If you're wondering, his friends carried him down the stairs.
This was something that made me realize the prefect's dedication towards the school and their willingness to help people out.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Dedication means stopping at nothing
Today I saw a prefect at our school carrying someone up the stairs. That guy broke his leg a few days ago, so he couldn't climb the stairs without causing a lot of trouble. The prefect carrying him up the stairs (all sweaty and red-faced) with another prefect holding his school bag and crutches was a scene that I don't think I will ever see again and feel the same way about it.
Age doesn't matter
Remember what I was saying about the leadership training?
Well today, that person came to give us a crash course in Leadership.
The course was during the Red Crescent (Malaysian version of Red Cross) meeting at school. The lecturer was one of the former presidents of the Red Crescent club, who later went on to lead leadership clubs. He was the one who helped support the club during its split from the International side of the school.
Anyway, the highlight of this course was this:
He told us to find people we didn't know and get into groups of five to discuss the values of a leader. Because leaders can adapt to any environment they are thrown into, right?
My friends told me not to split, and to stick with them. I was hesitating about this, because that did not seem to give the effect the lecturer was looking for.
Just then, I heard someone behind me ask: "What does Integrity mean?"
Somehow, I instinctively turned around and answered their question. It wasn't even directed at me!
But that was how I got into their group. Remember, I'm the 13 year old in this bunch of 14-15 year olds. But age doesn't matter. And we talked about 2 values a leader should have. After about 5 minutes, the lecturer told us to choose a representative. My team chose me.
I'm really glad that I had experiences on stage before, talking about leadership values...so although I was nervous, everyone else thought I did great! (mini Oprah Winfrey, someone said.. :D)
This was a great experience...especially since I did it voluntarily while others were peer pressured!
Well today, that person came to give us a crash course in Leadership.
The course was during the Red Crescent (Malaysian version of Red Cross) meeting at school. The lecturer was one of the former presidents of the Red Crescent club, who later went on to lead leadership clubs. He was the one who helped support the club during its split from the International side of the school.
Anyway, the highlight of this course was this:
He told us to find people we didn't know and get into groups of five to discuss the values of a leader. Because leaders can adapt to any environment they are thrown into, right?
My friends told me not to split, and to stick with them. I was hesitating about this, because that did not seem to give the effect the lecturer was looking for.
Just then, I heard someone behind me ask: "What does Integrity mean?"
Somehow, I instinctively turned around and answered their question. It wasn't even directed at me!
But that was how I got into their group. Remember, I'm the 13 year old in this bunch of 14-15 year olds. But age doesn't matter. And we talked about 2 values a leader should have. After about 5 minutes, the lecturer told us to choose a representative. My team chose me.
I'm really glad that I had experiences on stage before, talking about leadership values...so although I was nervous, everyone else thought I did great! (mini Oprah Winfrey, someone said.. :D)
This was a great experience...especially since I did it voluntarily while others were peer pressured!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Intention again
Lately I've been getting so much proof that intentions can come true, even the most impossible kind.
It's flooding here!
Right after we talked about floods last night...
Now we're thinking of a way to get to school. I won't try to guess the bad things that could happen. we'll probably have a good journey all the way. If we ever do decide to go out.
Have a nice intention-ful day!
It's flooding here!
Right after we talked about floods last night...
Now we're thinking of a way to get to school. I won't try to guess the bad things that could happen. we'll probably have a good journey all the way. If we ever do decide to go out.
Have a nice intention-ful day!
Leadership
Today we had a surprise assembly in school. We went to the hall and guess who the special guest were?
Everyone was clapping very hard. Why? Not because they were huge celebrities. No, they were Caucasian. I know, it may be hard to believe for adults but most kids think these things are very special.
So this guy brought his family to our school, and turns out he's the President of this college in Perth. The reason he came to Kuching is because in his whole school, there are only two people from Malaysia. They both come from Kuching, and they were academically outstanding on campus.
So the student he brought along with him was someone who used to study in the school I am currently studying in. His name was Nigel Lo. One of his traits that impressed me the most was not the fact that at a 20-something age he managed to create clubs and add them to college curriculum...no...although that is quite cool too...No, the thing that amazed me the most is that he managed to remember all the names of the people on campus in one year.
He told us a story about a woman who helped a 17 year old autistic kid pass his exams. This kid had passed his Standard 1 exams 4 times in a row. With the help of this woman, he passed.
He also told us how he helped change lives and give people new directions. He said that he would try and arrange a course with a few of us students, the first to sign up gets in the course. I wonder how he would react if he found proof that even kids younger than 18 can touch lives as much as adults can? How did YOU react the first time you met a CV Kid?
