Reflections.

Well, the 5 days of pre-university seminar has come and gone. Fast, and not quite what I expected it to be.

You know, before the event, I thought the seminar was a gathering of people who are intellectually adept, and that they could spend 5 days discussing about politics and the state of our country's economy without feeling jaded. Yeah, of course I was right. But I also found out how wrong I was.

I was attached to the AVAC team, with one computing junior under me. Together, for the past 5 days, we took charge of the lightings and sound of the major events that happened during the pre-U seminar. Heck, before the seminar actually started, we had to wake up at 5am and reach school soon after that so rehearse. You know, more often that not, I ask myself why I do what I do. But I soon found out the answer myself.

It's nice to know that no matter what school we're from, we're all eighteen, with our own traits and desires, with totally different way of responding to situations. We're all the same. So what if we're from HJC, ACJC, YJC, TPJC, or JJC? There's no difference. Sure, sometimes we dress differently, speak differently, but other than that, we're still the same. Heh, I found out how true this was during the seminar.

The organising commitee really did a great job. It's difficult to handle a few hundred students at a go for 5 straight days. But they did it. Heh, the SLOs were great too. They made huge sacrifices, be it for health or others, for the sake of the participants. It's the first time JC2s paired up with JC1s to serve the school together. And probably the last time too. As a result of this, I noted how the juniors became closer to their seniors. We did not have that chance to be that close to our seniors. Thumbs up guy, way up!

On Thursday night, we had Pre-University Seminar Night 2005. It was kind of like JJ Nite, but this one was totally different, as it included all schools nationwide. The participants were decked out in blue, with SLOs in white/red, AVAC/IT in white/black, and CDC in red. It was one heck of a party. It really was orientation from a point of view. We sang, danced, cheered, some even cried. We went crazy that night. After the event, Apple went on stage. He asked them if they've ever been to a 'higher' concert before. Only 2 hands shot up. One guy said he's been to the Linkin Park concert. What shocked me wasn't that 2 hands shot up, but what shocked me was that only 2 hands shot up. Maybe they were being polite, maybe they didn't bother to raise their hand at all, but I think otherwise. It was a great concert all in all. Thank you!

After the concert, while they were boarding the bus, some groups cheered for JJ. It was great of course, and I strongly believe that one of JJ's strength is truly in boosting the morale of people, be it in songs, dances or cheers. Hell, sometimes when I'm down and out, I cheer myself up literally with cheers.

Of course, equipment broke down alot of times. But what Mr Owyong told us during our ride to the MPH before the concert was meaningful, and I agreed with it wholeheartedly. He said, "Equipment will always break down, but what counts is how people react to the situation". How true indeed. Equipment broke down today, when Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam was using it. Shit, I thought, we're dead. But the crew worked together, and with a bit of help from Mr Tharman's adjusting of the microphone, it worked out well.

The speeches from the minister and various VIPS during the opening ceremony and panel discussions were very interesting. The speeches on paradigm shifts and economic outviews were not only insightful; it will help us out in the future. I really learnt alot. The parallel discussions were also very good. I was blown away by TPJC's video, tickled by ACJC's presentation, and truly enjoyed VJC's video. I was surprised by how professional TPJC's video is. Really really good looking. Hehe.

After everything ended this morning, whereever I looked, groups were hugging each other, cheering, or just silently reflecting on the days that passed by ever so fast. Bonds and friendships were of course forged and binded, and these run deep. Even though I didn't directly came in contact with the participants, I had the rare opportunity of striking up a few conversations with them. I also made new friends with the J1s, which were wonderful. The groups of course, were the most affected by the end of the seminar. Something unexplainable and magical always happen during camps when people sleep together. I could almost hear what everyone were thinking of - whether they will still keep in contact with each other; whether if this is truly coming to an end.

Of course, this was coming to an end. But what truly matters for the former is how they continue to keep in contact. Sure, they will go out for one or two outings, and chat on MSN here and there, but it will become severely difficult to continue to keep in contact after a few months. Almost all groups which I was in previously ended out in naught. Keep in contact, we said. Remember to call! Make sure we go out regularly! Sure, we all meant well, and meant well indeed. The most important thing is of course comunication. Without communication, everything will fall apart.

Heres the chorus of a song I learnt during the camp, which I liked very much.

Verse:

Tonight we remember
The times that we spent here
The joy and the laughter.
Tonight we cherish
The moments that we spent here
Because it's the only time we have

Chorus:

Look at us, and see our smile
This is where we all belong
I remember the times we shared together
Until my last December.

Heck, I truly regret not being a participant.

Oh and, to that unnamed SRJC girl, thanks for the dance.

Nice meeting you Mr Daryl-Gomes Alphonsus, game more yeah? :)

With distractions coming from all places (including my stomach), I shall stop writing now.

Lengthy, but reminiscence nonetheless, that's what counts.