Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Toughest Exam in my life
I have never experienced writing 30 pages worth of essays in a day before. Never tried answering 6 essay questions in a day before. Never written almost non-stop for a total of 5 hrs within a span of 6 hrs before. Today is truly a historic moment for me, and also for the other 7 students who like me, are taking both Geography and History as our majors. One Geography paper is challenging enough, but, the school thought we are superhuman, so they gave us a challenge to complete 2 essays, Geo & Hist on the same day. Seriously, halfway through my History paper, I was so frustrated and had wanted to give up, because I couldnt prevent from eyes from closing, and couldnt hold the pen any longer and continue writing. Is there a need for us to go through such pain? I couldnt understand why they cant separate the two papers. They were the ones who gave us the combination, yet also the ones who tried to kill us with such unfair exam schedule.
The last 3 days was totally wasted. What I had tried to memorised and the topics I prepared didnt come out as the questions. I thought that after honing the experience of settings 3 exam papers before, I would be sharp enough to spot the right exam questions. I was almost defeated totally today when I flipped over the Geo paper. I did my best well, let God do the rest bah.
Looking forward to Friday because that is the end of the exam, and also the outing with Apollo. What a 1st semester in NIE, unforgettable memories and perhaps, agony to some extent.
Back to the books, cheeroz.
I am Mr Law :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Studying and Examinations can be really tiring
I know as a teacher, Im not supposed to think this way. Easier said than done. I wish I could be stronger, more disciplined and more focussed. But at this juncture, im just so tired from the rushed and compressed and demanding schedule in this first semester. It seemed like I had learned alot of stuff; but it also seemed like I had learned none. More is less & less is more, perhaps. There is simply too much for a person's brain and body to take and as Im blogging, Im feeling extremely exasperated, demoralised and explosive. Geography and History combined is really a killer, no matter how ingenious you are.
I don't know if it was meant to be, or a decision I should make to change the situation. Out of the 8 of us who are taking both Geography & History in the cohort of 482 students, already 4 of us are thinking of dropping one subject or switch to English. The amount of readings required is already daunting, not to mention the demand of the examination schedule. Which super student is able to do 2 exam essay papers on the same day? With one in the morning and the other 90 mins following which? I think I cant, I must admit Im a human afterall. No excuse for the plight im in now, but perhaps the coordinators can be smarter to realise that such a schedule will affect 8 students badly, jeopardardising their chances of doing well in this 1st semester.
Frankly speaking, Im not so happy with the course arrangements so far. Some lecturers who simply talk 2 themselves during lectures and tutorials and expecting us to produce work that is of the highest standard, beyond what they taught us. Or perhaps, what they failed to teach us. Im not a ultra hardworking student, but at least Im a serious learner. But even after I had tried my best given my situations, im already feeling like im failing.
I really need strength to carry on from here. Before I can become a tough man, im a dead man 1st.
I am Mr Law :)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Light & Love
Came across this phrase of wisdom and felt its power. Though it is tough to fulfil, it is nevertheless the solution to many problems.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can. Hate cannot dispel hate; only love can"
I dont know how to love and what to love, but hope I may love life nevertheless.
Hope you will too. Cheeroz.
I am Mr Law :)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
A Brand New Start
To sum up my 3 months plus in NIE so far: A long deep sleep which I feared not being able to wake up.
Now I finally woke up, after much struggle and turmoil, & have come to realised there were so many things & so much fun which I had missed. It was just an amazing journey, which I had tasted different emotions, seen sights and heard stories which I had not come across or not expect in school. I used to think that I am stable, that I could be mature enough to handle most issues or challenges, including friendship. But these 3 months have revealed to me that Im not that mature afterall, haha. I realised I can be quite naive & gullible. Its better to be late than never nontheless. I think I have grew slightly after having gone through some experiences. Cool.
Attended Ms Karen Chin's wedding in Johor Bahru on 2/11/08. Caught up with alot of teachers & the company was awesome. A chartered bus brought all of us in Singapore directly to the hotel, where we were given a separte room with ktv! Haha, sang a few songs with a few teachers, & hmm, they all can sing well. No one will believe we are teachers. Hmm, miss Lunch Time Concert again. Miss Hendersonians again. Miss teaching again. BUT, we shouldn't live in our past, otherwise we won't be able to see our future ahead, which could be even better. I shall live on this principle, though the past will serve as my sweet memories but not my burden to hold me back from running forward.
Now its countdown to exams. 4 papers on 3 days & the 1st is next Tuesday.
Lord, give me the strength and resilience to overcome the everyday challenges that may come and give me the wisdom to discern right from wrong, black from white. Make me a better person so that I can do your will and I pray this for all my students and friends.
I am Mr Law :)
