Freundshaft

2003-12-12 1:04 a.m.

After two days, I still can’t forget Prom. The magical atmosphere, the pure elegance of the ladies, thee gentlemen like qualities of the guys and everyone in the best. Shades of grey turned into dazzling multicolored gowns and dark yet handsome looking suits. Across two nights of remembering the event, I suddenly realized what was missing. Songs. Well yes there was one song sung in the beginning, but songs were absent through the evening. We didn’t even sing Auld Lang Sine. No love songs, no slow waltzing songs at all. Hmm, well no real harm done actually. It could have been better with songs like “How deep is your love”, “Wonderful tonight”, “Dancing Queen” and so on.

Anyway, this entry should have been finished last week, but I just wasn’t in the mood to complete it. It’s on friendship or rather friends, people who have enriched my JC life through out the two years. Let’s take a look at the Oxford Dictionary’s definitions for a friend

1. Person one likes and chooses to spend time with

2. Sympathiser or helper

3. Ally or neutral person

Well, most of the people who will be mentioned shortly after this do fall into at least one of these definitions. As you would see, the list is long, contrary to the popular belief that I have only a few friends. Of course, not all who are listed are close friends, but they were approachable and understanding, helping out in what ever way they could. They at least could be trusted and hardly ever broken a promise. As for the close friends, well, we had fun together, suffer pain and enjoyed laughter. There were times when we got on each others nerves, but that’s typical of comradeship. No friendship is ever perfect. However, looking back at my hectic and dreary life in NJC, it was indeed comforting to know there were individuals who would smile to you, lend you a hand or guide you through your toughest moments. Most of the time, little thanks were offered, mainly due to the stressful situations we were all under, and now gratitude has to be shown. This entry is not meant to glorify or criticize anybody, rather its just little thanks yous and small comments to those who have touched and enriched my life during these two turbulent years. You may note that I have left out certain people that I do know here, it’s not because I don’t like them, it’s because I don’t know them well enough. Ok, let’s cut the beating around the bush:

AO1—According to CH, this was the most united class of the Arts Faculty. Got to know most of them through my GP class. They were certainly warm, friendly and helpful, always holding a cheerful and optimistic attitude where ever they went, what ever they did. So here’s to them:

Yoke Pui—Met her only in my GP class this year. Hardly conversed with her, maybe once or twice for group work or presentation. Still, lovely girl,

Marianne—I still remember the first time we met was along the corridor back in September 2002, when the promos were looming over everyone’s head. You waved at me three times and even mentioned my name, and I had the faintest idea who you were. However, after getting to know you, your wave would never fade every time we passed each other. You were, frankly speaking, the easiest girl to talk to, one of the kindest girls I’ve ever met, and one whose smile never vanished. There were all those times when you me and CH would sit down after our CCAs and talk about anything. The weariness of the day seemed to fade away faster with friends like you around. All the best for the future.

Clarissa—GP classmate in JC 2, ever smiling and bubbly character. Your inputs in GP were truly enriching. That as much as I can say, as we weren’t really close friends.

Sherry—Another person that CH pointed out to me only this year. Another great house rep, but just like with Liqing our conversation was just limited to small snippets in the canteen.

Ruo Hui—JC 1 GP classmate, only knew her well enough by term 3 of 2002. We never really had a proper conversation with each other still that did not indicate any unpleasantness. You were a great house rep, always sacrificing time for the student body.

Nazri—He was in my OG, and not really a close friend, but OK in my opinion.

Wen Kai—I worked closely with him during Funtasia and he just had this natural talent for creativity. Gifted alright, Luke told me a week later. It was nice working with you.

Liqing—CH only pointed you out to me in the first half of this year, and before that all he said was that you were you were the prettiest girl in the Arts Faculty. Still, the brief times we met in the canteen, whether it was “oh excuse me” or “oh sorry about that”, were still moments etched in my mind. Don’t ask me why. Oh, congratulations on winning the Prom Queen.

Anastasia—OG group member, Chinese and GP class mate. Tom boy in my opinion, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Wasn’t that close to her, but got to know her better through others.

Ya Li—She was yet another of those who helped me get my bearings when I stepped into NJC, directing me to Lecture theatres and even helping me with those maths problems she could help me with. We drifted apart in year two, simply because of timetables.

