Today is my first day volunteering for YOG Learning Center as guides and to be honest, I was quite nervous for it because it was probably one of the first time over the last 3 years that I speak to such a large crowd of strangers at one time. But in the end, I dont need to lead this crowd of people as there was a drop in people attending this tour. The experience was ok but I was quite happy to see people enjoying the programme which sort of my group came up during the training programme. Of course, there was improvement being made by Peter who is in charge of the learning center.

Somehow, I managed to stay and listen to a true story by one of our sailing sportsman who took part in Olypmic in 2000 and 2008. Got sort of touched by what he had say. I remembered him saying 4 things:

1) 24hours is not not enough. Is just taking something out and replacing it with another stuff. For me, I don't shop at Orchard Road but use this time to train for sailing. So guys is time to sacrifice playing games to get your things done.

2) We won't keep tactics on sailing to ourselves but we share it with our teammates. Is not about you as an individual being able to compete in the competition but is how you and your teammates are able to join in the competition. If you keep all the secrets to yourself, your team might not to able to qualify for the competition because of the low skills. I was really moved when I heard this sentence and it sets me to reflect on myself. Sometimes we dont share secrets of studying to our friends who are our opponents for fear of losing to them. We always wanted to be the first but we forgot our friends who might be struggling with their studies.. We should try to help our friends who are weaker in their studies with good intention, like trying to bring up the quality of results of our scholl. This is how one of the Olympic value: friendship is being displayed.

3)There were times when I feel like giving up and/or disappointing moments, like I had to undergone operation before the 2008 Beijing Olympic. But is how my friends, coach and family members stood by me and supported me at these moments. They didn't say things like what is only weeks before the Olympic games before you told me that you have to undergo operation. But instead, they told me they understand and say things like concentrating on getting well first. Is not about the competition but is about you who they really cares.(this sentence is what I interpreted not he says one). I really cried when I hear this. Don't know why I just got this intense feeling in me. At that moment, it sort of reminded me of who was there to support me when I needed. Lecturers, my secondary teachers, friends, my counsellor. I guess I wouldn't be who I am now without their support. Thanks man and I love you all. I shall be the one who will support others when they need. This will be my another aim in life.

4) Is really what you want to achieve in life. Once you have decided, you have to put in commitment and time to achieve it. Is all about the benchmark you and/or the society has set. There is resources for you to become a sportsman but alot of people is not taking up because of the controvesy we had live with in Singapore, the 5Cs. Guys, is time to think up of what you want in life and pursue it.

YOG learning center training

Just finished my two days YOG learning center training yesterday.. and guess what the batch of volunteers is the pioneer batch of the learning center. Really had alot of fun and learn lots of things from this volunteering. The trainers were able to turn the theory of service-learning into games which we can have fun while learning. We had a 'nuclear bomb' game where we learn about GRPR(Goals, roles, processes and relationships. Through this game, I also learn about team work.

I also learnt how to challenge our limits during the training. Often, we always thought we can't succeed in things without willing to give ourselves a chance to try. For me, I will feel uncomfortable talking to strangers but yesterday I really challenge myself. I went to this total stranger who was selling tissues and give him a water bottle and he accepted it. It wasn't that difficult that I thought it would be. We also played games like traffic jam. Its really a different kind of training which you normally will go through. Volunteering is not about the monetary terms that matters, is about things you can do for your society and what you do gain in terms of the experience.

I urge all of you to join YOG or other volunteering work if you can. Its really a different experience altogether.

proficiency test 2

YES finally finished my proficiency test 2 for SSM and I am glad is finally finished ok although I failed the test terribly.. sob sob.. but nvm I got try harder for my proficiency test 1 and other components.

Don't know why these few days I seem to have alot of energy to deal with the difficulties in life, be it to my schoolwork,family or friends although I am tired la.. isn't it a contradiction? Haha.. I think is the power of positive thinking.. Thanks to someone who teaches me to think positively and she is none other than Ms Tan Siok Kia. Not forgeting those who encourages me and try to be there when I needed them. Thanks for everything and your will always be in my heart.

To end this post off, there is a question that I have been asking myself: have you changed or is it me who expected too much from you? Hopefully you get the message that everybody is trying to hint to you. What I can do now is hope for the best to happen..