Just printed out that CDC/CCC-University Bursary 2005 application form. Hmmm… Filled in all details, and I have to get it verified at the Student Service Centre, and then submit it to the CC, and see if I will get my chance to shake hands with Dr Tan once again…
The amount of money involved for this? $1000… It's quite little for a well-funded university education, but it does help to lessen some load off my dad's account, which is supposed to be his retirement sum…
He's 57 ok, and my mom's 44. He's still working, and she's trying to find some job, but so far, still housewife…
Aiyo…
It's a vicious cycle. Really. I don't know why, but well-supported people tend to do better academically and physically. There's only 1 good reason: they are well-supported. And being well-supported, they are able to go ahead and put in whatever colours they can in their portfolios and report cards and whatever they have. And what's the point of all those you might say, and yes, the answer is: for scholarship application. For more money. Prestige.
Given a guy who is good in school work, but lack strong co-curricular activities, and a guy who is equally good in school work, but has a colourful CCA record. If you are an officer making a choice, which one will you choose? Which one do you think will be more suitable for your organisation after he has graduated? Which one will be able to live up to the challenges that your organisation is likely to face in 5 years' time? Which one deserves the scholarship?
Choices… CCAs. Testimonials. Endorsements. Appraisals.
Then you might say, what's wrong with the first guy? He's just not so lucky, that's all…
And a colourful CCA record will most probably come well-supported, financially, if that's the least.
And so, the one with a more colourful positive CCA record, together with the good grades, will be more likely to get the scholarship.
And yes, they are talking about the growing income gap among Singaporeans. Of course the rich are getting richer, and the poor becomes poorer! Why? Given similar grades, scholarship people will most probably get a higher-paying job when compared to an unknown graduate who has worked hard throughout his/her 3/4 years. And with that, they live luxuriously. The unknown graduate? Utilities bills, phone bills, whatever bills you can think of, and barely had enough to save up for the future.
I know, I am generalising lots, but do quote me a few special cases to prove me wrong if you are able to. From what I see, it's like that. Maybe I am wearing tainted sunglasses. Someone, do correct me if you think I am so wrong with everything here.
Am I talking about myself here? Maybe… I don't really have a colourful CCA record. Not that I don't want. It's just that I am not given any chances to. I attempted to join NCC during secondary school days. But they rejected me, and actually wanted to push me to NPCC. Hey, even if I was a ball (I looked like one then), you did not have to push me here and there right? Too bad, Basketball closed down the year before I went into secondary 1. So sad. And in the end, I ended up joining Air Rifle, which I did not even hear from until my last year in school. I also joined Chess Club, and did play in some competitions too. What other CCA could I join at that time? Choir? No thanks. I did not really like to sing back then. I was like, forcing myself to be tone-deaf for the auditions. During my days, there were not many CCAs.
And at the end of secondary 1, I was somehow arrowed to be in AVA club. That was when I met Mr Leong for the first time ba. That's the CCA that I've enjoyed most. So fun, playing with mics and lights and smoke machines… lol… and that's the highest ranking that I've ever achieved in any CCA.
Next was JC. No. Sports were never in my list. Did not even dare to think of it, although I would have joined, if not for my ball-like figure, which people often stereotyped as CMI in sports. I continued to play bball with my gang at JE, since most of the gang were at SA… haahhaa…
And then, it's NS. Perhaps 2WO Tony could predict (and he was really right) that me and Wu were the ones who would pick up unfinished jobs by others, we became the driver I/Cs for no good reason. Ok la… being I/Cs in name rather than in authority. I don't really like to arrow people around anyway. Hahahaa…
And now, NUS. No. No CCA. No time! Hahhaha that's just a lame excuse. Just no interest, yet. And no money. Poor me. And so, I hide at Engin, somewhere, and study, and stone… what to do…
Ok enough of history. Back to the present now. Why all these comments? It's just my way of saying…
Why $1000????? Make it $2000 laaaaaa….. wahhahaha!
($).($)
Please… someone. Do prove me wrong for all the above crap, if you can? Lol…