Haha, looks like I’m the last up but here’s my take on it. I just wanna say that you guys have been only absolutely wonderful. Thank you all for giving me something to strive for outside of JC. I do admit that I had felt a bit awkward leaving VS and I couldn’t have been happier finding another excuse to anchor me down to my 4 years with you guys. I’m glad the award gave us a purpose to continue the journey with each other and to continue learning things about each other. We’ve all found new friends where we are, but there’s always something unique-at it’s “worst” weird, AHAHAH- about the way all of us interact with each other that and it’s brought me lots of joy.
From the time I first remember seeing the NYAA booklet at the classroom, and when we were talking about the trip, it was kinda daunting. I’d never been backpacking and I’d never thought I’d try something like that. I’m just awfully glad that Mr Khoo knew us well enough to know we’d grow to love it, and that we’d trusted him enough to go along with his idea. Hence Vietnam 2006.
The memorable moments were many, even when we had just entered Hanoi and were driving at night in a van from Noi Bai airport to Vega Travel’s guesthouse. That was the first time I’d felt so much anticipation and excitement and I still remember how happy I had felt travelling with you guys. This sense of adventure and anticipation is still reserved for you all! Even trekking when I made a thorough ass out of myself, it was all very funny and I’m glad I’d been able to provide my share of entertainment. Trekking along the Tonkinese Alps, playing Tai Di at Ban Ho under a fizzling single naked lightbulb- we played till we started speaking gibberish. The biking, the trekking blisters, the wonderful, sublime pictures of mountains folding and the kids that we gave and peroformed to, I don’t think I could’ve done all these with half as much fun and fulfillment if you guys weren’t there to stick it through with me.
Jumping off the boat at Halong Bay was crazy fun, WOOHOO, and I can’t forget at night when we wrote our journals by the quiet of the Bay. These are all events that are intimately connected to you guys and they’re one of the best memories around. The Vietnam trip was possibly the most crucial experience in helping me grasp the idea of a world outside Singapore and I’m glad I learnt this alongside all of you.
Even back home when we were doing the projects, we were at the very least frustrating at the beginning and even towards the end it was still a bit messy. Not to mention the intermediate process which were at times such a drudgery filled with much doubt. Oh, and as a side mention I’m glad ZL conned me about the deadline so I wouldn’t procrastinate that much;). But most importantly, I thank you sir for bearing with us and not giving up on us, providing us with all the valuable lessons we needed to pull our act together. I don’t know HOW we could have done this without you. Thank you for your faith and the vision you had for us then. You were right when you told us that vision was important, and I’m glad you helped us see what that vision was and for seeing us through it as well.
And yes, I won’t forget the weekly kayaking sessions and the sunbathing on a small spit on Pulau Sekudu; It provided a very nice weekly break from school right? It was like a place of our very own every week. It was brilliant. I remember returning to school every week after these sessions feeling like I had a secret stash of VSNPCC to keep me going in the early days of JC. Hahah.
In our Service at MPFSC, we’ve all taken away personal lessons and memories from helping the elderly. We never did share what we each had learnt, but I know that without personal conviction we could not have done what we did. For me, I’m glad I learnt how to serve through the service, and learning this was made so much more enjoyable with you guys, especially with JW when we met up with Bro Paul. It gets easy to forget how to serve, so I hope to be able to continue to help out at MPFSC with some of you guys.
In all honesty, I know I wouldn’t have had the discipline to meet up with you guys without NYAA and I just want to say that I’m glad that so rich and wonderful an experience had bound us together for these 2 years. I’m extremely grateful to everyone for helping us prove to ourselves that we are more than fun-BUT I AIN’T COMPLAINING ABOUT THAT:). I’m REALLY GLAD that the process of NYAA is there as a symbol of what we’ve achieved together, Zhan Liang, Jiawei, Calvin, Edmund, Thomas, Boon Kiat and Joseph. And Mr Khoo, thank you for guiding us all these years. Thank you for being willing to go this far for us. We’ve come a long way and I hope it gives each of us the strength to go further into a tentative future, just like we had when we planned for NYAA and Vietnam in the beginning. Here’s a personal thank you for giving me the capacity to learn all that I’ve learnt since you’ve taught me. I can’t imagine a better way to have crystallized my lessons and experiences than through this process. Thank you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
an unforgettable experience
Actually, I share the same thoughts as all of you, but I think I’ll just reiterate the thoughts that are most significant to me.
