2007

The year 2007 was a year of several lasts and several firsts. Naming a few from my memory, the first NDP held on water, the first commercial flight of the A380, the first ACS (Independent) prom…the last Kallang Roar in the old National Stadium, the last Zoukout at Siloso. As you can see, not many registered clearly in my memory, for I myself had my own firsts and lasts to cherish.

2007 was my last year in school. My last year in school uniform. My last session proper with the Astronomy Club. My last Aikido training in school. My last swimming competition representing ACS (Independent). (For all my reminiscing, I do hope they remain last). My last International Baccalaureate year…

One of the firsts assessments of the year I remember was the TOK oral presentation. It was somewhat challenging at times finding a valid argument, but amid all the silences, Kenneth and I presented our arguments for and against Euthanasia. The other major assessment I will never forget was our Individual Oral Commentary. Up till July, I had believed it the be the most nerve-wrecking and stressful assessment for the whole IB (belief later challenged in November). Many many months later, the thought of it still makes me go howlhowlhowlhowl. O, me, my heart, my rising heart, but down is a phrase I often think of too, awaiting the perfect moment to unleash this ghost of IOC. Another assignment for assessment for English was the World Literature Essays. I remember spending hours on the 7^th floor of the National Library, at the reference section admiring the architecture of the city doing my readings. Later on, an equal amount of time was spent there trying to grasp a deeper understanding of Huckleberry Finn, isolating myself in Paddy’s psyche, attempting to gain enlightenment (forgive me but this word is just synonymous with Siddhartha) about Herman Hesse’s acclaimed novel. Also due were the TOK essay and the Extended Essay. These were mostly done in December 06, and so I was not bothered by them. CAS was due as well. Likewise, most of it was done last year, except for nitty-gritty documentation. (Making up Thinking very very hard and remembering the dates of our activities, chasing our wonderful supervisors and teachers for their autographs, photocopying the sheets in case they do not arrive in Geneva, punching holes hastily and absent-mindedly, photocopying them again because punched holes is no good for binding…)

Finally, such internal assessments were over and it was time to tackle the external assessment: the final final big IB exams. Here goes my Lear quote, O, me, my heart, my rising heart, but down. Very apt in describing my emotions. But as soon as it arrived, it was over. It was sad and happy, bits of both. But mostly happy.

At long last, I had my life back. And how I lived it up; swimming and cycling and eating and drinking and shopping and sleeping and merry-making…

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2007 will be remembered as the year I turned 18 (Well, yes, it is the only time that I will ever be 18). Being 18, as a friend wrote, mean I am of a legal age to 1)marry 2)drink 3)drive 4)watch M18 movies etc. Being 18 makes me feel so much older. Psychologically, there is much responsibility, maturity and respect attached to being 18. (At this juncture writer realises he is veering out of point)

As 2007 drew to a close, what’s up? Cab fares and bus fares went up (incidentally, it was around that time that the pay rises of some took effect…). There could not be a better time for my student concession to end and adult fares to kick in. Plus all the late nights out = taking cabs. What a wonderful way to end 2007 and welcome 2008.

Anyway, let us hope that the cost of living does not rise much more (or that we will get as many points as possible, get into a good course with or without scholarship, and land a high-paying job to cover the high cost of living!). Oh glee, results are out in 2 days. (If the writer is not going to lose his dreams, he will at least lose his hair by the end of the week. And he simply cannot express his joy)