The Word ‘Resilience’ Does Not Have an A

 

Written by: Anonymous

Designed by: Jo Yeoul (19-A2)

 

The ‘A’ Level results were released almost four months ago. All the chatter, screams, and cries have long died down. For me, I have finally sorted out my emotions and pieced my life together. Before the ‘A’ Level results become a thing of the distant past, I am finally convinced to share my story.

 

ACADEMICS

My academic journey was undoubtedly a test of willpower. My J2 year started off rough, when I scored a 0 for my chemistry lecture test which I studied hard for. I remember so distinctly the ‘0’ written in the last box of the cover page and a ‘U’ written beside it. I do not conform to that success story of a student who started off with nothing and ended the journey with an ‘A’. In fact, I was nowhere near an A. I got an E. ‘E’ is an alphabet no one would want to see on their certificate, but for me, it meant a lot. I had passed. I had finally passed after failing chemistry for 2 years straight. You might think that it is unimpressive, but the point I would like to make is that we all experience ‘success’ in different ways.

 

That very day when I received my March Common Test results, and where everything started to spiral is still fresh in my mind. It rained heavily that day. I went to a far corner of the school, looked at my DESU/D grades, watched the rain, and cried till the school gates closed.

Did you think that was bad? That was only the start of a tumultuous ride. I continued to study very hard, but my grades did not improve. In fact, they dropped from the March Common Test to the Mid-Year Examinations. The drop was so drastic that I attained single-digit percentiles for the first time. After this, my health deteriorated and I was often unwell. The academic struggle is tough, but the battle against health problems, many lasting for more than a month, was arguably tougher.

 

 

PHYSICAL HEALTH

You must be wondering, how bad can one’s health get? I started the year with a multitude of stomach problems. Following those, I was often down with flu and never quite recovered. Throughout the year, my health condition deteriorated so much that I was very thankful for each day I was well. I had a hand injury that worsened, and I had to go for my first operation during the Preliminary Examinations period. For one month, I could not do any papers and had to vocalise my practices. However, that was not the hardest struggle. I was a music student whose performance instrument was the piano . . .

The rest does not need to be explained.

During the A-Level Music Performance and Portfolio submission week, which also happened to be the SAT week, I was also down with severe abdominal pain, which was so bad I was given 2 painkiller injections at once. I also struggled to type my music write-ups while being at the hospital, awaiting treatment. Eventually, I pulled through by the skin of my teeth.

 

It is hard to articulate the strain it had placed on my life. However, I learned that when we are battling against things in life that are more important than grades, such as our physical health, telling yourself to “press on” might just be the hardest thing. It was so exhausting, and many a time I wished life had been easier. I often ruminate on the need to pursue our dreams, when life seemed bleak. I was so sick throughout the year that even the simplest of tasks such as eating was laborious. Yet, I constantly reminded myself that life would never be complete, should we not live with purpose.

 

MENTAL HEALTH

Next, mental health – a topic our society shuns. It might come as a surprise to many that my life had been plagued by the aforementioned. I had to deal with the ridiculously high expectations of others while having to keep up with being a DSTA JC Scholar in my first year. I started off struggling alone, and almost lost myself in that war. My pride was so important that even when I could no longer find the strength to live another day I preferred to fight alone. Eventually, things took a turn for the worst, and I confided in my friends. I really must say that friendship is what that pulled me through the hardest times. There were times I felt as though I was going to lose my sanity, but my friends were always there to help me stitch the broken pieces of my life back.

 

What I would like to say, is that we all wear a mask – some more translucent than others. But behind each opaque mask, painted glamorously with flamboyant colours, might be a frown no one can and would see. It is something no being in this world wants to go through, but some do, because of how they are or were, made. Nonetheless, if you ever feel that your life is not in place, it is alright – there are people willing to hear you out and bring you through difficult times. ‘People’ is one of the most beautiful things I have found in Eunoia, and one of the many things that made my life a tad bit brighter. I never realized this, until trials came at me.

