acting competition. However, the class was not able to come forward to put up any show. The English teacher was just about to throw in the towel when suddenly I spoke to the class. Somehow, I managed to move the entire class - the whole class actually did not want to be the ONLY class that failed to participate. The whole class stayed behind and we worked on the show on the spot. I assume the role of Director and Scrip Writer (Although no script is actually written!). We almost cast half the class in a 20 minute show. The class continued to be supportive and came for practice on Saturday. We even come out with props, costumes, make-up, sound and lighting effects. It was a very successful show and we won although we only have one rehearsal. It was then my status had changed. A lot of classmates actually thought of me differently after that. It was then I started to behave more like a leader and a counselor.

After graduation, a lot of us actually parted ways. My class being the class with 50% foreigners have few people stayed behind for studies. Many of them went overseas with the local students going into polytechnics. I do still go down to the school for St John activities, enjoying the school atmosphere and being young again. After all, I am indebted to the school in a way or other. That probably explained why I always strive to achieve awards and win trophies for the school through St John unit that I am in charged of. Whatever the case, the reason I became Singaporean was also dwelled heavily on the friends that I had grown up with in the school. It is here that I learned that no matter how different you are, as long you are capable and willing to contribute; people will accept you as you are - it is a community, not just a class. It was here that I learned life is more than books and prizes.

"Sedia - Be prepared" for life ahead...

Howard - That's Me
Growing Up
Playtime
Nerdy Primary Schools
Havoc Secondary School (BMSS)!
Saints Family (SAJC)
Army Daze (NS)
Stressful University Days (NTU)
Memoirs of an Officer (SJAB)
My Europe Trip
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