Anyway, I have my intention set that I get the chance to join this course. :) I think this person can teach us about true leadership and confidence.
Have a great week!
Everyone was clapping very hard. Why? Not because they were huge celebrities. No, they were Caucasian. I know, it may be hard to believe for adults but most kids think these things are very special.
So this guy brought his family to our school, and turns out he's the President of this college in Perth. The reason he came to Kuching is because in his whole school, there are only two people from Malaysia. They both come from Kuching, and they were academically outstanding on campus.
So the student he brought along with him was someone who used to study in the school I am currently studying in. His name was Nigel Lo. One of his traits that impressed me the most was not the fact that at a 20-something age he managed to create clubs and add them to college curriculum...no...although that is quite cool too...No, the thing that amazed me the most is that he managed to remember all the names of the people on campus in one year.
He told us a story about a woman who helped a 17 year old autistic kid pass his exams. This kid had passed his Standard 1 exams 4 times in a row. With the help of this woman, he passed.
He also told us how he helped change lives and give people new directions. He said that he would try and arrange a course with a few of us students, the first to sign up gets in the course. I wonder how he would react if he found proof that even kids younger than 18 can touch lives as much as adults can? How did YOU react the first time you met a CV Kid?
Anyway, I have my intention set that I get the chance to join this course. :) I think this person can teach us about true leadership and confidence.
Have a great week!
Intention...
The Universe is listening.
Lately I've been getting more and more proof that the Universe is actually reading my mind and responding to my thoughts. Not just MY thoughts, but the intention of anyone else.
For example, today I was thinking about Harry Potter. Not 5 seconds after that thought, the teacher started talking about Harry Potter. Hmm, maybe it was just a coincidence.
Okay, how about this?
A few days ago, I was reflecting on all the friends I used to have in my old schools. Then I thought about my KINDERGARTEN friends. Not long after that, I saw one of my old Kindy classmates. She had just started this year as well.
If that's not enough proof, listen to this:
We were listening to this radio channel, Hitz.fm
At the crossroads, the red light was taking an EXTREMELY long time. So we were looking around, and guess what we saw? We saw the Hitz.fm crew in a parking lot nearby! :O
And Nana said: "Oh my gosh!! That was my exact intention! I want to get their autograph!!''
We played games with the crew and got a few prizes!!! Yay!!!
Haha.
Anyway, I really appreciate the fact that the Universe keeps an open ear even for kids like me :)
Lately I've been getting more and more proof that the Universe is actually reading my mind and responding to my thoughts. Not just MY thoughts, but the intention of anyone else.
For example, today I was thinking about Harry Potter. Not 5 seconds after that thought, the teacher started talking about Harry Potter. Hmm, maybe it was just a coincidence.
Okay, how about this?
A few days ago, I was reflecting on all the friends I used to have in my old schools. Then I thought about my KINDERGARTEN friends. Not long after that, I saw one of my old Kindy classmates. She had just started this year as well.
If that's not enough proof, listen to this:
We were listening to this radio channel, Hitz.fm
At the crossroads, the red light was taking an EXTREMELY long time. So we were looking around, and guess what we saw? We saw the Hitz.fm crew in a parking lot nearby! :O
And Nana said: "Oh my gosh!! That was my exact intention! I want to get their autograph!!''
We played games with the crew and got a few prizes!!! Yay!!!
Haha.
Anyway, I really appreciate the fact that the Universe keeps an open ear even for kids like me :)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Your Show-Up is Your Appearance
If you asked a friend: "Why do you like me?"
And they say: "You look good" , you know that friend is just a surface friend.
If their answer is something along the lines of: " You're a nice person to talk to..." You know this friend is a true friend, a real keeper.
The way you act in daily life is actually how you look like to the people that matter. No matter how good you look on the outside, it always takes a heart of gold to gain true friendship.
Now, I'm not saying that looks don't matter at all (we wouldn't want you to go without showering or combing your hair for weeks, right?) Being a nice person matters, but radiating that energy is mainly what your outer looks are for.
You can tell a lot about a person through the way they dress, the way their hair is cut, the way they stand... all these little signs either get you friends or repel people from you.
"If outer looks were all that mattered, go befriend a robot" -Natalie :)
And they say: "You look good" , you know that friend is just a surface friend.
If their answer is something along the lines of: " You're a nice person to talk to..." You know this friend is a true friend, a real keeper.