 

I also hope to tell you that no battle is ever too tough to fight, and no road is ever too rough to walk on. It is about waking up each day and telling yourself, “I really hate this life of mine, but the only way to not hate it anymore is to get up and live my life.” The hardest part of leading such a life is knowing how to segregate school and emotions because our society hardly accepts people who are different in this aspect. Suffering alone is draining and tiring. At the same time, we are not born to be conquered by challenges, but born to overcome them with the strength we create within us. Strength does not appear with the snap of our fingers – it comes from the heart. This is a message I thought was easy to comprehend, but hard to truly accept.

 

IN A NUTSHELL…

The ‘A’ Levels, for me, was a battle. A battle where I went to the field powerless. I thought I would have lost myself in it, but I walked out alive. I tell myself, I have conquered. To everyone that might be struggling, please do not give up. Take heart, and fight on. Resilience and courage comes from within. When you wake up, tell yourself that you are not going to give up, that you are going to pull through this tough period of time, and you will, for it is all in the mind.

 

 

We are one Eunoia after all. When I thought I was not going to make it, my teachers and friends were always there for me. They helped me through tough times and encouraged me to achieve more. When I could not write, my friends took notes for me; when I was absent from school, they helped me with my academics during my breaks; when I almost could not find the strength to press on, they gave me food. My teachers were always there to help me. They never rejected a consultation request and were often using different pedagogical methods to help me with my academics. They encouraged and guided me with love and care.

At the end of the day, when the aftermath of results day cleared, I know for one that those letters I see on that certificate are nothing more than alphabets. The journey taught me a whole lot more lessons textbooks cannot.

And finally, what everyone might have been waiting for… So, what did I get? Nothing impressive. A UAS score of 75.325, and the grades which spell ACCE/BAA. Did my life reach a complete stop? No. With the skills and knowledge I have gained beyond the academic realm, I have earned myself a place in 7 reputable universities abroad, places in prestigious courses from 2 local universities and an esteemed scholarship.

The word ‘resilience’ does not have an ‘A’, but that does not mean that we should live life without resilience. Resilience is a very beautiful entity. When life gets rough, resilience gives us the strength to trudge on. I write this not to ask for your sympathy or empathy, but with the hope that this story of an anonymous Eunoian, who might just be your senior or friend, will empower you to fight on with grit, leaving no regrets behind.

The word ‘resilience’ does not have an ‘A’, because there is so much more to life than straight As. Every individual has their path to take, and their unique story to tell. Adversity is part and parcel of life – unavoidable, but it is only through adversity that people yield the best of themselves. Setbacks are difficult to accept, and the emotions that emerge with each downfall might continue to linger with you, but never allow them to cloud your direction in life. Allow them to be a source of motivation, to encourage you to journey further. Nothing in life comes easy. Love one another, show compassion, display courage!

The word ‘resilience’ does not have an ‘A’ for resilience is something harder to practice than the pursuit of an A. At the end of the day, know that you cannot avoid the storm, but you can draw every strength within you to walk the most demanding of paths.

P.S. If you know who I am and would like to message me about any part of this article, please feel free to do so, but I would really appreciate it if you could help me to keep my identity concealed. If you do not know me personally, I would be very grateful if you would respect my privacy and anonymity.

Push Start

Written by: Athena Lim (19-A4)

Designed by: Athena Lim (19-A4)

 

People consider video games another avenue to escape from reality, and for good reason. Of course, you’ve heard the usual pitch: video games cause violence, are addictive and a waste of time. All these people have likely heard it too.  If the claims hold true, why do people, despite this, play video games?

 

Percentage uncertainty: 0%

A game, in essence, is programmed to do specified, predetermined tasks; a character will always respond to certain stimuli in a certain way, enemies will have pre-set abilities, et cetera. Walkthroughs can often be found online, allowing players to find out more about the weaknesses of that upcoming boss, and even spoil a surprise encounter that might happen. In contrast, reality brings with it the daunting uncertainty of human interaction, with a single unplanned factor snowballing into a huge problem without warning. In a way, video games allow us to take a step back and do some risk assessment: while we may not always be able to change other factors, we can predict them and prepare accordingly. Does spotting questions count? In any case, you didn’t hear it from me!

