First post. Restarted a blog in hopes of catching the writing bug again.

Recently I've been troubled over where to go after my O's. I know I'm probably thinking too far ahead but I just feel a need to decide. I've asked many people for their opinions; my teachers and friends think that the JC (pre-U) route is better, while my family says poly is the way to go.

The first thing anyone should do when attempting a decision is writing down the pros and cons. I never really found the point in that since a pro might have bigger significance than a con, or vice versa. Quality over quantity, that is. But it helps organise my thoughts, I guess, so I'll attempt it now.

Many people say JC is a better choice because it's a clear-cut path to university or because it's easier to get into university. Personally, I don't really understand the big fuss over university but I guess that's my immaturity talking. Yes, yes, we need a degree — or three — to survive in these world, to get a job. The thing is, an easier path into university might not be the route for me. Yes, it's easier and faster, but I'm pretty much interested in only hospitality or social sciences. You could argue that I'm good at Biology as well but that's because I was interested. Or maybe because the teacher is nice, and I tend to perform better under those circumstances (i.e., wanting to please people). That sounds really weird and awkward but it's the truth. With my interests, there isn't much I could do in university. I'm only discussing Singapore universities, however. One thing I'm definitely sure I'm passionate about, if nothing else, is my love for Japan. I would love to major (or minor, anything, really) in Japanese Studies at the NUS but what could I do with it? Regarding social sciences (meaning Literature, Theatre, History, etc.), I don't think there's much I could do with degrees in those either. I feel as though I'm thinking way too far ahead but I've got to come to that sometime, yeah? Might as well think it all at once though it's kind of assuming of me, I haven't even finished my O's. If I do choose JC, though, I'd join the arts stream, and finally take Literature, a subject I've been yearning for for the longest time (since I was 11!), History, Econs or English Language and Inquiry, and Maths or Bio.

If I go to poly, I'd probably go to Temasek Poly. Team Temasek! Haha. Even though I'd love to enter Singapore Poly (because of the amazing opportunities they offer), I can't because they don't offer the course(s) I'm eyeing, namely Baking and Culinary Science, a Science course, or Culinary and Catering Management, a Business course. The cut-off points are kinda low (high?), though. It doesn't make me motivated to study! Haha. My L1R4 last year end was 13, not too good or something I'm very proud of, but good enough to get me in, which results in my being unmotivated. I'm aiming for DPA (Direct Polytechnic Admission) and the scholarship, however. So I've to work hard. I think the preliminary results are needed to apply for DPA, and a good impression is essential, so I can't slack. For the scholarship, I should probably have a single digit L1R4, but I think they'll still consider candidates under certain criteria. Another thing is the Diploma+ programme. I know I'm aiming for a bit too much, but aim for the moon and you'll land among the stars, right? Diploma+ means that I'll take two diplomas throughout my three years there, but I'll need to be one of the top 10 or 5% of the cohort in my year because it's a pretty tough programme. Plenty of competition. Do you even realise how many people are aiming for Temasek Poly? If I get selected, though, that would mean saying goodbye to my dream CDSes (Cross Disciplinary Subject — one is only allowed 3 and they should be unrelated to your course. i.e., a Science student should not take a science CDS. I think.), Introduction to Psychology, Basic Japanese, and then Essential Japanese (out pops my otaku) later on. You've no idea what a headache I had deciding on these. There are more that I'd love to take, namely Basic French, Basic Italian, Introduction to English Phonetics (hello, says my inner English geek), Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Critical Reasoning Skills and Introduction to Sociology. Alas, we are supposed to take only three. Oh, how could I forget, I would want to join the Japanese Cultural Club or the Debate club. I never got to participate in an official debate before, and I dearly want to. Stage fright and low confidence busts that, though. The likelihood of my joining the Debate team is quite low. Then again, I'd learn about public speaking, and try something new. Drama sounds interesting too, actually.

With my rambling, you'd think I'd be a cult Poly supporter. Indecisiveness appears! Should Zinc go to Poly, or JC?

