more to schools than results.

I have said this on my Facebook and my Twitter. I’ll say it again here –

PSLE scores don’t really matter that much. It’s what the kids and their parents do during the bumpy teenage years that does.

That’s what I believe in.

And I honestly believe in that. While most kids and parents are probably frowning over which schools to choose, I thought I will write this post to share my experience and thoughts since I’ve gone through the entire education system. If you know what I mean.

What I got for PSLE

I didn’t do very well for my PSLE scores. I scored 229 and got a B for my Mathematics. My mum wanted me to go to Anderson Secondary School but it was apparent that I can never make it. But, instead of scolding me, my mum told the neighbours how proud she was of me. In the end, I went to a notorious neighbourhood school well-known for their ah-bengs and ah-lians (back then) – Deyi Secondary School.

Oh yes. One of my ‘best friend’ back then told another classmate that (and I quote), “…her future is doom.” And we were only 12. ANYWAYS!

Studying at Deyi

Deyi turned out to be the best thing that happened to me. Instead of being a small-fish in a big pond, I was a big-fish in a small pond. I am finally in an education landscape that fit my pace of studying. I started excelling in my studies.

On top of that, I learned alot of things. Things that are not related to academic. I learned about discipline, teamwork, perseverance, determination and integrity. 

This values stuck with me. Even till now. There are loads of examples that I can provide but at the same time, there are also those not-so-obvious instances where these values are taught to me without me knowing. The 4 core values of Deyi – Determination, Diligence, Discipline and Dedication – are very ingrain in the way the school functions.

Also, I had really awesome teachers. Teachers who believed in me. For example, back in Secondary 2, I went through a rebellious phase. I will make up all sort of reasons to skip my CCA. The teacher in-charge came and lectured me. She couldn’t figure out well I was behaving like that (till now, I have no idea too-.-) I thought that with this “truant” episode, there’s no chance that I will be promoted to Patrol Leader (kind of like committee member). But I did. I got promoted to Patrol Leader in Sec 3 (: My teacher didn’t use that episode against me!

Oh yeah! Another incident is during Sec 2 streaming. Because I got a B3 for my science (As for the rest of the subjects), I was allocated a Home Economics class. Now, I am not saying the Home Economics class is not good. It’s just that…I have no interest in Home Economics. It was my last choice! So, I appealed to be changed to either an Accounting Class or a 2 Pure-Science class. My appeal was rejected in the beginning. But I don’t know what happened but…a few days later, I received a call to tell me that my appeal was successful (: Maybe my teachers spoke up for me? I don’t know. But yeah! (:

At Deyi, I got to develop my leadership skills. I was selected to be a Peer Support Leader and a Councillor (and went on to become a committee member in both groups). I don’t think that would have been possible in a more “renowned” school where the look for those who have innate ability and not really those who have potential. I went for camps, organised camps and even went to Taman Negara for leadership camp!

Other things I gained in Deyi, a lot of friends, a lot of memories and I think most important of all…I gained confidence.  

I saw this banner hanging outside Deyi, “Today, I’m proud to be a Deyian. Tomorrow, Deyi will be proud of me!” That made me smile (:

History trip to Beijing in Secondary 2.

I guess what I am trying to say is that…

It doesn’t matter whether if your kid goes to a branded school or not. It’s really about the culture of the school. Look at the culture of a school. Is it suitable for your kid? Look at the motto, the values and the principal messages etc

And also, look at your kid’s ability. Do you want him to be a big-fish in a small pond or a small-fish in a big pond where he/she might have to struggle to keep up? And maybe develop a sense of learned helplessness?Not good.

Yes, you may reason that going to be a branded school will help him/her greatly when it reaches O’levels cos they teach stuff that are slightly more than required. Well…NOT TRUE! Schools exchange test papers, so your kid will still be able to do those papers. And for the record, when I was doing papers from branded school, I scored. So this issue is really not an issue. Plus, plenty of my classmates made it into universities too!

And school asides…Wherever your kid end up in, PARENTS are the one who really make a difference. Don’t scold them just because they didn’t go to a school that you want them to go to. Or scold them when they score badly now or in the future. ENCOURAGE THEM. My parents were so proud that I went to Deyi and encouraged me whenever I meet a road block at school.

So yeah. That’s about it.

[Throwback] my 21st birthday (:

Original post here. Excerpt below (:

A lot of things to blog about! Like the photoshoot on Monday and heading to town with ber on Tuesday! But my birthday comes first (:

The Meepok Part

When the clock strikes 12, the whole family came to my room and sang birthday song for me! *grins* Here’s some of the pictures –

with the parents(:

the family in pajamas!

After the cake blowing, I tried to seperate the cake. FAIL! I didn’t cut it through and through-.- HAHAHAHA! But ohwells! The sister kept grilling and asking me what I want for my birthday. But like I said, I really don’t know! So I told to her wait and see what the rest bought me today.

Woke up with a sore throat and fever  Was quite upset because of that. I was so afraid that I can’t attend the birthday gathering the gang have organized for me. I went to the kitchen and sajiao-ed to my mum (Note: I don’t do sajiao! This is pretty rare!). Gulped down a cup of milk, medicine, vitamin C and back to bed. Felt a gazillion times better afterwards! Repeated the cycle and woke up at 7pm to change and head out (:

Sivan came up with a really lousy excuse to get me to go the block opposite Deyi  I was kind of afraid that I am alittle overdress but my mum told me to just go!

And, when I reached the place….SURPRISE!!

me acting surprised!

Fact: It is very VERY hard to surprise me! Many have tried and failed! You are welcome to take up the challenge!