A02—A class I hardly came into contact until the beginning of 2003. Nevertheless, they were a friendly bunch and I got to know most of them through my GP and Chinese class:

Ming Hui—One of my GP group members, she was the one who could note down our comments in neat print and orderly. She would also provide the finishing touches to any of our presentations—not just with the fancy decorations—but with last opinions. Great person to have if you’re thoughts are always disorganized.

Jiing Shyuan—Just knew her as the Council President, until open day and Temasek Seminar. She was one of the friendlier council members and it was a wonder how she could balance her Council work with her school work. Really held a high level of respect for her because of that. She had a selfless dedication that not many would have.

Wee Kiong—PC classmate for JC 1. Thank so much for lending me your PC notes and working with me during those times in Ms Teo’s class when others were contented to staying with their own groups.

Eugene—Lit 3 and GP classmate for JC 2. Reserved individual but easier to communicate with that some other boys. Offered quite a bit of useful comments for Lit in the latter half of this year and was one who never stopped trying to improve himself.

A03—this was my OG class and that’s how I got to know a few of them. I only realized that they were close to my class in July 2003, however, that did not increase the number of contacts I had with them. Still, here’s to the friends I found from this class:

Luke: Oh You. I got nothing much to say about you. No lah, just joking. We weren’t that close back in ACJS or ACS (I), but I guess circumstances brought us to be on an even closer basis in NJC. Interdependence could sum up the main purpose of our friendship. We both endured the pain and laughter of our classes, both face similar class politics (in some ways), and both survived in the end. You were quite a hermit in some ways, one who hardly went out with others, but I guess every individual has his special characteristic. Thanks very much for sitting with me during Lit and History lectures and enduring my jokes, tons of questions and simple idiosyncrasies. You helped me out in many small ways through out the two years but I really never thanked you enough. All the best for the future.

Shuwen—Never knew you at all until the beginning of this year. You may have been a shy and quiet girl, but you were certainly were sharp and added quite a bit of insight during our special paper lessons. Thanks for being such a great History S classmate.

Lily—You were another who was part of my class inner circle. In fact, we tended to ignore each other

Russell—The second boy in A03, however, he was quite comfortable with interacting with the girls in my opinion. Closer to CH than to me, we nevertheless had some memorable conversations.

Hwee Ping—One of those in A03 who I could talk to and who accepted me readily. Chinese classmate, you would find me, Edmund, Wen Chang and Hwee Ping together at the back. Of course seating arrangements would change later, but yeah, she was a good friend

A04—Ok, you’ve probably seen a lot of stuff on them in my other entries. Yeah, there’s no denying they were as friendly as A01. Just like A01, met most of them through GP class lat year, save the debaters and of course, Chih Hung. Then the rest just so happened to know me as time went by. Lovely bunch to joke with when you’re feeling bored, wonderful group to turn to when in trouble. My business with them, as I’ve told others, has always been on a need-to do basis, meaning I try not to interfere with them too much, however, there were always times when they accepted my company. Thanks very much for accepting me at your table during Senior’s Farewell guys, here’s to all of you:

Amandae—Work with her closely her a couple of times such as during the inter class debates last year and during GP. Her perception of others may change rapidly, but there was nothing wrong with that in my opinion. She would sort of bring balance to our small History S group—especially when Joe and WJ deviated from the topic at hand. A sharp and intelligent girl indeed,

Wee Jian—Mr. President, as Zhilin once commented “The debate society would never function properly without you.” You were the classical leader, dictatorial in some ways, but always understanding in others. You were another of those who disagreed with my views though not all the time. You shaped a bunch of four green individuals into a united fighting force for NDC 2002 and your leadership never faded. Outside of debate, you were the one who would inject humour into our History S lessons or provide some lasting idea during History 2 lectures. Thanks so much for everything, the competitive spirit in debate, your utmost dedication and your (frankly speaking) idiosyncrasies.

Joseph—Our debate Secretary, he was more of the working horse of the debate society, and at times, seemed to have more control than the President or VP. We would usually get into long unsolved verbal conflicts over motions with each other, both of us always standing steadfast by our views, but on hindsight, that was just a normal stage in any friendship. Outside debate, you were the one who could grasp the philosophical ideas of History S and a strong, umm, competitor for history 3. Nevertheless, thanks for all your added comments which improved my debating style and your guidance in many areas.

