Another year, another Forensics competition and this time round it was a good year for KTJ. We won the Sweepstakes Trophy (Overall Champions) again and became the first school outside ISKL to do a Debate 1-2! I had my doubts when taking part and so did Kevin but the team was amazing. Zhi Wei, Shafqat, Cher Waye and Chin Mun worked exceptionally hard for the incredibly technical resolution of 'The Actions of Corporations Ought to be Held at the Same Moral Standards as the Actions of Individuals' and their hard work paid off at the end. The opening controversy of being disqualified from the tournament actually motivated the team to go for broke and it was indeed pleasing to see the decision reversed. (In truth it was a breakdown in communication but we would just ignore that fact now) Kevin and me did not make it to the quarter-finals but we were happy with our performances. Kudos to the two Lower Sixth teams for making the quarter-finals AND knocking out two ISKL teams at the same time. I think that must have been the most satisfying moment in the whole competition, knocking out the hosts and heavy favourites AND THEN completing a 1-2 in the finals. I can't say how very very proud I am of you guys and all of you really deserve the results! People have been saying about how we have the the best debating team in KTJ history this year but seriously, like Shafqat said, 'We have National debaters, state debaters, district debaters and Kevin and Zhong'. The presence of Kevin and me were just mainly to anchor the team and provide the neccessary experience and understanding of the system. Otherwise, you guys pretty much ran the show and I am very very proud of all of you.
Other than that, Fauzana practically stole the show in this year's Solo Acting category. I've never seen a more touching piece in my life! Truly you have convinced me about the power of words. She brought tears to the audience by just sitting on a chair and talking about her (fictional) father. Her biggest action? Presenting a cup of coffee... Good or what? Seriously if I was less cold-hearted, I might have actually cried too. Believe me, it was THAT moving... Definitely going to nominate her to perform during assembly haha. Other mentions also go to Samantha and E-Quine, who both did very well in the OO and OI categories (bronze medals). I'm sure both of you will go from strength to strength and mount a stronger challenge for gold next year. KTJ is counting on you!
The Upper Sixers: Nadzra, Faiz, Joanne, Amira, Kevin and me all bowed out with our heads held high in the competition. I feel that the acting categories (Solo and Duet acting) were particularly tough this year and congratulations to the team of Nadzra and Faiz along with solo actor Amira for reaching the semi-finals this year. Though you guys were not among the finalists, I really enjoyed your performances and you have no reason not to be proud with yourself. A huge congratulations also go to Joanne who made the Impromptu finals. It was an improvement from last year and I thought you did very well in the finals despite losing out to the other contestants, true to your style and witty all the same.
A big thank you and pat on the back goes to all the other KTJ team members and staff who helped make this year's Forensics venture a success. To the contestants who did not make an impact this year, hey, there's always next year for you to try your luck again. And with this year's experience, I'm sure you'll be better prepared for next year's competition and hopefully, do our school proud. Anyhow we also thank you for all the support that you have given to the other team members through out the tournament and we couldn't have done so well without all of you! My appreciation also goes out to Mr. James Braddan, Ms. Sarah, Mr. Kenneth, Ms. Carol, Mr. Sutherland and other teachers from the ELU who took the time to coach various members of the team this year and for chaperoning us through out the 3 days. I'm sure you have been a great help to all the contestants and be assured that your efforts are very much appreciated.
Anybody who have been following this blog would know that I've had serious doubts over participating in Forensics this year. What changed my mind in the end was the enthusiasm shown by the Lower Six-ers and partly Ms. Carol coaxing me to take part. In truth, I am probably not much better than whoever who didn't make it through the auditions. Ms. Carol probably tought that we needed some people in the team who had experience in the American debate system and therefore included me. I hope that my presence in the team has been beneficial and has justified my selection and decision to stay on. I can't say how pleased and proud I am of you Lower Sixers. I'm sure this success will be one that will stick in your memories forever. For Kevin and me, it is enough to be part of this historic moment in KTJ Forensics history.
The third day of Forensics was made doubly happy because of a very pleasant surprise! Thank you... I am really touched and overjoyed... After so long I didn't expect to hear from you again... Thought you would have forgotten about me by now.... Thank you... Still in euphoria because of you... Can't say how much I missed you... Really really want to see you again, no matter how impossible it might seem...