The way you act in daily life is actually how you look like to the people that matter. No matter how good you look on the outside, it always takes a heart of gold to gain true friendship.
Now, I'm not saying that looks don't matter at all (we wouldn't want you to go without showering or combing your hair for weeks, right?) Being a nice person matters, but radiating that energy is mainly what your outer looks are for.
You can tell a lot about a person through the way they dress, the way their hair is cut, the way they stand... all these little signs either get you friends or repel people from you.
"If outer looks were all that mattered, go befriend a robot" -Natalie :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
That is a question specifically directed at kids below 18.
Here's my stats from my experience with adults who ask this question:
2%- parents
10%-teachers
20%-people who want to give you their opinion
30%-people who reply my question about their jobs
18%-people who actually want to get to know me better
10%-friends
10%-forgetful people asking again
So sometimes when people ask me the question, I tell them I'm not sure. But to the teachers, I have to give them a specific answer.
Some adults think that kids should be allowed to dream.
Others think that kids have to meet society's expectations.
A majority of people think once kids reach a certain age, they have to stop fantasizing and think about their future jobs seriously.
So if you're 13 and you say " I want to be an astronaut!" The other person looks at you suspiciously and says: "Yeah right..."
But if you're 4 and you say " I want to be Superman!" Your parents smile and say you're cute.
Sometimes if we get discouraged too much, we try to keep our ambitions a secret. So maybe the next time you ask us, we might just give you a stony "I don't know."
I think the future is important, and that we should plan for it, but we don't need all the pressure on thinking what EXACTLY we want to be. All we have to know is how we want to be involved in society, and that can start now. Our future occupation will come to us with our strong values and intentions.
Warning to parents: Trying to make your kid a lawyer or doctor may produce negative results.
That is a question specifically directed at kids below 18.
Here's my stats from my experience with adults who ask this question:
2%- parents
10%-teachers
20%-people who want to give you their opinion
30%-people who reply my question about their jobs
18%-people who actually want to get to know me better
10%-friends
10%-forgetful people asking again
So sometimes when people ask me the question, I tell them I'm not sure. But to the teachers, I have to give them a specific answer.
Some adults think that kids should be allowed to dream.
Others think that kids have to meet society's expectations.
A majority of people think once kids reach a certain age, they have to stop fantasizing and think about their future jobs seriously.
So if you're 13 and you say " I want to be an astronaut!" The other person looks at you suspiciously and says: "Yeah right..."
But if you're 4 and you say " I want to be Superman!" Your parents smile and say you're cute.
Sometimes if we get discouraged too much, we try to keep our ambitions a secret. So maybe the next time you ask us, we might just give you a stony "I don't know."
I think the future is important, and that we should plan for it, but we don't need all the pressure on thinking what EXACTLY we want to be. All we have to know is how we want to be involved in society, and that can start now. Our future occupation will come to us with our strong values and intentions.
Warning to parents: Trying to make your kid a lawyer or doctor may produce negative results.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New School!!
Wow. I see a really big difference between my primary school and secondary school, and my perspective towards it.
In primary school, I had this unconscious thought that I had to be a very good kid, because somehow along the way, people have been planting scary illusions about primary school in my mind. Of course, I chose to accept it because I thought it was the best advice I could get.
So I went to school, and I never believed that anything good could happen. Only until the few years before I graduated, when I was in Primary 4 or 5, did I realize that school is not a bad, the teachers aren't as mean.
And before I came to my secondary school, I knew most people got a bad impression of it. Again, I chose to believe that it was true. So before school started, which was the holidays, I was really nervous. Since most of the people have been studying there since they were still very very young, and they should probably know their way around, right? Being a person who doesn't like to feel left out or , you know, seen as someone who doesn't know everything, I was afraid that I'd mess things up. Also, I was afraid that I wouldn't have any friends because everyone has been in the same class for at least a year.
Then two days ago the holidays and ended and we had to go back to school.I was so nervous the night before. But the next day, most of that anxiety was gone. I had to face it eventually anyway, right?
So I went into class and sat there. I was one of the early ones (The second one to get in class, actually) I was hoping for a girl to sit next to me. Because a girl would be easier for me to get along with, right?
Well...guess what? My entire row was male...apart from another girl who had the same name as me. Natalie. So, the more you resist, the more the "problem" persists. Turns out it wasn't a problem at all (more about that later). So that was the first day, and when I got home, I had this thought.
"Boys are so lucky to be able to make friends so quickly."