 

The world is your oyster

The freedom to rewind time by saving and reloading the game is an obvious safety net, with no cost for doing so most of the time. Of course, this is a good chance to learn from mistakes, for most games involve a specific strategy which can be applied in real life, such as studying methods. With the mid-years approaching, it’s wise to know whether mindmaps or audiobooks, for instance, work better for you. I personally like rewriting notes more than re-reading them. One has the luxury of time in the player-centric world of a game – the plot simply will not progress until the player does. Alas, the real world isn’t half as patient, and deadlines are a thing we cannot avoid; perhaps a reminder to study for our lecture tests, and Mid-year Examinations?

 

You’ve gained 100 experience points! Level up!

Most games have an experience system, where doing the most menial tasks will eventually net you enough experience to ‘level up’, and many challenges can be overcome through ‘grinding’, the potent mixture of brute force and endless time.  In reality though, you’d likely make little headway if you work without a plan. Everyone has had that moment when our brains felt like a leaky bucket, our hours and brain cells seeping away when studying. Work smart, not work hard, as the adage goes, and remember that your time is limited.

 

Double or nothing.

Hard work pays off, remember? The sense of accomplishment from finishing a hard level, for example, is certainly a factor in their popularity. The risk-reward system is a huge pull, sure, but how much is the risk? For some games, it is simply a matter of in-game currency, which may take time to earn, but is renewable nonetheless. Though taking any risks is up to our own discretion, we can certainly agree that the rewards are much better, considering that losses can be recouped easily, whereas a missed opportunity in real life is often just that, with little to no chance of a similar one. Some games play on that, extending their reach a little further into the real world, offering (marginally) better chances for better in-game equipment in exchange for a taste of our wallets.

 

On the other hand…

Video games aren’t all doom and gloom, for they do offer an immersive way of experiencing a story. As such, while video games may be a pretty bad representation for the twists and turns of life, it is those differences that draw people to playing them. The rich backgrounds of some role-playing games, for instance, with blossoming communities of like-minded individuals creating and expanding upon that world, such as through fiction or art, is a powerful pull for some, and an invaluable chance to live an impossible dream vicariously for others. Strategy too plays an important role, precariously treading the line between being easy enough to grasp readily, yet intricate enough to engage long-time fans and the competitive scene (Though it largely depends on the genre and intended audience of the game – for instance, Pokémon, which appeals to both older and younger fans, has a much gentler learning curve than other games).

No matter what games you play, I’m sure they’ve had some impact on our lives, and it is up to us to sift through and learn from them.

Agony Aunt Agatha #13

 

 

I’m having a major life crisis. I just had a major breakdown over CCA stuff and with A-Levels coming up, I feel like I’m drowning in commitments.

First thing that comes to mind: manage your time well. But then again, this is easier said than done. I could pretend that I have my whole life together and provide a solution to your problem but I would be lying to you and myself. With the many commitments that come with being a JC student, it is definitely a chore to juggle every single one of them.

I would advise you to take some time off studying to rest and plan out your next move, but with A levels looming closer and closer, it is likely that you will not see this as a feasible option. But still, remember that your health, be it mental, physical or emotional, is of utmost importance. Even if you feel the need to study and revise your work in every waking moment, take a breather from your books to relieve yourself of stress. Your breakdown is a sign indicating that studying too hard has taken its toll, and soldiering on ahead with your assignments and CCA commitments will just aggravate the situation. So put away your books, take a breather and rest up to rejuvenate yourself before diving back into your homework.

Know that you are doing enough and that you are doing the best that you can possibly do. In life, we cannot always control the outcome of events, but all that we can do is to prepare adequately for the event and allow fate to do its work. You might be thinking too much about the future, which stresses you out. Instead of being focused on what happened and what could happen, live in the now a little more and focus on what you can do right now. Have faith in yourself and in that you have the strength to get through this. After all, so far, you’ve survived every worst time period in your life. Hang in there, you’ve got this.       

My Economics tutor is not teaching my class effectively. Her explanations are not clear and she missed lessons twice this semester, causing my class to have multiple makeup tutorials. My tutor tends to ‘jump around’ when teaching, for example, she can be talking about the beef market for a moment and then talk about an entirely different market without giving us much context. She doesn’t answer questions or check if we understand our content. While other classes have Economics homework and many useful tips from their tutors, we have been doing group work assignments that are not very helpful and more time consuming than submitting individual case study questions or essays. As a result, my class is lagging behind the other classes. What should I do?