When I embarked on this NYAA (Gold) Award journey, I was really excited, of getting the award, being able to put it into my T3A and adding value to my student portfolio blah… (seems very individualistic and selfish isn’t it?)
But this journey wasn’t as smooth sailing as I thought it would be. My excitement started to die down as I met with obstacles after obstacles along the way, especially in balancing my commitments to academic studies, CCA trainings and fulfilling the NYAA requirements. I’m sure most if not all of you did experience this. We embarked on the toughest overseas trip ever (to me, but I’m sure all of you think the same way too) to Vietnam in 2006, while I got injured before the trip itself, I had a hard time persuading my parents to allow me to go, and even after I succeeded, I missed out the opportunity and experience of cycling down slopes of roads at 40km/h (as Jiawei had mentioned), and had to withstand the pain in my wound during the tiring and dangerous trek. Then, comes the constant worry about whether we can fulfill the NYAA requirements and complete the award in time for the school student portfolio, and finally comes the compilation of the report and the interview. The compilation of my report was especially difficult for me as I had to balance studying for Mid-year exams, preparing for CCA competition season and going on overseas school trip. All these obstacles made me feel like giving up and that I won’t be able to complete the award.
But I’m glad that I had all of you: Boon Kiat, Calvin, Jiawei, Joseph, Seth, Thomas and Zhan Liang with me throughout this entire journey. We picked one another up whenever any of us were down, encouraged and supported one another, which was what made us pull through. This journey also enabled us to keep in contact as good friends, amidst all the jokes and making fun of, we all sure did enjoy the company of everyone and our time together, be it playing soccer, or doing reports, chasing each other to meet the deadlines (though most of the time, we did not manage to meet the deadlines).
When I was entering NYAA (Gold) award for my T3A, not knowing whether I would get it, I realize getting the award and being able to put it into my student portfolio didn’t matter to me anymore. I was thinking more about the journey I have gone through, and the great friends that I have been able to keep as a result. And true enough, when I was being notified that I got the award, I wasn’t as ecstatic as I thought I would be. Certainly, after embarking on this NYAA (Gold) award journey, I realized that it isn’t about the outcome of getting the award anymore, but about the journey, the learning experience of pushing ourselves beyond our perceived mental and physical limits, our determination and perseverance in overcoming the many obstacles along this journey, and discovering that our capabilities are limitless.
As a formal message to show me appreciation and gratitude, I would like to thank each and everyone of you (again): Boon Kiat, Calvin, Jiawei, Joseph, Seth, Thomas and Zhan Liang, for pulling through this journey with me, bringing fun and joy to my mundane school life, and being such great friends. Also, Thank you Jiawei and Zhan Liang for helping me with the final compilation of my report and ensuring that it is properly and safely submitted to NYAA Council while I was overseas. (And yes thanks Jiawei for being such a great medic and treating my wounds, haha…)
Special thanks goes to Mr. Khoo, for your kind patience and guidance throughout this entire journey, for without you and your initiatives, we won’t have been able to get this NYAA (Gold) award, and most importantly, we won’t have been able to learn and gain so much, that as you have said, grow from boys to young mature and responsible men.
I will never forget all the times we spent together, playing soccer, working together to help out at MPFSC and at the Cat Cat village school in Vietnam, sweating and suffering together during the adventurous journey mountain trek, the moments of ‘Sethness’, and Jiawei cracking all the jokes and making fun of people that we all laughed at and certainly enjoyed, and the moments when serious work had to be done (seldom but there were still such moments if not we won’t have been able to come this far). Our group, each and everyone of you has been special to me and I certainly do hope that completing this journey would not be the end but the beginning of many other special things to come.
Cheers to our wonderful group, and our friendship! :)
Edmund
When I embarked on this NYAA (Gold) Award journey, I was really excited, of getting the award, being able to put it into my T3A and adding value to my student portfolio blah… (seems very individualistic and selfish isn’t it?)