Girls can actually be harder to get along with. On the second day, I started to get to know the guys sitting around me. Turns out we read the same books, like the same things... SHOCKER! No, actually. After all, we are humans all the same. Humans of the same age, at that.
And today, the third day. I finally began to feel that I was "one of them." Here's how it went. When I got to school, we started talking a bit more, and by then I had already remembered 98% of my classmates' names (the others were absent) so that made it easier. (I obviously learnt the name-remembering technique from CV :D) So we could communicate, right? And then during break time, Natalie asked to sit next to me. We started actually getting to know each other, and I found out that she was the only girl from her previous class that got into our form. She also introduced me to some of her friends. Now I'm known as Natalie 2. Haha. So Natalie is a really good friend now.
One more thing. There's a subject in which there is a foreman (even though the class is only girls) and a vice-foreman. The foreman was selected by the subject teacher. She told the foreman to choose a vice-foreman. This afternoon, the foreman suddenly asked me if I wanted to be vice-foreman. I was a little surprised that no one else wanted to be vice-foreman. Turns out I was the first person she asked. I don't know why, maybe because I was the person standing next to her then? Maybe because we have the same birthday? (Yeah, we do! Now I share my name AND my birthday AND favorite books with different people in my class! Wow!) Anyway, I agreed to be vice-foreman as long as no one else wanted the job. But the question that is still stuck in my mind is: Why should I be the vice-foreman. I'm just "the new kid", after all. Even Natalie said that I would be a good vice-foreman.
So that's how I came to enjoy school...quicker than I imagined!
PS...It took me about 5 1/2 years to enjoy primary school. :o
In primary school, I had this unconscious thought that I had to be a very good kid, because somehow along the way, people have been planting scary illusions about primary school in my mind. Of course, I chose to accept it because I thought it was the best advice I could get.
So I went to school, and I never believed that anything good could happen. Only until the few years before I graduated, when I was in Primary 4 or 5, did I realize that school is not a bad, the teachers aren't as mean.
And before I came to my secondary school, I knew most people got a bad impression of it. Again, I chose to believe that it was true. So before school started, which was the holidays, I was really nervous. Since most of the people have been studying there since they were still very very young, and they should probably know their way around, right? Being a person who doesn't like to feel left out or , you know, seen as someone who doesn't know everything, I was afraid that I'd mess things up. Also, I was afraid that I wouldn't have any friends because everyone has been in the same class for at least a year.
Then two days ago the holidays and ended and we had to go back to school.I was so nervous the night before. But the next day, most of that anxiety was gone. I had to face it eventually anyway, right?
So I went into class and sat there. I was one of the early ones (The second one to get in class, actually) I was hoping for a girl to sit next to me. Because a girl would be easier for me to get along with, right?
Well...guess what? My entire row was male...apart from another girl who had the same name as me. Natalie. So, the more you resist, the more the "problem" persists. Turns out it wasn't a problem at all (more about that later). So that was the first day, and when I got home, I had this thought.
"Boys are so lucky to be able to make friends so quickly."
Girls can actually be harder to get along with. On the second day, I started to get to know the guys sitting around me. Turns out we read the same books, like the same things... SHOCKER! No, actually. After all, we are humans all the same. Humans of the same age, at that.
And today, the third day. I finally began to feel that I was "one of them." Here's how it went. When I got to school, we started talking a bit more, and by then I had already remembered 98% of my classmates' names (the others were absent) so that made it easier. (I obviously learnt the name-remembering technique from CV :D) So we could communicate, right? And then during break time, Natalie asked to sit next to me. We started actually getting to know each other, and I found out that she was the only girl from her previous class that got into our form. She also introduced me to some of her friends. Now I'm known as Natalie 2. Haha. So Natalie is a really good friend now.
One more thing. There's a subject in which there is a foreman (even though the class is only girls) and a vice-foreman. The foreman was selected by the subject teacher. She told the foreman to choose a vice-foreman. This afternoon, the foreman suddenly asked me if I wanted to be vice-foreman. I was a little surprised that no one else wanted to be vice-foreman. Turns out I was the first person she asked. I don't know why, maybe because I was the person standing next to her then? Maybe because we have the same birthday? (Yeah, we do! Now I share my name AND my birthday AND favorite books with different people in my class! Wow!) Anyway, I agreed to be vice-foreman as long as no one else wanted the job. But the question that is still stuck in my mind is: Why should I be the vice-foreman. I'm just "the new kid", after all. Even Natalie said that I would be a good vice-foreman.
So that's how I came to enjoy school...quicker than I imagined!
PS...It took me about 5 1/2 years to enjoy primary school. :o
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