Going back this Friday for exeat and then trials next week. It's going to be a busy busy end to Term 1 and here's hoping that everything goes well... Anime Fest this weekend at MMU!! Let's see if I can get my hands on a Gundam or two... If not, catching up on some sleep will do fine. Goodness knows how much I need a break with all this stress... If things don't lighten up, I might need to see a caunselor or something... PAM!!! haha...~Zhongy~
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Monday 18 February 2008
Angel
Sarah McLachlan
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There’s always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it’s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I’ll find some peace tonight
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There’s vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don’t make no difference
Escaping one last time
It’s easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees
In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
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Sunday 17 February 2008
Have been attending a string of interviews lately, particularly for US universities. Once you've been through a lot of them, the whole process becomes kinda routine. It's always the same suit, the same questions and the same answers. I want to think that it helps my application, that it would help me somehow get in to one of these unis, but seriously, there's just no way to tell how good or bad an interview just went. You go in and chat, nothing serious. At the end of the interview, the interviewer wishes you good luck and bye, and you're out there on your own again. Truth is, I suck at interviews. Yea I'm a kind of introvert when it comes to personal things and feelings, AND I feel bad about the idea of actually selling myself to the interviewer. I don't like it, this idea of selling yourself. I'm the type which is the silent worker, the one that leads by example, not words. I thrive on professionalism, brute work and efficiency (the last hardly true as I'm also guilty of procrastination some times), not inspirational rhetoric or flashes of brilliance. I'm driven and motivated, no doubt about that, but that hardly shines through in interviews. It really doesn't help when you can't sufficiently portray these qualities during these interviews, because every applicant have almost the same level of achievements. You're on level ground now. A good interview can really tilt the scales in a person's favour, and I feel that I don't really have the pulling weight when it comes to this. Every time I get rejected, I can't help have the sinking feeling that the cause was the interview. For sure I am as good on the paper as anybody else, so why not me? Why somebody else? There is just no rational explanation...
Going for an interview this Tuesday. Let's hope I do well enough to impress the interviewer that I'm certainly THE BEST candidate for a place. God how I want one...~Zhongy~
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Sunday 10 February 2008
Not such a bright start to the year I was hoping for but at least it finally came :( Was kinda expecting it since I didn't really do well at the interview. Anyhow here it is:
Anyhow thanks to all for the new year wishes and birthday wishes. 18 now! Not such a big deal buy hey? A year older. Now it means I can go into clubs and drink and smoke and PARRRTTTAAAAYYYYY..... (Jun imitation lol) Other than that, no real significance I can think of....
I'm officially participating in Forensics debate again... Kevin has very kindly acquesced (I hope so) to be my partner again this year despite lack of practice, research and skill. Hopefully with a stronger team this year, we can actually make more of an impact in the debating field, and with some luck, bring back a medal. The best bets would probably be on Shafqat and Zhi Wei (if they can get their act and speeches together) but the luck of draw makes everything possible...
Good grades for my October exams with As in Physics and General Paper bades well for the future. It really helps that I achieved an AAA breakdown for my Physics so no retakes! YAY!! On the other hand, the January exams went well and I would still be aiming for As in all the English Literature and Mathematics modules which would put me in a very good position during May. It would also give me more time to dedicate to my Yearbook work which will be discussed below...
Yearbook. Aaaahhhh.... Possibly the most hair-losing, frustrating, meticulous and satisfying project ever in anybody's school life. It's time to get a move on with all the back log of work and time for me to go into the German Nazi-ish mood (quote: Jit) again. Things are looking rosy at the moment and hopefully everything will be done at the end of this term or at the very latest, April. Here's to a very very productive second half of Term 1 where everybody will meet all the deadlines. Wishful thinking Zhongey... But seriously, that would be the most perfect, perfect present ever...
On another note, the grim reaper has been very busy this two months... 4 deaths now, and counting... Seriously it's been so frequent that I haven't get the time to write out proper eulogies for the four deceased. In chronological order, our beloved Ms. Ooi Saw Imm, Mr. Quah Ban Hock, Ong Yi's grandmum and my grand-aunt. Any more and I'll really believe I'm cursed... Death really leaves a mark upon all of us and my deepest condolences go out to all the family and friends of the deceased. At times like this when I need the least distractions from my work, it is hard to believe that it takes Death knocking on the door to bring me back into perspective and back onto ground. True life has its twist and turns, but seriously this is taking things way too far... For now, I'll just believe I'm not yet the Harbinger of Doom...
Chinese New Year was way too short. 3 and a half days are no way to celebrate the new year but then, that's life. Not in the festive spirit anyway but well, you get caught up in the atmosphere somehow. Considering the short frame of time, it was quite fun and exhausting sprinting around visiting (or trying to visit) everybody. Particularly pleasing was meeting up with Ms. Leong Hui May who I only see once a year but has not changed a bit! In fact, she seems to have gone a little more cuckoo! Maybe it runs in the family? Lol just joking... Heard from my sisters that Ang Pow collection was good this year and I'm certainly hoping so :) Am going to need it to finance a decent laptop cooler and an external hard drive. Other things can wait...
Going to enter a plea of tolerance now to all my friends... I'm not in the best of mood these days and it would do better if you didn't annoy me too much... It would be very kind if you didn't ask what it's all about too as part of it is personal and I don't feel like sharing just yet... Sensitive people may pick up nooks and crannies but that's up to your own interpretation... Mums the word for now until I pick myself up again, hopefully in the not too distant future... Haih... Depression all over again... All gloom and doom and insomnia, such a lovely recipe for distraction...~Zhongey~
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