But this journey wasn’t as smooth sailing as I thought it would be. My excitement started to die down as I met with obstacles after obstacles along the way, especially in balancing my commitments to academic studies, CCA trainings and fulfilling the NYAA requirements. I’m sure most if not all of you did experience this. We embarked on the toughest overseas trip ever (to me, but I’m sure all of you think the same way too) to Vietnam in 2006, while I got injured before the trip itself, I had a hard time persuading my parents to allow me to go, and even after I succeeded, I missed out the opportunity and experience of cycling down slopes of roads at 40km/h (as Jiawei had mentioned), and had to withstand the pain in my wound during the tiring and dangerous trek. Then, comes the constant worry about whether we can fulfill the NYAA requirements and complete the award in time for the school student portfolio, and finally comes the compilation of the report and the interview. The compilation of my report was especially difficult for me as I had to balance studying for Mid-year exams, preparing for CCA competition season and going on overseas school trip. All these obstacles made me feel like giving up and that I won’t be able to complete the award.
But I’m glad that I had all of you: Boon Kiat, Calvin, Jiawei, Joseph, Seth, Thomas and Zhan Liang with me throughout this entire journey. We picked one another up whenever any of us were down, encouraged and supported one another, which was what made us pull through. This journey also enabled us to keep in contact as good friends, amidst all the jokes and making fun of, we all sure did enjoy the company of everyone and our time together, be it playing soccer, or doing reports, chasing each other to meet the deadlines (though most of the time, we did not manage to meet the deadlines).
When I was entering NYAA (Gold) award for my T3A, not knowing whether I would get it, I realize getting the award and being able to put it into my student portfolio didn’t matter to me anymore. I was thinking more about the journey I have gone through, and the great friends that I have been able to keep as a result. And true enough, when I was being notified that I got the award, I wasn’t as ecstatic as I thought I would be. Certainly, after embarking on this NYAA (Gold) award journey, I realized that it isn’t about the outcome of getting the award anymore, but about the journey, the learning experience of pushing ourselves beyond our perceived mental and physical limits, our determination and perseverance in overcoming the many obstacles along this journey, and discovering that our capabilities are limitless.
As a formal message to show me appreciation and gratitude, I would like to thank each and everyone of you (again): Boon Kiat, Calvin, Jiawei, Joseph, Seth, Thomas and Zhan Liang, for pulling through this journey with me, bringing fun and joy to my mundane school life, and being such great friends. Also, Thank you Jiawei and Zhan Liang for helping me with the final compilation of my report and ensuring that it is properly and safely submitted to NYAA Council while I was overseas. (And yes thanks Jiawei for being such a great medic and treating my wounds, haha…)
Special thanks goes to Mr. Khoo, for your kind patience and guidance throughout this entire journey, for without you and your initiatives, we won’t have been able to get this NYAA (Gold) award, and most importantly, we won’t have been able to learn and gain so much, that as you have said, grow from boys to young mature and responsible men.
I will never forget all the times we spent together, playing soccer, working together to help out at MPFSC and at the Cat Cat village school in Vietnam, sweating and suffering together during the adventurous journey mountain trek, the moments of ‘Sethness’, and Jiawei cracking all the jokes and making fun of people that we all laughed at and certainly enjoyed, and the moments when serious work had to be done (seldom but there were still such moments if not we won’t have been able to come this far). Our group, each and everyone of you has been special to me and I certainly do hope that completing this journey would not be the end but the beginning of many other special things to come.
Cheers to our wonderful group, and our friendship! :)
Edmund
Friday, October 10, 2008
the journey
I felt super nervous as the emcee called my name and as I slowly made my way up the stage to the President on the day of the award ceremony. It truly marked the end of the whole 2 and a half year journey we've spent on the NYAA Gold award.
It sure has impacted me so much, beyond that gold badge. The experiences shared with the 8, the struggles and the stresses of completion, juggling the commitment amongst those at school, it was truly memorable. It was really not an easy task, possibly the greatest commitment I have ever taken, but I'm glad Mr Khoo and the team decided to take it up. It was this award, that pushed me to do things I wouldn't otherwise imagine. It was also this award, that opened new possibilites, that I was able to see things and do things, to realise that I can actually have an genuine impact on others, to realise that we can always do better.