Based on environment, JC would be better. I'd be swept along by the majority to mug (like now, due to Rochele). One worry in poly would be “bad influence” since the COP is quite low. I know not everyone who does badly academically has a crude personality, is a gangster, or doesn't put effort into school work, but you must admit this is more often than not. So if I choose poly, I'd need a ton more of self discipline which I am trying to cultivate in myself (and not succeeding). Regarding the teachers, I've heard that the professional chefs in TP have rather abrasive, caustic, and especially demanding personalities. Grumpy cantankerous French chefs come to mind. I'm not sure I could handle the abuse. I'm a fragile strawberry, you know. My own flaw that I should overcome. I don't know much about JC teachers, but since most agree the JC life is an extension of secondary school life, I will assume that the teachers are similar.

Taking university chances into account, I think that both paths — that I'm considering — are pretty much equal. Not much elaboration is required for the JC path, but for the poly route, I can go to SiT. It is mostly for poly graduates with related diplomas, videlicet Baking and Culinary Science (not directly related) and Culinary and Catering Management (directly related; think elevator school) for me. I could enter SiT-CIA's Bachelor Professional Studies in Culinary Arts Management degree programme. It offers many learning points (French!) and opportunities (a 3-week exchange programme to the sister school in America!) for me.

It seems I'm ready and raring to enter poly. Yet, I'm still plagued with second thoughts... Everyone tells me one same thing, regardless of side take in this seemingly ageless debate; to do my best and have no regrets in the O Levels. It never really hit me until I read this on the blog of my school's top scholar:
“ imagine, i'm collecting my olvl results right now. and i have gotten a terrible grade. i despair, and wish i could turn back the clock. boom. i am here now. the clock has turned back. i am given a "second" chance, of sorts. i must not allow my future to be dictated by fate! this is my motivation. "
(http://secluded-place.blogspot.sg/2012_05_01_archive.html)
This really hit home, as I didn't do so well for my PSLE. One could say to look at where I am now, but I'm nowhere close to being good enough. I want my mother to be so proud she'll be crowing for months, and to really, finally, be able to tell myself, I can do it. I have done it. I am able to do these things; I am not dumb, I am good enough.

Labels: decisions, olevels

First post. Restarted a blog in hopes of catching the writing bug again.

Recently I've been troubled over where to go after my O's. I know I'm probably thinking too far ahead but I just feel a need to decide. I've asked many people for their opinions; my teachers and friends think that the JC (pre-U) route is better, while my family says poly is the way to go.

The first thing anyone should do when attempting a decision is writing down the pros and cons. I never really found the point in that since a pro might have bigger significance than a con, or vice versa. Quality over quantity, that is. But it helps organise my thoughts, I guess, so I'll attempt it now.

Many people say JC is a better choice because it's a clear-cut path to university or because it's easier to get into university. Personally, I don't really understand the big fuss over university but I guess that's my immaturity talking. Yes, yes, we need a degree — or three — to survive in these world, to get a job. The thing is, an easier path into university might not be the route for me. Yes, it's easier and faster, but I'm pretty much interested in only hospitality or social sciences. You could argue that I'm good at Biology as well but that's because I was interested. Or maybe because the teacher is nice, and I tend to perform better under those circumstances (i.e., wanting to please people). That sounds really weird and awkward but it's the truth. With my interests, there isn't much I could do in university. I'm only discussing Singapore universities, however. One thing I'm definitely sure I'm passionate about, if nothing else, is my love for Japan. I would love to major (or minor, anything, really) in Japanese Studies at the NUS but what could I do with it? Regarding social sciences (meaning Literature, Theatre, History, etc.), I don't think there's much I could do with degrees in those either. I feel as though I'm thinking way too far ahead but I've got to come to that sometime, yeah? Might as well think it all at once though it's kind of assuming of me, I haven't even finished my O's. If I do choose JC, though, I'd join the arts stream, and finally take Literature, a subject I've been yearning for for the longest time (since I was 11!), History, Econs or English Language and Inquiry, and Maths or Bio.

