Never thought I'd ever say this, but I hate camps. I'm too old for camps. I'm too old to play lame games that have 'leadership principles, values and morals' behind them. I'm too old to have energy to last 3 days 2 nights of constant activity. Man I feel old!
Transition weekend camp at Philip Island was alright. Met a couple of people (mostly international students) and got in touch with my 'younger' side. Kind of reminds you of those school camps in the past where you play games and do lame stuff? After army, this kind of stuff just feels... different. However, I must acknowledge the commitment and determination that all the med students over here have. They're all bright, enthusiastic and committed individuals that are dedicated to pursuing medicine for their various reasons. Its definitely a very conducive environment to study in. Above that, they are also a creative and friendly bunch that never ceases to amaze me. Three cheers for my new coursemates!
And so, my journey begins. Hope everyone back home is well and having a good life. Skype me!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
End of 'hols'
School is starting next monday. And today was the official introduction to the faculty and course proper. Its been aaaaages since i last stepped into a lecture hall and had a 2-hour talk/lecture where 40% is relevant and probably only 10% is remembered. Not forgetting the wonderful snoring sounds echoing from my left and right... It was kind of a wake-up call to get back to reality. Its time to snap out of my fantasy and into the reality of school. Being able to listen for 2 hours without falling asleep is a great relief, and hopefully i'll be able to remain like that for the rest of the 5 years.
Then, comes the best part of the past week, FREE FOOD. Good thing about O-week is seriously the immense variety and amount of free food available, if you make the effort to search for it! I swear I'm getting fat from all the 'junk' and oily food I've eaten the past week. Lunch, dinner, you name it they'll have it. There's even been pancakes for breakfast (with maple syrup and ICE CREAM). Its AWESOME!
Tomorrow I shall be embarking on a 'camp' to see penguins! Can't wait to see my course-mates and see another part of Melbourne. But I still have to pack for it........ Ahhhh after one more episode of Korean drama (I'm really THAT bored -.-)!
Then, comes the best part of the past week, FREE FOOD. Good thing about O-week is seriously the immense variety and amount of free food available, if you make the effort to search for it! I swear I'm getting fat from all the 'junk' and oily food I've eaten the past week. Lunch, dinner, you name it they'll have it. There's even been pancakes for breakfast (with maple syrup and ICE CREAM). Its AWESOME!
Tomorrow I shall be embarking on a 'camp' to see penguins! Can't wait to see my course-mates and see another part of Melbourne. But I still have to pack for it........ Ahhhh after one more episode of Korean drama (I'm really THAT bored -.-)!
Monday, February 21, 2011
A night to remember
Last night was awesome. Awesome. Its not the activity that was important, but more of trying new things, getting to know more people and letting your hair down. (yes, i do have hair to let down now) Things have gotten better over the past few days, getting to know the other Singaporean med people and hanging out with them, chatting with my hall-mates and enjoying the multi-national and multi-cultural group that makes university all the more enjoyable. Being forced to interact with people from other countries is tough. The inevitable awkward silence that seems to last for eternity, punctuated by half-hearted attempts to break the silence and monosyllabic replies.. However, is still particularly rewarding when a conversation can be maintained for an entire bus trip. The invaluable insights into the various cultures makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Today, most of the clubs & societies put up booths. The immense variety available was just amazing, and it was really really tempting to just sign up for everything. Touch rugby (contact with the Aussies... not pretty), ultimate frisbee, dancing (salsa anybody?), guitar, etc. I seriously doubt I'll have enough time for everything, but I'll try. Not forgetting hall activities, international student association activities, faculty activities, and of course STUDYING. I guess the most important thing is to remember that I'm here first and foremost to STUDY.
Phrase for the day: Play hard, but study hard too!
Today, most of the clubs & societies put up booths. The immense variety available was just amazing, and it was really really tempting to just sign up for everything. Touch rugby (contact with the Aussies... not pretty), ultimate frisbee, dancing (salsa anybody?), guitar, etc. I seriously doubt I'll have enough time for everything, but I'll try. Not forgetting hall activities, international student association activities, faculty activities, and of course STUDYING. I guess the most important thing is to remember that I'm here first and foremost to STUDY.
Phrase for the day: Play hard, but study hard too!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
And so it begins...
As so kindly suggested by guns, perhaps it'd be an excellent way to keep everyone back in sunny SG updated with all the nonsense i'm up to here in kangaroo land!
Well..., here goes.
Today is kind of my first OFFICIAL day independent in Aussie. And its really a huge mix of emotions and events all mashed together. Sorting out my hall room, getting to meet fellow first-years, taking part in hall activities, and basically listening in on the banter that goes around, it all feels pretty surreal. Well, uni up till now is just how I expected it to be. Booze, booze and more booze. Exactly like the movies. American pop culture to the max!
But well, beyond all that, its the same as everywhere actually. Its just a bunch of youngsters, brought out of our comfort zones, coming together as a melting-pot of backgrounds, personalities and cultures, and trying oh-so-very-hard to find our place in the world that is university halls. Everyone has their own way of coping with that stress, and well I've somehow forgotten how tiring and sometimes disappointing it is to be placed in a completely new environment, and compelled to make new friends. Hehehe I hate to admit it but I've forgotten how lucky I was back in SG, and even luckier to be here.
These are but early days, and things can only get better. Hope all you guys back in SG are having a blast, and please do talk to me anytime you're free! Its always great to hear from home.
Well..., here goes.
Today is kind of my first OFFICIAL day independent in Aussie. And its really a huge mix of emotions and events all mashed together. Sorting out my hall room, getting to meet fellow first-years, taking part in hall activities, and basically listening in on the banter that goes around, it all feels pretty surreal. Well, uni up till now is just how I expected it to be. Booze, booze and more booze. Exactly like the movies. American pop culture to the max!
But well, beyond all that, its the same as everywhere actually. Its just a bunch of youngsters, brought out of our comfort zones, coming together as a melting-pot of backgrounds, personalities and cultures, and trying oh-so-very-hard to find our place in the world that is university halls. Everyone has their own way of coping with that stress, and well I've somehow forgotten how tiring and sometimes disappointing it is to be placed in a completely new environment, and compelled to make new friends. Hehehe I hate to admit it but I've forgotten how lucky I was back in SG, and even luckier to be here.
These are but early days, and things can only get better. Hope all you guys back in SG are having a blast, and please do talk to me anytime you're free! Its always great to hear from home.
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