Chih Hung—Oh, let’s see, would this be a long comment? Most people would think CH is the only friend I have, but well, even so as friends, there were times when we got into quarrels and never spoke of days. Two times, if I count correctly, but I shall not go into the details here. I guess it something funny, but I get along very well with RI boys. It wasn’t really the first instance that I met him that I knew he was going to be part of my inner circle, but we did share certain similarities. Somehow or the other, we would always think alike in debate, giving our POIs at the same time, holding on to the same ideas and so on. Of course, we would have own fortes but we usually share our thoughts. Outside of debate, well, we sort of found ourselves in similar situations with regards to class—details classified for now, but that changed rapidly in JC 2. I guess I must thank him for all the times he and Luke sat with me during History and Lit lectures when I had trouble finding partners. Thanks for your aid in getting me started with GP and lecturing me on local issues. It was under his influence, by the way, that I started to frequent satirical sites and Singaporean forums. However coming back, we found more common ground in the areas of politics, international affairs and general knowledge. Even more surprising that our ambitions were almost the same, which lead to strong competition in JC 2 and quite a bit of animosity. You would find us in same conferences, the same competitions but never on the same track. What I learnt from him and what I’m grateful for is that no matter what you were before, you can always change yourself to shine even brighter than before.

Philip—Another one who was close to my class, and I really never got round talking to him until late this year. He livens up our history classes with some comment that would lead to long periods of laughter, or provide an unusual view over a tutorial question that would shift the thoughts of everyone in the same direction. He’s the perfect person if you need some laughter in your life.

Rui Fen—met her in JC 2 as a fellow GP classmate. Provided me with a few hints on how to write on topics which I have little interest in such as books and libraries.

Joanna—I never formally introduced myself, but just like with Philibert, we eventually knew each other. Sweet and generous girl.

Debbie—You’ve really changed my impression of MGS girls—what they were and what they are now just cannot be mention here. You were a great GP class mate, always provide lasting insight, and you were an easy person to work with. Your smile kept me going and lifted my spirits when I was down and the many times we talked together just seemed really refreshing. Thank you so much for your

Deborah—Another bubbly always smiling person, it’s no wonder she won the Singa award. One of the friendliest members of this class, she was another marvellous GP classmate, providing strong opinions on globalisation and the environment—which I know you strongly defend. Great to have such a friend who would never seem depressed at all.

Lucas—He was the first person I met in my JC 1 GP class, and I still remembered that meeting when he mispronounced my name. Somehow or the other, he became another close friend, one whom I could easily sit with without any trouble and one whom I could easily discuss issues with. Across the months, I would soon learn his idiosyncrasies, grabbing people’s back, or launching into a small song even when our GP teacher was around. He would liven up every GP class somehow, cracking a joke or doing something out of the ordinary. You were one of those who I could confide to, and thanks for bearing with my complaints about life and other troubles. Thanks for giving me a positive look towards my school life and for life in general. You were a true friend.

Philibert—I never actually introduced myself to him, but word of me just seemed to spread to other classes. He was another one who easily interacted with not just my class but with other classes as well. Someone who knew how to play hard as well as to study hard. You were another councillor who could think outside of the box, someone who had that happy look on his face and kept an ever optimistic attitude. Thanks for all your jokes and laughter which lighten my mood.

Nicholas—I really never thanked you well enough for lending me a blazer for the NDC prize giving ceremony. Due to a slight miscommunication, I returned my own blazer and could not borrow another in time. Nicholas really went all out to find me a blazer just in time. I am eternally grateful for that. He was also another wonderful GP classmate who would make me ponder over his points on feminism and marriage. An outspoken and gregarious person, one who would always get the job done. Thanks so much for all the times you helped me, Nicholas, I owe you quite a bit.

Grace—She was, for most of the time, part of my group for GP—it would usually be me, Lucas, Grace and Louisa together—or sometimes Nicholas. We usually spent a fraction of our allocated on the give task and the rest of the time chit chatting. Well, perhaps not me—I usually left the other three in their own conversation. Grace gave me the perception of how a true friendship can actually be and how it can be sustained.

Louisa—Ok, must tread carefully here. Anyway, what I want to say here would probably be the same as what I said for Grace. As you’ve probably read in one of my pervious entries, her common phrase in Lit lectures was “that’s seats for Ruo Hui.” Of course, I’d never argued against that. You could recognize her with her high pitched voice, but anyway, she was a great GP group member.