If I go to poly, I'd probably go to Temasek Poly. Team Temasek! Haha. Even though I'd love to enter Singapore Poly (because of the amazing opportunities they offer), I can't because they don't offer the course(s) I'm eyeing, namely Baking and Culinary Science, a Science course, or Culinary and Catering Management, a Business course. The cut-off points are kinda low (high?), though. It doesn't make me motivated to study! Haha. My L1R4 last year end was 13, not too good or something I'm very proud of, but good enough to get me in, which results in my being unmotivated. I'm aiming for DPA (Direct Polytechnic Admission) and the scholarship, however. So I've to work hard. I think the preliminary results are needed to apply for DPA, and a good impression is essential, so I can't slack. For the scholarship, I should probably have a single digit L1R4, but I think they'll still consider candidates under certain criteria. Another thing is the Diploma+ programme. I know I'm aiming for a bit too much, but aim for the moon and you'll land among the stars, right? Diploma+ means that I'll take two diplomas throughout my three years there, but I'll need to be one of the top 10 or 5% of the cohort in my year because it's a pretty tough programme. Plenty of competition. Do you even realise how many people are aiming for Temasek Poly? If I get selected, though, that would mean saying goodbye to my dream CDSes (Cross Disciplinary Subject — one is only allowed 3 and they should be unrelated to your course. i.e., a Science student should not take a science CDS. I think.), Introduction to Psychology, Basic Japanese, and then Essential Japanese (out pops my otaku) later on. You've no idea what a headache I had deciding on these. There are more that I'd love to take, namely Basic French, Basic Italian, Introduction to English Phonetics (hello, says my inner English geek), Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Critical Reasoning Skills and Introduction to Sociology. Alas, we are supposed to take only three. Oh, how could I forget, I would want to join the Japanese Cultural Club or the Debate club. I never got to participate in an official debate before, and I dearly want to. Stage fright and low confidence busts that, though. The likelihood of my joining the Debate team is quite low. Then again, I'd learn about public speaking, and try something new. Drama sounds interesting too, actually.

With my rambling, you'd think I'd be a cult Poly supporter. Indecisiveness appears! Should Zinc go to Poly, or JC?

Based on environment, JC would be better. I'd be swept along by the majority to mug (like now, due to Rochele). One worry in poly would be “bad influence” since the COP is quite low. I know not everyone who does badly academically has a crude personality, is a gangster, or doesn't put effort into school work, but you must admit this is more often than not. So if I choose poly, I'd need a ton more of self discipline which I am trying to cultivate in myself (and not succeeding). Regarding the teachers, I've heard that the professional chefs in TP have rather abrasive, caustic, and especially demanding personalities. Grumpy cantankerous French chefs come to mind. I'm not sure I could handle the abuse. I'm a fragile strawberry, you know. My own flaw that I should overcome. I don't know much about JC teachers, but since most agree the JC life is an extension of secondary school life, I will assume that the teachers are similar.

Taking university chances into account, I think that both paths — that I'm considering — are pretty much equal. Not much elaboration is required for the JC path, but for the poly route, I can go to SiT. It is mostly for poly graduates with related diplomas, videlicet Baking and Culinary Science (not directly related) and Culinary and Catering Management (directly related; think elevator school) for me. I could enter SiT-CIA's Bachelor Professional Studies in Culinary Arts Management degree programme. It offers many learning points (French!) and opportunities (a 3-week exchange programme to the sister school in America!) for me.

It seems I'm ready and raring to enter poly. Yet, I'm still plagued with second thoughts... Everyone tells me one same thing, regardless of side take in this seemingly ageless debate; to do my best and have no regrets in the O Levels. It never really hit me until I read this on the blog of my school's top scholar:
“ imagine, i'm collecting my olvl results right now. and i have gotten a terrible grade. i despair, and wish i could turn back the clock. boom. i am here now. the clock has turned back. i am given a "second" chance, of sorts. i must not allow my future to be dictated by fate! this is my motivation. "
(http://secluded-place.blogspot.sg/2012_05_01_archive.html)
This really hit home, as I didn't do so well for my PSLE. One could say to look at where I am now, but I'm nowhere close to being good enough. I want my mother to be so proud she'll be crowing for months, and to really, finally, be able to tell myself, I can do it. I have done it. I am able to do these things; I am not dumb, I am good enough.

Labels: decisions, olevels