What is essential is invisible to the eye

Twenty-eleven

(Hello, Tumblr, after two years. Hello, to those reading this post.)

A reflection of the past 365 days filled of ups and downs.

Couldn’t ask for more, for I’ve not only grown older by a year, but also gained a year of working experience as well as in the education industry.

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W O R K

2011 marked my 2nd year as an AED, but my 1st year as an AFT. Many colleagues said I was unlucky to have 2N2 as my form class, noisy and there were a couple of notorious ones.. but my time spent with them has proven that they are sweet little angels at times! Well, nothing can change the fact that they are a noisy bunch though. Lucky I had Gwee and CYZ as FTs. 2N2, being my 1st form class, is like my 1st love… Fond memories will always stay. :)

I’m glad to have been given opportunities to independently teach two banded classes, instead of only assisting teachers in class. It was quite an experience (though a tiring one) having to plan lessons and manage the students on my own. 

In June, I was shortlisted to attend an interview at the MOE HQ. In mid July, I was offered the position of General Education Officer. It was a long wait and I thought that was it, MOE was gonna reject me cos I didn’t give an intellectual answer for this trick/IQ question at the interview which didn’t take very long. I remember returning home late that night and was very delighted and touched (?!) to see the MOE letter in my mailbox.

I was supposed to leave my previous school in September, but that wasn’t an easy decision, for I didn’t wanna leave my students just like that. Kinda irresponsible, I felt. So, yeap, packed my stuff and left the school in November instead.

I wish I didn’t have to leave. After all, there were nice colleagues in my previous school which made the stay an enjoyable one despite the tough times…

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S T U D I E S

On 10th October 2011, I had at last graduated from Murdoch University! The past 3 years wouldn’t have been easy if not for the schoolmates and lecturers in school. I still am very proud of myself for having had paid my own school fees without taking up any bank loan. 

In late 2012, if nothing goes wrong, I should be back in NIE again as a student. Still thinking if I should take up a Masters degree or go overseas for some short courses, but I guess I should save up my moolahs for rainy days ahead… especially when much has been said about the economy in 2012.

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R E L A T I O N S H I P S . W I T H . P E O P L E

Didn’t get the chance to hang out much with my friends in 2011, prolly because everyone has been busy with studies and/or work. Still, I’m glad to have friends whom I still keep in touch with. The secondary school friends (can’t wait for SL to be back in SG!!!) AND the CHS friends (whom I can count on anytime) are the best. :) 

I’ve had awesome colleagues too. I still remember a couple of them asking if I was okay when I posted a rather emo post on Facebook. :x Established good teacher-student relationship with students too.

Family… ah, okay. Have always made time for them, being the typical Cancerian that I am. :)

To those (especially AC) who taught me many things in 2011, from the bottom of my heart… thank you.

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O V E R S E A S  .  T R I P S

Been on quite a number of trips out of Singapore in 2011! That equates to a large amount of moolahs spent (= big hole burnt in my pockets).

• Countless trips to JB (most memorable one being the one with ST and John to celebrate birthday)
• Two trips to Batam (gotten sick of that place)
• Bangkokkkkkkk
• China (visited Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou)

Hope to visit Taiwan in 2012. 

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2012 shall be an awesome year…
for our dreams to become reality;
for us to reap what we sow; and
for us to be genuinely happy.
:) :) :)

<3 hwen