Sep 2 last post, wow it's been quite some time huh?
one more week to the dreaded thing on everyone's minds: the promotional examinations.
Hmm, scrap that, I guess for some of my friends they're wringing their hands in anticipation to see the fruits of their labour develop after nearly 2 months of really hard work?
It's a time like this that makes me regret not starting earlier and not putting in consistent work: the fears and doubts about the papers are starting to get to me. But it makes me proud; so proud that so many of my friends are aiming for results like AABB or AAAA and nothing less? especially since these are the guys who've been slacking with me and gaming with me all this while.

Not that I feel any resentment or anything, no nothing of the sort. Just remorse for not following in their footsteps and having that measure of confidence (unduly placed) in my studies. And hence it wont really be that big a surprise, and more of a lesson really, if i don't make it for the oteam promo criteria. Really hope there'll be a review or moderation though, because I'm really doubtful about the predictability of the maths and physics papers.

Was looking at my gmail and came across a few mails by ivan, of mixed subjects. The first few were hilarious screenshots taken of him scamming innocent people in maplestory, the game we played for leisure and more for talking rubbish to each other during the glorious upper sec days. The other half were emails where he graciously sent me notes for history and social studies, documents titled 'super imba history notes' 'long march notes' and the like, reminding me of how we would help each other for tests and the like, just that for us last time it was last minute rushing and hence we made the notes. Now, the notes are a small part of an all-round revision, and how far away those days seem now, when we're mired in the depths of these things latching on to us in RJ. RJ's presented a totally new side of people to me, especially people like Ivan what with his emo and now his crazily flared-up studying. I guess maybe I shouldn't have gotten half-half results for the CTs: BBSS kind of makes you feel safe. Whereas people like kai, ivan and some other dota buddies got SUUD and the like: what else would it take to make you feel scared about your prospects for promoting?

In all truth, promoting is not a very tough feat to accomplish. EESS is all you need for a H2 level pass, without having to make any cuts or sacrifices of the sort, other than if your cca teachers have set criterias for you or you want to take H3 or Oteam and the like. So what everyone is really aiming for, and thats why they're 'scared', are great results. I wish I could be in their shoes but my confidence level does not allow me to aim for something that I know is unrealistic. That's not to say however that straight A's are an impossible dream: rather they should be what all RJ students strive for and acquire. It's all down to the individual, and i'm not the kind to be so conscientious about this. But this preparation for promos has given me a new perspective into exams: rest assured the next time around it wont be the same thing. I really do hope I make the oteam criteria though. It'd be a horrible waste to have cleared the interview and get kicked out 'cos of friggin' results.

In other news, Mr Otto Fong, one of the greatest, most interesting and most engaging Science teachers in RI has recently made a public announcement on his blog that he's gay. This resulted in a slew of media attacks and reports, but at the same time showed the immense support that Rafflesians of all generations had for one of their own. Mr Fong showed true bravery and honesty in admitting this to the public: his letter was well-crafted and a work of art unto itself, even citing various sources and policies regarding the issue of homosexuality. Mr. Fong's always helped students in many ways, and his vibrancy and humour and take on life as a playwright and comic artist have helped brighten up many a dreary classroom lesson on a subject as mundane as say, the periodic table. It is hard to forget the various illustrations that accompanied his teachings on the whiteboard during my lower secondary school days. Other than that, he assisted in people like Chengjie's prefectorial election campaigns, as well as Junyang if i'm not wrong, and gave me a really great interview regarding comics and manga (he mentioned the possibility of him delving into a manga piece sometime soon) last year during sec 4, for my RE. I believe that Mr. Fong's sexual preference has absolutely no effect on his teaching and we will all continue to support him. In the words of my brother, an ex-rafflesian who also had the honour and good fortune to be taught by Mr. Fong, 'so what if he's gay? who gives a f***? the fact remains that he's still a f***ing good teacher, one of the best, and no one can beat that.'

Salutes, Mr. Fong.
Salutes, my friends.
Reap the harvest that is due to you during promos and make me proud.
You are an inspiration to me.