I thought to be different from the rest, I should just briefly touch on my thoughts about each of the sections
I will always recall the Vietnam trip, which was really a big step I took in my life. Somehow I managed to convince my parents to let me go, and I was so glad I did. The adventurous journey segment helped me discover my capacity and interest for the outdoors, and spurred me on to join the Outdoor Activities Club in college. Trekking the treacherous terrains of Sapa really pushed me to my mental and physical limits, and it was then where I realised how important the process of pursuing this award was beyond its prestige and the honour of receiving the badge.
We completed the physical recreation segment first. All I could say is that we are still kayaking now! and quite light the feeling of it too!
Service at MPFSC exposed us to the realities in a modern society in Singapore where we assumed nobody would ever be left behind. Even a place like Marine Parade can be home to elderlies who are lonely or cannot fend for themselves. I actually felt they were benefitting and really appreciating the little help we can give.
Guitar was initially a nightmare as we were really clueless about the instrument. Then we had to commit an entire 18 months to it. classes can be stressful if we went unprepared, but were really useful as we can at least play something decent now. And we were so worried about this section that we cannot complete it in time but we did.
But soon I saw the award beyond the end product, but really understood the meaning behind it. It was the journey, the thought process and the obstacles which we may have fallen and grown stronger from. An achievement is a feat, is winning yourself, and conquering your obstacles and fears, not forgetting the need to stay committed to your causes.
Special mention to Mr Khoo, who has guided us along all this while. I have learnt so much more from you, you always provided the deepest insights and a refreshing view point to things, and it's so enjoyable to just converse with you for hours! Without you, none of this would be even possible. And not forgetting the fellas, Zhan Liang, Jiawei, Seth, Edmund, Thomas, Boon Kiat and Joseph: thank you so much for sticking through with me. Well there were times we really never give chance and pushed each other around, but we still managed to get the job done. Glad to have experienced this with you, and its an accomplishment we can all be proud of!
That's about all I have to share, last words are that the NYAA Gold is on process, the award itself is just a minor incentive, or reward that shouldn't be placed as the priority. Shouldn't actually rush to complete it by JC, portfolio would still reflect that you are pursuing it even before you have gotten it, main thing is to experience it fully, and really to the best of this award, and you are sure to receive a whole lot more in return!
It sure has impacted me so much, beyond that gold badge. The experiences shared with the 8, the struggles and the stresses of completion, juggling the commitment amongst those at school, it was truly memorable. It was really not an easy task, possibly the greatest commitment I have ever taken, but I'm glad Mr Khoo and the team decided to take it up. It was this award, that pushed me to do things I wouldn't otherwise imagine. It was also this award, that opened new possibilites, that I was able to see things and do things, to realise that I can actually have an genuine impact on others, to realise that we can always do better.
I thought to be different from the rest, I should just briefly touch on my thoughts about each of the sections
I will always recall the Vietnam trip, which was really a big step I took in my life. Somehow I managed to convince my parents to let me go, and I was so glad I did. The adventurous journey segment helped me discover my capacity and interest for the outdoors, and spurred me on to join the Outdoor Activities Club in college. Trekking the treacherous terrains of Sapa really pushed me to my mental and physical limits, and it was then where I realised how important the process of pursuing this award was beyond its prestige and the honour of receiving the badge.
We completed the physical recreation segment first. All I could say is that we are still kayaking now! and quite light the feeling of it too!
Service at MPFSC exposed us to the realities in a modern society in Singapore where we assumed nobody would ever be left behind. Even a place like Marine Parade can be home to elderlies who are lonely or cannot fend for themselves. I actually felt they were benefitting and really appreciating the little help we can give.
Guitar was initially a nightmare as we were really clueless about the instrument. Then we had to commit an entire 18 months to it. classes can be stressful if we went unprepared, but were really useful as we can at least play something decent now. And we were so worried about this section that we cannot complete it in time but we did.
But soon I saw the award beyond the end product, but really understood the meaning behind it. It was the journey, the thought process and the obstacles which we may have fallen and grown stronger from. An achievement is a feat, is winning yourself, and conquering your obstacles and fears, not forgetting the need to stay committed to your causes.
Special mention to Mr Khoo, who has guided us along all this while. I have learnt so much more from you, you always provided the deepest insights and a refreshing view point to things, and it's so enjoyable to just converse with you for hours! Without you, none of this would be even possible. And not forgetting the fellas, Zhan Liang, Jiawei, Seth, Edmund, Thomas, Boon Kiat and Joseph: thank you so much for sticking through with me. Well there were times we really never give chance and pushed each other around, but we still managed to get the job done. Glad to have experienced this with you, and its an accomplishment we can all be proud of!