Firstly, you need to understand that all the EJC teachers put in a lot of effort into preparing for your tutorials. They take great joy and pride in their work. What your tutor is doing now seems to be some common teaching methods that have been used for some time. Know that all classes have different and unique learning styles and it is probably the first time that your tutor has encountered the special mixture of students in your class. It is only natural that she is not accustomed to your class’ learning style. Remember that her teaching strategies do not make her a bad teacher, as these strategies may have worked really well for another class, and are just not suitable for your class. I think it is important for you to show some sympathy and appreciation towards her for the challenges she has to face as a teacher, instead of offering only harsh criticism.    

That being said, I think you should feedback to your economics tutor that your class does not find her teaching methods useful. Communication is important and it would be best if you can tell her so that she is aware and can hopefully change her teaching style. You should also do the Quality of Teaching Survey that is in your EJC portal. You would have received emails reminding you to complete these surveys a while ago. This survey is the perfect platform for you to voice your opinions if direct confrontations with your tutor are not really your style. The school places great importance on student voice and will take the opinion of students by reviewing the Quality of Teaching Practices Survey.   

Since your economics tutor doesn’t answer questions or check if your class understands lecture content as much as you would like her to, you can consider booking consultation with other economics tutors, especially the ones who have covered lecture content. They will be happy to answer your questions. To prepare yourself for case study questions and essays, I suggest that you form a study group with your friends who are not taught by your tutor and ask them to share notes with you. Or alternatively, you can buy the Economics Ten Year Series (TYS) to practise Case Study Questions and essays. (p.s. EJC doesn’t order TYS for students).  

How do I balance hobbies, schoolwork, CCA and family life?

Life is so full of commitments, and sometimes you just feel like escaping from the sheer amount of things you have to do. You wake up at 6 in the morning, exerting yourself to stay awake and make productive use of the next 8 hours or so in school, bullying your brains relentlessly, up till the early hours in the morning, before collapsing; the cycle repeats.

On a weekend morning, you wake up late only because fatigue put you into a long sleep. Sounds really bad, right? But it usually doesn’t end here. There’s tuition after lunch, your mum has invited guests over and asks you to help her entertain them, or your baby cousin demands to play with you. All the while, you are likely engage in internal battles: rewinding your conversation with that friend, reimagining unfavourable situations, regretting your stupidity and pining for things even though you know the standards of others don’t apply to you.

So, how do you manage the amount of workload and social commitments that are cut out for you everyday?

First of all, don’t overthink. Most of our exhaustion comes from dreading the future, resenting the past and looking anywhere but the present. We rush to complete our schedule without appreciating the present. Mum’s going to pick you up for a family dinner after CCA? Finish up that conversation properly with your friend; let them know that they are worth your time first, before going off. Don’t think about the traffic jam that awaits you, or the tedium of having to go over the menu with a hundred choices. These may seem like small things, but these small irritations and preoccupations with the future compound into everyday grumpiness and even pessimism. So stay focused, cherish and relish the present. This exercise will help you regulate your emotions and priorities better, since you are not grappling with so many things at once. Know that you have done your best, let your worries go, and go along with life.

Secondly, learn the feeling of contentment. You can feel content when you reconcile your expectations with what is realistic. Very often, we covet what we don’t have, and that leaves us feeling unsatisfied with ourselves because we don’t achieve what we want. Perhaps you can look around you and feel grateful for those who are right beside you. This would reduce feelings of resentment and doubt, allowing you to cope with multiple tasks at once without feeling as stressed. You would also feel more at peace when you don’t want so many things.

Thirdly, don’t be so hard on yourself. We live in an age obsessed with perfection: perfect grades, outstanding resume, good social presentation skills, having a desirable appearance, etc. These external expectations are not as crucial as being at ease in your own skin, but they are still important. You can better cope with them if you feel good about yourself. It’s okay if you weren’t productive on a Saturday. Don’t bash yourself up over it. Identify significant distractions (such as overusing your mobile phone), try to remove it, and add in some healthy routines in your lifestyle, such as exercise and engaging in hobbies that can unleash your creativity. At the same time, reduce the workload you’ve cut out for yourself. You might feel more encouraged and end up being more productive than you’ve expected!