Some of the juniors were there! Joshua, Allan, Wei Shun and Roxanne! Jerold couldn’t make it  Sigh. But whees~

I didn’t know Joshua was sick until I saw him taking his medicine after dinner. He had to eat like 4 different kind of medicine, I think! Poor guy. And like I said on Plurk, heart pain! Get well soon, dude! (:

the 2 sickies – joshua and me! (special mention!)

Here’s my darling council board! The one I missed so so so so so much!

Deyi Student Council! loves~

These are the people who have seen me work under stress, gone without sleep for 3 days (major hyperactivity) and do plenty of bimbotic things(: We went through camps and investitures together. Excluding the juniors, my committee members and I called our batch, “The Horny Dynasty”. WAHAHAHA! And I think it’s my fault >.<

Anyways, I didn’t expect Kesin to come! She’s my PSL (Peer Support Leader) alumni!

She’s still the same! Really nice and motherly (: I miss her. Note to Sivan! We must call the alumnis out for dinner or something! Okay, maybe not all of them! But at least Kesin and Ming Lun! I haven’t seen them in eons! Misses!

Ling, Juan, Michelle and the juniors got me muffins !! Kelvin insisted on taking a picture because he came up with the idea of placing them into the number 21. Seriously, this guy is turning more bimbotic! He was rolling his eyes while we were waiting for our seats! HILARIOUS!

me and kelvin -.-

Since everyone had work/school/sick and stuff, we left after taking some group pictures outside (:

the collage (:

I didn’t know they got me a $50 Epicenter gift card! I was about to throw the carrier away until I realised that there’s something heavy in it! >.< HAHAHA! YEAH! So I told my sister that they can chip in to the $50 and I will top up the rest and get myself a new iPod! (Hmm..Or maybe iTouch). But ohwells!

OH YEAH!

MUST WATCH!

Find out why I collapsed! By watching the video here! Plurk people, I will most probably have posted link there (or I already did)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfUH4k3qdH0
Year 20 in conclusion – The Reflective Part

I don’t remember much about being 20. Just that it passed by really quickly. Watching all my friends turning 21 before me and eagerly anticipating my own. Not sure whether I want to celebrate it in a bang or just let it go. Because to me, I don’t like to fuss over my birthday! It’s just another day of the year! Just that yours truly (and a lots more kids) were born!

But I’m glad I celebrated the way I did. Thanks alot, everyone!

Since 21 seems to be a major milestone and what not, I came up with a list of things I wanted to complete before my birthday! And I’m happy to say that I’ve completed 4 out of 5 ! Even though the photo shoot thing was by chance! Take a look at the list here!

August was pretty tough for me this year. The dad finally sold his shop and started working at my aunt’s shop. We had to get used to the sudden increase in expenditure because ever since I was born, we never had to spent a cent to get groceries and snacks. We just kind of get our food from the shop as and when we want. So yups. Some problems came up here and there but we are surviving (: The family bond is stronger! And the parents actually have time to go “dating” again!

Of course, also in August, my mum went for brain surgery. I remembered almost bursting into tears when my sister called me while I was at work. Millions of thoughts running through my head and constantly telling myself to remain positive. I guess we were kind of lucky that we got the best neuro surgeon in TTSH – Dr Ivan Ng. He explained stuff to us very matter-of-factly(:

Went through some shit because as usual, the siblings and parents were relying on me to take care of the paperwork from the hospital and insurance and what not. I had to plan my timetable in a way so that I can be home most of the time. I had to skip classes to bring my mum back for her post-op check-up. Listening to all the medical terms, trying to dig up all the ancient biology knowledge, trying to understand and then having to translate them to Mandarin was tough. I had to deal with questions from a)myself, b)the parents and c) the siblings. I also had to comfort the parents who looked so lost and scared that I don’t even know what to say and my heart just aches (if I am allowed to be drama).

But we pulled through! The mum is okay now(: The tumor is benign! Her hair looks FUNKY! Hahah. Special thanks to Sivan and bestie! I think I called both of them pretty much during that period, sobbing over the phone and outright refusing to answer their calls cause I was down. They were pretty worried! Loves~

On the social front, I met quite a few people from Plurk! Had lots of fun! Especially after the Bloggers Calendar 2009 photoshoot! And I hope to be able to continue to kajiao them with my bimbotic antics(: Because, you never know! Online friendships are tricky. One false interpretations and it’s ADIOS!

Still single! 21 years and counting! Not that I am actively seeking to be attached. The idea of that still irks me quite abit.

Graduating next July (technically, I am free after April). Still have no idea what I want to be. But I know I most definitely do not want to go into the banking/finance industry. I know, I know. Ironic! Cause I am majoring that. *shrugs* I want to be around people! People who are motivated and charged with energy! Or maybe go into teaching (childhood ambition) or nursing (teenager ambition). Or maybe I will dabble into the hospitality/marketing industry (JC ambition).

All I know is that I want something challenging ! Something with interactions! Something that requires paying attention to details!

21 !! I don’t know what I want to achieve but hey! I just want to be myself! Stop holding myself back so much. Because that’s pretty much what I have been doing this whole year.

The past 2 weeks leading up to my birthday has been nice. I got to let go and saw part of my original personality (: And it shows! Bestie told me that I looked different today. Like how I was in secondary school. YAY! (:

Whatever it is, GET READY WORLD! I AM COMING!

Comments from 2013: 5 years passed by so quickly. turning 26 in exactly a month! 2008 was a tough year but I’m glad I have friends like them (: I may have lost touch with the juniors and don’t contact the rest of the classmates as often these days, but I know they will still be there for me when I need them. And vice versa. Ahh…Good times! I miss everyone! 😀