To the Form 5 Batch of 2014

My apologies of putting this up slow. All pictures were taken using Samsung Galaxy Note 3. 

How's life a week after SPM ends? Surely you do enjoy the tremendous surge of freedom as soon as you put that school uniform into that laundry bag for the last time, isn't it? Some of you have begin to discover your next journey, some have worked part-time, while some have set their next journeys.

Just as I have written a message to the 2013 Graduation Batch, now here are my words for you.

In the beginning, as a fresh teacher from the job factory (university), I knew I have to quickly identify as many students as possible when I began teaching. Hence, I had to be interactive and friendly to the ones in their white-green/ white-blue uniforms in case I was called to teach more classes. As a result, I gradually recognized students from all forms.

However, your batch was the most difficult one to be identified, most probably was due to the lack of chance to enter your class. I found it difficult to memorize names in the beginning, and there were even two Joshuas. I was even worried if I got both of their names messed up. There was even an "election" during your Form 4 year and I had one big headache in choosing the right person since I did not know the candidates' attitudes.

Thank God that as time passes by, I began knowing more about this group of friendly yet quiet bunch of people. The gateway was through 4 Adam Smith. When I first stepped into their class, everything was passive and quiet. The word "passive" became my description for this class, but slowly, I saw something different. If one walks into a closer relationship with them, you will see a hilarious side of them. Not matter how serious I wanted them to be in preparation for their examinations, they follow the lessons with their funny side, or course.

Of course, in exchange with their casual approach, they indirectly trained me to be a better Jay Leno or Jon Stewart (Google them in case you don't know who they are, okay?). Jokes can somehow come out from my mouth without me realising it sometimes. 5AS has also trained me into dealing with a class with multiple level of capabilities. They maybe quiet, but they have potential.

I do have wonderful moments with this batch. The funny atmosphere with 5AS, the hospitality shown by the students in 5N and 5T, and some great moments ahead - I really cherish them a lot.

To those who are choosing their university courses, here are some tips:

1. Know your interest. 
You need to identify what are your hobbies and interests. Do you like photography? Do you love counting money? How about drawing and designing? Once you know what you enjoy doing, you will be more confident in taking a course that you will enjoy.

For example, if you feel excited whenever you read about cars, why not you give a try in mechanical engineering? Every car needs maintenance and upgrades from time to time. If you are enterprising enough, you can capitalize on that fact to earn money and help your society members to ensure a safe ride home.

2. Know your strength. 
Never, ever, waste a good talent. If science is your game in class, why not consider taking it to a higher level? You know, engineering and medical fields do promise a good living despite the painful roads ahead. Same goes to those who are creative in arts. Designing and interior architecture can be your next road.

3. Ask your seniors. 
Yes, your seniors have walked that journey not taken by you yet. University life is not a walk in the park. You need to learn how to live independently, and this includes BUDGET. Learn about the living costs (not only tuition fees), the accommodations, the environment and the place where you wish to study before you even go there.

4. Pick up a CAREER-BASED degree. 
Medical, pharmacy, journalism, education, engineering, culinary arts, law, design, architecture - these are some examples of a career-based degree. This is a necessary step in determining your degree course, otherwise nobody wants to hire you if you get this step wrong.

For business, you need not a specific degree. All you need instead is an enterprising brain, good quality in leadership, a network of partners and customers, and good marketing and communication skills.

Last but not least, I would like to thank all of you for colouring up my life in school and sorry if I did hurt you during the process of teaching and learning. Since I'm still new at this school, I have a lot of blank space for students, and I'll write your names on it. (Yes, I'm listening to Taylor Swift's Blank Space).