Vent your problems away via this link and Aunt Agony Agatha will come up with a solution for you! All submissions are anonymous!

NO PE AFTER 3

Just by reading this title, you must be guessing I’m probably another one of those ‘PE haters’ and whine continuously about having to run at least 4 rounds around the 400m track every PE lesson. But I am here to assure you, that I am absolutely not. I am merely providing another viewpoint of the rigorous PE sessions that EJC has planned for us, and perhaps provide some propositions and suggestions as to how to make the experience more enjoyable for students.

 

If you are a J1 reading this, then let me tell you now. PE. Will. Get. Tough. No, I’m not exaggerating or trying to scare you, but I am providing you with a realistic expectation. PE will start off pretty rigorous right from the beginning in order to not only get you fit for the year but also to train you for Road Run, our annual March school event, (so do be mentally prepared to run 9 rounds around the track during your next PE lesson…)

 

While there is no doubt that running can certainly improve both our mental and physical stamina, not many students enjoy it. Why not? Because, well, it’s running, of course. It’s uncomfortable and painful and we all just end up sweaty and gross (and a couple shades darker might I add). But most of all, it can get really, really boring… Having to run a track in circles without any distractions whatsoever but to concentrate solely on your pain and discomforts, rather than to enjoy the process of an increased serotonin levels, is truly tough. We know this, and we feel you.

So here are some ways that you can make running, or PE as a whole, more enjoyable:

Prior to running, you can form your own pacing group. Running alongside friends can make the whole experience a little more bearable. However, make sure that you look for someone who runs at a similar speed as you do, that way, you will not feel demoralised or left behind when he or she sprints off midway, leaving you in the dust; but at the same time will also push you to keep going even when you both know you are tired. You will learn that friendship really is magic. Gathering enough energy to utter a single “You can do it!” or “Jia You!” can really encourage your friends through this arduous journey.

When running, think happy thoughts; try not to focus that much on the pain and instead, motivate yourself by giving yourself short-term goals, such as “Once I reach the shade, I can slow down a little” or “I must reach that tree before him”. Such short-term goals can really motivate you along the way and give you those little energy bursts to help you go through it all, bit by bit; and before you know it, you will have completed your 6 rounds!

However, PE is not ALL about running. Physical Training is also imperative to boost one’s physical strength and build on one’s personal endurance level. However, these PTs can get rather repetitive and rather boring…

So why not play some music? Playing music really does improve our mental strength and motivates us to keep going. For example, my PE band was having PE in the hall as it was raining the other day (thank goodness), and we were doing circuit exercises – 40 seconds of exercise, with 20 seconds rest. Halfway through our second circuit, our teacher decided to blast music from the speakers. Jamming to the music with my friends helped me to stay motivated and even do my jumping jacks according to the beat of the music. This really tied in with one of the purpose and goals according to the official MOE PE syllabus; “Opportunities to establish emotional and social connections as students collaborate on common goals and overcome challenging activities.” Perhaps teachers can design a series of movement that suit the song choice, for example, doing push ups according to the rhythm of the music, going down on every fourth beat, or even doing squats, going down on every second beat.

 

As I was scrolling through the 200 page document detailing the MOE’s PE syllabus of Singapore, something caught my eye. What really baffled me was that there were so many activities offered at a primary school level, which include dance, athletics, gym, outdoor education etc., but way lesser were offered in tertiary education, which included only 2 things; Physical Activities and Physical Health & Fitness.

So here comes my second proposition:

There are so many other forms of exercise, why limit it to doing rounds around the track, or merely playing different ‘sporty’ ballgames? Why not include activities such as pilates or yoga or dance, even? These activities can make PE a lot more enjoyable for students, and help us to incorporate healthy living and improving our core muscles, as well as help to build up our mental stamina.