Kenn—Worked with him once for some GP presentation, and he was one who does not follow the boring old style by just focusing solely on the assignment. He joked and changed topics to other areas. Humourous person in many ways.

Yong Jian—Worked with him once for some comprehension AQ on sports, an area which I was never familiar with, and I was glad that he could help me in providing some examples to strengthen the arguments we made. Thanks for all your inputs during GP

Side note: You’ll probably notice I missed out one member of the class—Serene, but that’s mainly because I’d never had the chance to get to know her well enough. Of course when I sat with the class in the canteen or ventured into their room, she would be there, but I never did talk to her. Still, she did fit perfectly with their class.

A05—ah yes, naturally I would include my class in here. There were 25 of us at first, but one left, so that number came to 24. Six guys to eighteen girls. However, it was a fragmented class, fragmented along different lines such as language, subjects, perceptions and attitude. We never got back together but generally the divisions faded away for some groups. There was quite a bit of class politics, dirty most of the time and mostly we tended to agree to disagree. Anyway, here’s to those close friends I’ve made in my class:

Xin Yi—You were a great assistant class rep, going all out to get forms distributed on time and trying your best to unite the class for activities like Funtasia. Thanks for your help during Lit tutorials, where you helped to

Andrew--Great maths rep and one of the more gentlemanly of the boys

Fengqi—Thanks for all the times when you solved my maths problems for me—although the questions were ridiculously simple, and thanks for the working with me over Econs MCQ with Wan Ting and helping me with the questions I had difficulty in.

Wan Ting—You were one of the girls I found easier to talk to, although most of our conversations were usually about the stress we faced everyday. We helped each other, but I felt I helped you more. Still, it was nice to know you.

Yu Fen—She was friendlier than the others, although she tended to stick to her usual clique. Worked with her many times during maths tutorials and she was a great help.

Cheryl Loo Qi Ying—Quiet but intelligent girl. Was a wonderful team member during the S cube inter class quiz as she helped answer many of the questions. She was a strong competitor in other subjects such as maths and economics, but she was more help rather than a hindrance.

Sze Yin—I didn’t really think much of her at first, but gradually found her to a rather nice girl to talk to. She was a great partner for Lit and we found common ground in our knowledge of maths.

Joyce—Another one who was friendlier than the other girls, she did have her own clique, but was willing to mix around. In fact, she, SY, Cheryl and Xin Yi, were a great help in the last few weeks before the start of the A Levels, where they provided me with all the last minute notes.

Science:

Feng Yi—He has been my friend for around nine years now, and he’s probably the one who can understand me the best. Computer wizz, he lives his life around machines, gadgets and is most likely the second Bill Gates of the world. Yet, he holds an ever understanding and every cheerful attitude with him. We hardly interacted since we were in different faculty, but when we did, it would usually be a conversation on school, or the good old days back at ACS, or our future. There was once long time ago we told each other that we were going to set up a firm together and that vision probably would be reality some day. In the past few months, you would find me, Feng Yi and Chih Hung in the canteen debating the merits of US universities and offering advice to each other. FY would usually tell me to lower my voice (I usually raise it when I’m trying to make a point), but other than that, he has been one of my most trusted friends. Let’s keep our friendship going.

Zhi Liang—I’ve known him for about four years now and he’s such a sweet and gentel boy. He’d hardly got any scolding or punishments from the teachers back in ACS, and I doubt he was ever reprimanded in NJC. An industrious person, he’ll set his mind to what ever he’s given and will always finish the job. His wave and smile to me or anyone can be found anytime, come rain or shine. Someone who would cheer you up.

Bryanner—I wasn’t so close to you back in ACS, but you were the ever gracious and considerate BB boy through out the years. Thank you so much for your help during my first few months in NJC when I was so disoriented and had no one to turn to. You did serve the school with distinction on many occasions. Thanks again and let’s keep in contact

Jesher—Back in ACS, I only knew you as the ADH of Discipline, but never really talked to you until Luke introduced you to me. Yet, we never conversed that much, but I put that to the heavy burden we faced everyday. Still, I believe that we would meet up someday.

