A Very Long Story

Let's see, I've delayed big time. Got lots to blog about so I'll categorise. It's been a hectic holidays, haven't managed to stay home for quite some time.

Inspired
Visited a long-time-no-see teacher of mine, in fact the one who taught me to love Photography as an Art: Mr Nicolas Chee (http://www.sixonestudios.com/)

He came a long way since we last met up. He quit the job he initially picked up at Epson, dived into several Wedding Photography assignments, learnt other genres of photography and started a new printing business, bought a new car, changed a new studio and is now doing what he likes to shoot instead of depending on job assignments to earn his keep. All these happened within a year, the last time we met was early 2005. It's amazing how one can pick and go, learn and fly.

Once a Visual Communication Student, he gave us advice I'll never dispense. Never learn from one lecturer alone. Ignore certain lecturer's comments. Only you can make yourself feel lousy about your work. Grades really isn't everything, for he himself being a D student recieved recognition for his final project once out of school. School gives you a structure and boxed you up within certain rules and regulations. There were so much he couldn't do in TDS, but worked the ideas out once he graduated. I guess even despite being creative, fresh and unique, TDS still works within the Singapore's Education Structure, there's several things that just can't be changed. I guess I have to learn not to be so paranoid when it comes to the A, B, C and Ds. I need to start earning some cash, learn about the real real world, concentrate on a good portfolio and maintain my sanity in the midst of schedules, datelines and more datelines.

The designer's lifestyle just seems so carefree. Like the sterotyped impression you have of them, coffee-macintosh-wind in your hair-heck the world. It just fills me with trepidation yet anticipation of what lies ahead.

There's so much I want to start doing.

The Friendly Man whose name I am not aware of

So i was at Starbucks celebrating Xiang Yun's birthday when this Caucasian started talking to us. As every Singaporean would react, we were apprehensive and guarded.

As he weaved his life story into words, I remained intrigued. Originally from New Zealand, lived in Taiwan for years until a fine day in November 1999. " I was at Clarke Quay that day, looking at the sunset reflected off the blue waters, I swear it was actually blue. I realised, what the hell was I still doing in Taiwan! And hence, within a month I moved here. Sold my business, bought a house."

He spoke fluent Mandarin and told us of his travels in various parts of the world, occasionally using Mandarin to surprise Chinese Nationals. He harped on the fact that Singapore is a fine country, but one with guarded people apprehensive of those we do not know. It's how we're raised, and how it became a way of life for us. That basically sums up the whole Polytechnic Forum sub-theme topic of mine. How to make our homeland a place foreigners would feel welcomed. Yet to my surprise, our homeland security, cleaniless and efficiency mattered a great deal to this boss of Skateline, so much so that it took him just a month to decide.

I wish for a more sincere Singapore, filled with sincere Singaporeans who learns to open up a little more. It begins with a smile, starts with a friendly word. I wish for the "Australian's friendliness" I experienced there to be woven here.

Psss. He too said TP's girls are hot.

Lastly, Polytechnic Forum 2005.

5 days, 300 participants. I was taught a lesson of humbleness, of appreciating my surroundings, of understanding how fortunate I am.

There wasn't much intellectual development, for I was pretty much slacking away apart from getting jumpy and agitated. Upon watching the final presentation, I realised I couldn't just sit and do nothing anymore. It wasn't me to let things go by without it being the best I could produce out of it. So i salvaged the remains and tried getting certain things across into the presenter.

Until the moment the presenter, Timothy, told me I knocked his arrogance and taught him to be humble, I thought I gained nothing from the experience. He thought he was good enough, but realised there was still much to be learnt. It made me feel appreciated. I really did the best I could and despite the outcome of the presentation, I am contented.

This Polytechnic Forum opened my eyes to my surroundings, to the people around me. I never felt any luckier. I made friends, many from other polytechnics and some whom I hope to maintain a friendship with. I've learnt so much about humanity.

I need to thank Mr Chew from the SAA office for giving me this invaluable experience.

So, for our final project, a follow up in 6 months. This is it; Singapore-- A land of opportunities: THE MUSICAL.