Fortunately, one of the saving graces of PE in EJ is the games we get to learn to play and compete against one another. I have to admit, participating in these games are indeed fun and we do get a good workout while also bonding with our friends and unleashing our inner competitive spirits. However, I, personally, feel that the sports offered during the inter-CG games for J2s are limited. My proposal: ask students to suggest on the games and activities that they want to play, before selecting the choices of games to be made available. That way, students will be more willing to participate in the games offered as it may be more widely catered to their interests.

 

So, from what we’ve all seen so far – okay, fine. Maybe PE isn’t so bad after all. Not only do you get to play fun games with your friends but you get fitter with monitored training.

I realize that what makes it really unbearable in the end is the heat and humidity of Singapore. As someone with 2 PE sessions after 3pm, I can testify. Participating in PE at a sweltering temperature of 37℃ is no laughing matter. Heatstroke is said to occur when the body temperature goes above 40℃. However, do not be fooled by your flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate or piercing headache, these are just signs of you working hard during PE, and putting in your 101% effort is what the teachers want, right? So students get home, with a headache, feeling rather drained, and decide to take a 2 hour nap. The 2 hour turns into 4 hours and the 4 hours turn into 6, and before you know it, it’s 1am. Sounds familiar? Perhaps some students feel more energized after PE, but I wouldn’t know, I’m not that kind of student.

Having two PE sessions that both take place in the afternoon is strenuous. It’s painful, uncomfortable, and downright dreadful. Listening to my friends lament about having afternoon PE sessions has become my only solace. This is also my main inspiration as to why I’m writing this article.

So here is my last proposition:

Make things fair. Every class should at least get one morning slot for PE, that way, more strenuous activities such as running or physical training can be carried out in a more ideal condition at a less sweltering temperature.

 

So lastly, here’s to the many more arduous, demanding and exhausting PE lessons that might hopefully get better after adopting these methods.

 

Good Luck Everyone!

 

-ash

Sticker Credit: Aye Tha

 

30 Second Reviews – Band Fiesta

Beginning this segment of 30s Reviews…

A mundane evening in the botanical gardens was transformed by a resounding performance by the EJC symphonic band. Within the span of 2 hours, park-goers basking on the lawn by the Shaw Symphony stage, were treated to classic pop hits like Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You and a medley of Taylor Swift classics from her 1989 album. Conducted by the experienced maestro Adrian Chiang, the band, although consisting of many first-timers, pulled off an undeniably mesmerising performance. From the jovial upbeat pace of Shape of You, the groovy beat of Despacito, to the seamless transitions between Blank Space and Shake It Off, the performance was worthy of a standing ovation. Although marred by technical inadequacies of the speakers, the evening was a pleasant end to a hectic week.

Grace Marie Yeh

 

CCA in the Spotlight – Track and Field

Photo credit:Tan De-Reng

Interviewee: Ullekha

1. What is an average CCA session like?

We start our CCA session at 5.30, We warm up and do drills till 6,  After which we get into our divisions and do the workouts coach has for us.

2. What do you enjoy most about your CCA?

The people. Running can be very tough and tiring if you are alone, but the people you train with, who make you laugh and talk about what happens in school, are the ones who make the toughest trainings bearable. I also love the feeling of completing a really tough workout

3. As seniors, what is your CCA looking out for in prospective members?

Commitment and dedication to push through even the toughest trainings!

4. What do you think was the highlight for your CCA last year?

There were many! Our VIA at the Rainbow Centre was really fun, and every race we complete is also a fond memory.

5.CCA information

Last year our boys relay team was very close to qualifying for finals and this year we succeeded! Also, many of our athletes qualified for individual events.

Interested to learn more about them? Head on down to the track during their training to find out more!

 

Agony Aunt Agatha #3

I like a guy but I can’t tell if he likes me back. Are there any signs to look out for?

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize relationships as a serious commitment that requires the effort of two individuals in order to have a chance at success, especially at this age, so be careful when ensuring that the both of you know what you’re both in for and intending for before you go too far! But here are a handful of small tips to notice if he’s noticing you back:

1. He finds all sorts of random ways to communicate with you, such messaging you to ask for homework help although the assignment is only due 2 weeks later.
2. He seems to break into a smile particularly when he’s around you, and only you.
3. He shows a lot of concern for you and seems very conscious of your presence.
4. He compliments you and makes a lot of eye contact with you.
5. He tries to get your attention, be it by poking fun at you or showing off something that he is good at.