Bernard Tay—In ACS, you were the Station Inspector of NPCC. In NJC, you were the captain of NJC’s track and Field team. Ok, enough about your positions. The first time I met you, we had such a fun filled time together, dancing during orientation. After that, it was just “hi’s” and “how are you’s” in the corridor. Still, it’s wonderful to have you.

Jonathan Ho—Never actually knew who you were until Feng Yi introduced me to you! It’s amazing how small ACS (I)’s triple science cohort was and yet we never knew each other until 2002. Yup, I have to thank you too for showing me around NJ during my first few weeks, guiding me to lecture theatres and so on. You were another of those whose smile never stop showing along the corridors.

Edmund Lim—Another ACSian, he was in my Chinese class. Great partner for projects, small assignments and marvelous person to turn to because, well, his Chinese was better than mine. Probably still is. Anyway, it was comforting to have him during those long Chinese lessons. He and his friend Wen Chang really kept my spirits up.

Iwan—I wasn’t so close to you in NJ, even though you were my old classmate. Anyway, you did perform with excellence in many occasions for the school. Thanks so much for your years of friendship and hope it continues.

Jeremy Wong—Another 4.11 (my ACS class) classmates, we did not communicate much in NJC. However, you were a great IPW project member in Sec 3 and still are a great friend.

Nico—You were an unconventional class representative back in ACS, if I must say, the perfect councillor for NJC, vibrant and innovative. Thanks for also helping me get orientated during my first day in NJC. I’m also grateful for the small snippets of conversation we had together, whether about school, examinations or just life, these small moments lightened up my life.

Vikram—Ah, Vikram my friend, my usual greeting to him. He was the most understanding and one of the least selfish of my friends. Back in ACS, he kept on telling people he wanted to be the next President of Singapore. While just a dream, he did serve his college and nation proud in many ways. He knew CH first through his CAA, and after that, he became one of my inner circle along with FY. Indeed, a true gentleman serving with distinction. Thanks so much for your friendship Vikram and may your dream will come.

Keith—The first time we met in NJC, you gave me quite an unpleasant greeting. However, no harm was done, since I was used to your attitude back in Scouts. The next time I saw you was with Biyou, and I soon learnt your relationship with her. Although no words passed between us we met, I believe that there was no resentment in your mind.

Yitch—A vibrant, mostly rowdy character. The first time we met, we (as in Yitch, me and Bernard) went of stage and danced away wildly—that was during Orientation 2. Then during the “Stones can rock” concert, we pranced around the hall for until everyone was staring at us. Other than from dancing, Yitch (no his real name—but I never figured out his real name—tried his hand at debate—which ended of hilariously, and was Nico’s good friend. Good friend, but he would always tease Nico with some name that best not be revealed here. I guess out of all my friends, he would be the biggest, umm, joker of all.

Tammy—Only got to know her well enough during Temasek Seminar last year. Before that I classified her as just Yingci’s friend—no offense meant. Anyway, she’s an approachable, bubbly and smiling councillor. After Temasek Seminar, hardly interacted with her and not even greetings were exchanged when we met. Still, nice little girl.

Yingci—Ah yes you. After all the bullying in Secondary 2, it amazed me that you became a Student Councillor. Yeah, still we sort of made up long time ago, but you’ll sometimes shout my nickname across the corridor. Still, I guess I must thank you for your effort as a councillor. Yup, good luck for the future.

Guang Yi—My German Classmate in Sec one and Sec 2, we both spent our first meeting reminiscing about our days at MOELC. Another one who was just match perfectly as a student councillor and was another of those who saw life as fun filled.

Wen Yi—Met her when I volunteered for duty during Open Day last year, and she struck me as strict but out spoken individual. Bumped into her again during Temasek Seminar and after that I found myself closer to the Student Council. We knew each other by name from then onwards and greetings were exchanged occasionally.

Michael—You were part of my class inner circle 9which I was not part of), but still you would always provide the humourous element in Lit class—whether it was Ms C’s or Mr. Whitby’s. Thanks for all those times you worked with me during PC, especially when I had no clue what the extract was about and for being such wonderful Council Vice President.

Daniel Seng—He was suppose to be senior than me after he was voted Chairman of some committee formed within the School’s sapphire programme, however after the restructuring done in 2003, that position, along with mine, disappeared. Nevertheless, he was a strong leader while that stuff lasted and we would always have small conversations whenever we met.