That's about all I have to share, last words are that the NYAA Gold is on process, the award itself is just a minor incentive, or reward that shouldn't be placed as the priority. Shouldn't actually rush to complete it by JC, portfolio would still reflect that you are pursuing it even before you have gotten it, main thing is to experience it fully, and really to the best of this award, and you are sure to receive a whole lot more in return!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Its The End.....
Hey everyone!!! So emo!!! Haha i can feel tears welling up in my eyes as i read those posts...
Oh well, I think both Zhan Liang and Jiawei have mentioned all the things that have happened over the past few years and I believe that all of us have had the same memorable experiences, be it physically or mentally.
Hence, I would just like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you here!!! Firstly, I would say the largest credit would of course go to Mr Khoo!!! You were the one who had initated this project, roped us in and placed the greatest amount of effort in ensuring that we achieved our ultimate goal of attaining the NYAA GOLD Award. Without you, we would not be where we are today. We would remember all your teachings and treasure all the exciting and memorable experiences that we had with each other. Without you, we would be like lost kids in Vietnam, unable to organize anything and everything, unable to find our way around the country or even be able to embark on this journey to Vietnam...
Also, I would like to thank each and everyone of you. Without all of you, I think I would not have been able to complete this journey. All the paperwork and deadlines may have been stressful and tiring, but that was what kept us together! We gave each other pointers, gave each other encouragements, keeping us united and giving us the strength and perserverance to move on, to strive on and complete this journey together. We had so much fun times together be it soccer or lamenting about deadlines or even at our own accidents during the trip.
Finally, I think I owe each and everyone of you, especially Mr Khoo an apology. During the trip, I had caused much inconvenience to all of you due to my whatever Jiawei calls it..." the Shoot-Blood-Right-Ear"... causing all of you much worry... Also , I would like to thank Zhan Liang and Jiawei for helping me with a lot of the paperwork... For all of these, I offer my deepest apologies and my gratitude to all of you!!!
Oh well, I think both Zhan Liang and Jiawei have mentioned all the things that have happened over the past few years and I believe that all of us have had the same memorable experiences, be it physically or mentally.
Hence, I would just like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you here!!! Firstly, I would say the largest credit would of course go to Mr Khoo!!! You were the one who had initated this project, roped us in and placed the greatest amount of effort in ensuring that we achieved our ultimate goal of attaining the NYAA GOLD Award. Without you, we would not be where we are today. We would remember all your teachings and treasure all the exciting and memorable experiences that we had with each other. Without you, we would be like lost kids in Vietnam, unable to organize anything and everything, unable to find our way around the country or even be able to embark on this journey to Vietnam...
Also, I would like to thank each and everyone of you. Without all of you, I think I would not have been able to complete this journey. All the paperwork and deadlines may have been stressful and tiring, but that was what kept us together! We gave each other pointers, gave each other encouragements, keeping us united and giving us the strength and perserverance to move on, to strive on and complete this journey together. We had so much fun times together be it soccer or lamenting about deadlines or even at our own accidents during the trip.
Finally, I think I owe each and everyone of you, especially Mr Khoo an apology. During the trip, I had caused much inconvenience to all of you due to my whatever Jiawei calls it..." the Shoot-Blood-Right-Ear"... causing all of you much worry... Also , I would like to thank Zhan Liang and Jiawei for helping me with a lot of the paperwork... For all of these, I offer my deepest apologies and my gratitude to all of you!!!
Monday, October 06, 2008
WAH...SO MEMORABLE
- The river of life at vega travel
LOL. who wld have guessed JOSEPH SNG DROPPED HIS CAP IN THE RIVER OF LIFE!!. hee. our very first noob experience in vietnam :)
- The wonderful and cheap steak place near vega!!
its so cheap and nice i dont mind flying dere just to eat it!!
- Thomas and his argh ear!!
dont die!! (if u can hear me) maybe i will speak thru your left ear :)
- Wheres the ticket??
luckily we found the ticket. hee. if not poor jw has to stay in vietnam for more than 16 days
- Seth and his WATCH YOUR HEAD!
nt rly his first dumb encounter. just epitomise every palpable and profanities things he might have done.