Good luck, and if all else fails, just ask him directly instead of sitting in suspense!

 

I didn’t sign up for house cap/council but I still want to be part of organising school events and being more involved in school but I’m not sure if that’s possible. I’m not sure what to do or who to approach.

I’m sure the school would truly commend you for commitment and interest in serving the school, and I’d like to assure you that leadership certainly doesn’t stop at these official titles but extends beyond boundaries into your everyday life. Don’t worry, there will always be opportunities to help out so long as you look out for them, and even if you aren’t spearheading events committees, the school is always looking out for student input. Just don’t be afraid to step up and share your ideas for whichever areas you feel you can help out with.

Firstly, your CCA. You can run for a leadership position, for which you can ask your respective CCA teachers for more details on the duties of the different roles

Secondly, you can also sign up to be an OGL to help the new batch of J1s to feel welcomed and integrate them into the new JC environment next year.

Thirdly, take this year to prove your capabilities to your class and when the next year comes around, you can volunteer to be a part of the class committee. Roles such as class chairperson, vice-chairperson, and house representative are particularly involved in school activities such as college day.

Fourthly, whether during house interaction times or even with just your own class’s house rep, don’t be afraid to share your ideas, help out, or offer to get more involved in programmes and initiatives being shared.

These are just a few simple ways that you can get involved in school and school events; be sure to also look out for more opportunities that pop up in your EJC email, and if you have any questions, I’m sure you can feel free to approach our Student Leadership and Talent Management Head of Department Mrs. Brigette Koh, your civics tutor, or any respective teacher in the department of your interest, especially if you have anything particular in mind or even if you’re just seeking more concrete opportunities and offers. Best of luck in your search!

 

I’m really stressed out! I can’t seem to fit into EJC. I miss secondary school so much this is so difficult for me

We must admit that JC life can be stressful, with seemingly endless worksheets due and tests coming up. No one said that it was going to be easy or safe. I’m sure that a lot of us miss our secondary schools dearly, from the wonderful friendships we’ve forged, to the amazing teachers who spoon-feed us with notes and nuggets of knowledge. Going into JC is like how you went from primary school to secondary school. Difficult at first, even in the first few months, but you learn to settle and find a place for yourself. Keep catching up with your old friends, but don’t forget to spend time with your new ones. You will gradually grow and find a routine and place that you’re comfortable with, so in the stages before that happens, take it easy, find things you enjoy, and try to look for the little things in JC that make you feel less stressed. You can always approach your CG tutor or any of your subject teachers to talk about your worries and I can guarantee that they will give you valuable advice as well.

 

I don’t understand why we have so few cca and no clubs compared to other schools. I was looking forward to joining things that like astronomy club/young diplomats. Thinking of starting a club but I don’t know how to and I’m scared people won’t join.

Besides have quite a hectic schedule in general, EJC is quite a new school and we haven’t had the time nor do we have many resources or manpower required to run so many new CCAs and clubs popping up so quickly. Nonetheless, if there is something you are passionate about, don’t be afraid to take things into your own hands! Many of our current CCAs are student initiated, such as Ultimate Frisbee, Art Club, and Environmental Club. For example, Aretha Wan and Faith Seah, the founders of Art Club, saw that EJC did not have an art club but wanted to help make EJC more vibrant as well as develop the artistic passions of non Art Students through this CCA, and hence proposed the establishment of the Art Club CCA, which eventually passed and is what it is today.

Therefore, if you’d like to start a club, I’d suggest firstly thinking carefully about what kind of club you’d like to establish as well as the kind of activities, etc., that it would encompass. For an idea of the numbers interested in joining, you can create a Google Forms and share them around your friends and classes to see how well-received the idea is. From there, there is a New CCA Proposal form that you can fill in and apply to establish. For more information, as well as for consultation before you send in your proposal, we advise you to speak to the teacher-in-charge of CCA, Mr. Charles Cheak. Good luck on following your passions, and don’t be afraid to take the first step!