Freddy—He was in Luke’s and CH’s Chinese class and I only got to know him in March of this year. I would usually ask him where to find the above two individuals. Another of those who would greet me with a smile anywhere.

Dave Ong—An honourary member of debate, he was on the opposing team during the inter class debates in 2002. After that, he left in favour the Science and Technology Club, but still kept in touch with the debaters, particularly CH and me. Our conversations were, just like those with Vikram and Feng Yi, centred around University applications or sometimes about politics. A great guy to talk with if you’re interested in Bio Technology.

Wen Chang—Edmund’s class mate, he was certainly a great help during all those times when I could never decipher my Chinese assignments. (In fact, almost everyone in Chinese class turned to him for help.) From RVHS, he was not the usual conservative type—if you know what I mean—and was a great friend to talk to when there was no one else. Thanks so much, Wen Chang.

Desmond—Lucas’ friend, only found out about him in the latter half of 2002. Well, I got to know him more after March 2003 and found so many similarities between him and Lucas. There was much laughter in Chinese class with him and the A04 gang.

Debaters:

(Excluding the Arts people)

Zhilin—a talented first speaker in debate, he never lost his cool, even in the most tense or stressful of situations. While most of the debaters would launch into a verbal fight over issues, he would always logically argue out his point. A sweet and yet self assured person, he was one of those I could turn to when to end any quarrel. Besides being calm and composed, he was another selfless and gracious person. Thanks very much for the aid you have given me during the times we were on the same team together and thanks for your advice during other debates.

Chi Hoong—The debate T-shirt reads, ”THBT Chi Hoong is a slack VP”. In my onion, he wasn’t really of that nature, and sometimes did give valuable aid when Wee Jian was overloaded in his duties. A natural third speaker, you wouldn’t want to mess with him on the debate floor with his barrage of POIs and sharp arguments A wonderful team mate during NDC, he was the second driving force after Wee Jian for all those times when we felt we could not go on any more. Once in a while, you would be jolted awake by his “Point sir!”

Biyou—Our only Chinese female debater for 2002—so coined by the NDC team—you would recognize her from a shrilly but cutting voice. Her forte was Bio-technology and Genetics, so we would defer to her for those topics. Although only a Training head, her command was a powerful as the President’s (no offense meant). Most of the time, both of us would agree to disagree, but I attribute that to the fact that we were usually on opposing team. Thanks for adding that small feminine element in the NDC team. (Grin).

Veena—Biyou’s friend, she was the team’s Research Head. A quiet yet dedicated debater, she slowly learnt and became a strong speaker. She wasn’t really part of the debate inner circle, and I didn’t really talk to her that much, but she was a sort of balance for our rowdiness.

Murali—Did not exactly have a strong opinion of him at first, but slowly accepted him as a debater. However, he did help me in other areas, especially in Maths and our divisions slowly fade away.

Kenneth—You owed me one for bringing you into debate! (Just joking). No, this guy was a great friend, though like some of the other ACS boys, I only got to know him well enough in NJ. He’s a sharp debater, able to spot little nuances and flaws, and has fortunately or unfortunately, a certain inclination towards the opposite sex. OK, I’m drifting too much in his personal character, but thanks very much Mr. Chua, for answering my barrage of questions—useful or irrelevant—and giving me help in Maths Lectures when I was totally lost.

Prasanna—He slowly drifted away from debate, but still was quite a commendable debater. As you may have learnt in one of my earlier entries, he gave me a good insight into India and their scholars.

Cynthia—never was close to you, due to the fact that you were always busy with ILDDS. For the times you were in debate, we were always in conflict with each other, but I guess that what debaters are like. Another person who added balance to the debate society.

Others—outside school:

Samuel—A close classmate back in ACS, our communication fro the most of 2002-2003 was through handphone messages. Still, another friend for many years—12 years I should think—and in many ways a great person to turn to in times of trouble.

Jerald—ACS (I)’s Head perfect for my year, he was another one who saw his life around girls—again no offense Jerald. A student of RJC, he just had a certain charisma about him that everyone like and only a few detested. Got to know him well enough only because he was closer to my class—my ACS class—and we found some common ground together. Thank you for all those times at the billiards table, when you taught me the finest points of the game (and usually let me win).

