Is Getting a Degree really THAT Important ?

I came across an article on Indonesian badminton player Ronald Susilo in the Strait's Times section of LIFE ! today and he was quoted saying something like " he scored an aggregate of 20 points for 6 subjects in his O Levels and thought of the normal Singaporean route which was to attend a junior college and eventually to the University but what would he be doing after that? Hence, he decided that badminton is something he liked and hence, enrolled in the Singapore Badminton Association".

He eventually became one of Singapore's best national badminton player and had even won USD 14,000 in the 2004 Asian Games once ! (I believe his other wins would have fetched more big money for himself !) Recently, he was roped in to be a model, earning a 4-digit figure sum for a mere week's of work !

So look, I do agree that it is not really necessary to attend University, get a Bachelor's, then a Master's, then a PhD or whatevers. Some people still do not know where to head to after landing all those papers in their laps !

Another encounter which made me recollect about the above was about this law graduate who applied for a junior position in my company and came for an interview. The way his interviewer described about how he had fared during his interview was simply hilarious and belittling. Pathetic was the only word I can use to describe him then. He was not hired in the end after all.

But of course, as what most old folks say, a degree is the passport to life, ONLY if it is used properly. Ironically, it seemed that most graduates I know did not really earn big bucks or are switching to something very different from what they had studied in University.

But guess what ? Some people I know who have either only O Levels or diplomas are actually doing very well, surpassing their graduate peers, who used to look down on non-graduates. Look at Sim Wong Hoo, our very own Creative's CEO, a Polytechnic holder ! O Level holder, Ronald Susilo's one time win of USD 14,00 is equivalent to an average local graduate's 1 year salary ! And he could even afford to purchase a condominium in expensive Kembangan, but how many 27-year-old graduates can easily afford that without the help from their family members or spouses ?

So, I strongly believe that it is not how many certificates one has but how capable he or she is to do well in life ....

Sadness....

Why must people die ? Why must they leave their loved ones and dear friends behind with painful memories ? How could their families and beloved one carry on without them in the future ? I have many unanswered questions in my mind now......

My long-time good friend's beloved grandma passed away last morning and it pains me to hear about such news. And just this evening, news of Mr S. Rajaratnam's passing flashed on national TV.

In times like these, I'd wished that I do not have to witness my family members or dearest friends being sick or dying before my very eyes. I'd rather I die first. Ain't I selfish ?

Happy V- Day !!

It's a very happy V-day for yours truly this year !!

It is not V-alentine but V-ictory for me !!!!

I still can't believe this !!!

I think I wun be able to sleep tonite !!! = P

Funny colleague

I had a rather fun and well-entertained work day today. My week-old new Indonesian colleague lamented that she had just broke up with her bf the night before. She is 22 years old this year and we do not know her that well yet. Hence, I was rather surprised when she asked me and another girl colleague whether we have any recommendations (as in suitable bf material) for her !

And she went round asking me about the guys in our office, etc who is single and available or married, with gf/s or wives blah blah. The way she reacted was just so comical and she just reminded me of myself, when I was still schooling in Secondary school and Poly. A few good friends and I would take out the current year's school yearbook and "admire" the more popular boys in the school. And giggle and laugh out loud we did.

Those were the days...

A Very Expensive Day Indeed

It has been a busy & expensive day for me today though I was on MC.

Morning, went for a personal appointment. Cab fare = SGD4.00 (was actually SGD4.10 but I had a 10 cent discount, courtesy of self-declared new cabby)

Late morning, after registering at AMK Polyclinic, I went to Jubilee for some chicken soup ramen and ice green tea. Felt cheated for SGD2.50 (a can of Polka ice green tea) + SGD 5.90 (chicken soup ramen) + service charge 10% (SGD0.85) = SGD9.25

Early afternoon, went back for consulation for my running nose, cough & rashes on my arm and waited for another 1-2 hour plus outside the pharmacy for my medication. Thank God for Women's Weekly magazine ! Cost me an affordable SGD 0 (free magazine at AMK Polyclinic) + SGD8 (registration fee) + SGD5.60 (for flu, cough syrup & rash medication) = SGD 13.60

Mid-afternoon, went to Singapore Safety Driving Centre at nearby YCK to get my PDL & advanced theory test date. Damage : SGD6.00 (advaced/final theory test) + SGD5.25 (registration fee??) =SGD11.25

Evening, took the MRT down to Kovan's Comfort Driving Centre to book for my practical driving lessons. Major damage a whopping SGD152.25 (registration fees) + SGD604.80 (for 9 peak-hour practical lessons!) = SGD757.05

Total damage = SGD 4.00 + SGD 9.25 + SGD 13.60 + SGD 11.25 + SGD757.02
= SGD 795.15

However, I felt happy because I will start my very 1st school practical driving lesson this coming Friday evening ! The customer service executive-cum-driving instructor at Kovan's Comfort Driving Centre is very professional and friendly and he patiently answered all my many enquiries. He even mentioned that the current record holder in obtaining a class 3/3A license there took an amazingly 3 months only ! Hope I can obtain my class 3A by this year. I am rather confident with Kovan CDC's credentials.

Happiness and New Goal for this Year

A few good movies never fail to cheer me up.

When a colleague went back to her hometown in Hubei, China for the Chinese New Year holidays, she got back what I wanted ! Plus extra goodies and a nice Chinese silk purse ! How sweet of her.

So today, lunch was on me when we ate at Subway.

And just this evening, we had our Secondary school class gathering with one of our ex-classmates back from Australia for his term break. It was good seeing all of my mates and wishing everyone a better year ahead. Most of us are leading hectic lives or are too engross with our own busy lives to care about the rest of the world, hence, it is good to meet up with peers you have not seen for quite sometime.

Hee, got a free dinner from our "boss of the night" for all 9 of us, at Cafe Cartel at Marina Square ! Very rare indeed ! The rest were rather shocked too ! But I should say it was an enjoyable and fun dinner indeed =)

Right now, at my age, I am thinking of a lot of things. I am thinking of getting a lot of things.

Getting my class 3A license is a top priority for me and I resolve to pass my practical test by early next year, after years of delay due to unforseen circumstances. Not only it will make me more marketable, it will also motivate me to purchase a good car. Maybe, I will get a car of my own if my current or future finances allow. The feeling of getting their very own set of wheels is a very great motivator for most youths. Already, my same age boy cousin has bought his own car without any help from his parents or family members ok !! Envy, envy... ...

Anyway, back to the point. I must, I must get my class 3A license (because I heard that it is easier to pass class 3A and more cars are automatic too) and lead a more fruitful life this year ! No more unhappiness again !