Juniors:

Jian Jia—He was actually a junior to me all the way back in ACS when I was a patrol leader. Nevertheless, we treated each other as equals and were sort of interdependent. I persuaded him to join the debating society and because of his natural flair, he became one of our best speakers. We were placed on opposing teams sometimes, but we fought as friends would do and learnt much from each other. It was an honour to have him with us, but sadly he left us. Nowadays, we still keep in contact via the internet, chatting about debate or his school life. It’s just so wonderful to have such a junior to chat with.

Alex—He could be said to be rebellious in some ways, but rather talented in others. (In fact, CH once said that he was exactly like Lucas, and we argued about that for a while). This guy had a natural flair for debate, but on the debate floor, he would rattle off like a machine gun. His points would not always be organized, but his ideas were clear. Although irritating, he’s a worthy opponent.

Kesminda—She was a perfect candidate for this year’s NDC tem, although she never got the chance to speak. A brilliant third speaker, she can find flaws in the opposing team’s argument and create a strong counter argument immediately. Thanks very much for letting us senior’s use your house for our debate party and thanks for bearing with our endless insistence on playing card games.

Krithikaa—She had a habit of stuttering during her speech, but she wasn’t the sort of junior to just sit and listen to our teachings. Instead, she would question our points and even correct us once in while. Out off the debate floor she was a quiet person who found solitude as her ally. Wonderful debater indeed.

Aqilah—She was our star debater, for in the first time in many years, she did NJC debate proud by qualifying in the Bridging Minds Debating Competition. You wouldn’t not find a better choice for debate president and debates with her were enriching.

Bing Wen—I did not get to train or debate with him that much, but the others saw him as a strong debater. Maybe so, but he was also superb in card games.

Mui Kheng—I did not think she could be a third speaker at first, but she was the most organized of the juniors in terms of points and she could usually twist the debate in her team’s favour. It was nice to train her.

To all the debate Junior’s: The T-shirt you gave us was wonderful, despite the comments at the back. Good luck for next year.

Other juniors:

Le Wen—Another ACS junior from scouts. Talked to many times in the beginning of the year, and helped him get started in his new environment. He had a natural flair for dancing and scouting and those were our main topics of conversation. It may seem just ordinary to anyone, but it was comforting to find familiar faces like his.

Jeevaraj—Congratulations on winning the Most Outstanding Scout award. He actually was much better than me back in scouts, but we saw each other as friendly rivals most of the time. It was great knowing you, Jeevaraj, and may the scouting spirit never fade from you.

Seniors:

Alex—This guy proclaimed himself to be “Alex the great” and ruled with an iron fist even though he wasn’t even part of the ECO of 2002. Even so, he did contribute much to the NDC team, offering many criticisms but slowly refining us into better debaters. This guy could fulfill all three roles-that is first, second and third speaker—but this most probably explained his arrogance. In the end, The debate society owed him a big thank you for all he had done for all of us.

Aaron—He had two natural talents—art and debate. Another one whom I owe a big thank you to for shaping me into the debater I am today. ACS (I) was his alma mater, but I never realized that until CH told me. He had a natural flair for everything artistic even though he was from science, and he inspired me to start sketching again. His works can be found in any book of his, or any scrap material he could lay his hands on and umm, in many parts of the school that the teachers would not really approve of. (I never said any of this though)

Sharada—The old training head of NJC debate, in the last few weeks before the actual competition, she taught us the finer points of debate. Other than that, she was another one who commanded forcefully.

Sa’adia—She was a environmentalist in disguise and her favourite motions always had to do with the environment. Other than that, she provided the arts students with tips on how to manage Literature. Thanks for that.

Anchit—The true brains behind the NJC debate team—this guy was more than a debater, he was genius in studies and a master of all trades. Only Alex (the great one) could probably match up to him and he was another one who was instrumental in shaping the debaters of our year. Thanks for teaches us about debate and life.

Wen Kai—The secretary, sweet, kind and gentel, she helped me get started with debate.

Others:

Vicky—My OG leader, did not really get to know her well enough. Still, she greeted me when ever we met and I learnt more about her through CH. (The details will be left for another story.) Great senior, that’s all I can say.

Note: I may have written in the first or third person or both for many entries, but that does not indicate any level of friend hip. I am just showing my gratitude to all those who shaped me one way or the other through the two years of my JC life.

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