- Sapa market here we come!!
the bulk of our present came frm dere. hee. super bargain like free thou in the end i bought some rly dumb stuff. lol.
- Groin Boy!! (edmund)
hee. GROIN BOY TADA TADA TADA TADA.
- mr khoo and his camel pants that were nt supposed to split
IT SPLITTED IN THE END!!!
- THE RAT!
who would have known ppl deskin rats to eat -.-
- PLasma tv in e very rural village
if only they got scv too...maybe they will support chelsea...
- the last dinner inn? in siem reap.
it was e most scary place i stayed in...and it has a rly weird name
- cant rly think of anything else le.....
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Closing Reflections - JW
At this point in time after we have each received our NYAA Gold awards, to be honest I don't think anyone is ecstatic or overjoyed simply because the whole journey took us 2 and a half years to get here and the excitement has died down. Holding the scroll in our hands simply means we have gotten the acknowledgment of what we have gone through. If I have much to complain about the paperwork and proposals etc, I don't know what the other 5 of you guys have went through. You know who you are when you tried to cover up for me by helping me with my submissions, printing my rubbish, doing more than required of yourself, staying up late during sleepovers to do what-not....
The list goes on, so who am I to complain? I still feel a strong sense of attachment to the people of Fusionoize, more than my own friends right now. i hope you guys feel the same to and treasure of bond as much as I do. Things would not have been this way if not for certain people who created opportunities to tag along on this road to Gold. Once again, thanks for carrying my weight along this long journey and I appreciate what has been done for me truly.
Here are my most memorable moments:
1)Adventurous Journey Fusionoize Vietnam 06'
This is something that we would never ever do again, given its' risks and logistics we need to consider. Then again, we should be proud we managed to do it and clear the AJ riding down slopes on bicycles at 40km/h and trekking through hills where tourists have died trying. We also experienced Joseph nearly getting into an accident at a blind spot, Thomas 'Ear-shoot-blood' Leong, ZL beggar suit among many others. i now see why Khooky likes doing such trips even at his age as each would be particularly memorable. I thank you for having organized this AJ section which made our experience way better than others' 4D3N @ Ubin etc.
2)Flight Delay @ Noi Bai Airport
Thanks to Tiger %@#^@#% Airways, we were entitled to a night's stay in Hanoi's airport for 17 hours. I still recall Edmund's US flight which he missed, the old women and little children crying at the scene, and ZL lying down on the floor as though his dad bought the place. Still, we struggled through the entire night and endured the worst conditions for the whole Fusionoize Vietnam 06' trip (don't argue here, we could not even get drinking water!). On the bright side if not for the bird slamming into the windshield of the plane, there would not have been Tiger %#^@ Credits and Fusionoize Laos 07!
3)The NYAA Gold award ceremony video presentation
This was a compilation of photos from all the 168 recipients and the activities they went through. Only God knows how many photos the Council received (I myself sent 10!), but out of all the selected few VSNPCC Fusionoize had at least 1 photo in each category of the various NYAA sections. Imagine what we experienced was actually the model for all participants to emulate in their quest for the Gold award such that most of our photos were specially selected for display to all the VIPs and guests present. Although there were also many other groups who did the same tasks, we were a step ahead of them which was why we were chosen!
The list goes on, so who am I to complain? I still feel a strong sense of attachment to the people of Fusionoize, more than my own friends right now. i hope you guys feel the same to and treasure of bond as much as I do. Things would not have been this way if not for certain people who created opportunities to tag along on this road to Gold. Once again, thanks for carrying my weight along this long journey and I appreciate what has been done for me truly.
Here are my most memorable moments:
1)Adventurous Journey Fusionoize Vietnam 06'
This is something that we would never ever do again, given its' risks and logistics we need to consider. Then again, we should be proud we managed to do it and clear the AJ riding down slopes on bicycles at 40km/h and trekking through hills where tourists have died trying. We also experienced Joseph nearly getting into an accident at a blind spot, Thomas 'Ear-shoot-blood' Leong, ZL beggar suit among many others. i now see why Khooky likes doing such trips even at his age as each would be particularly memorable. I thank you for having organized this AJ section which made our experience way better than others' 4D3N @ Ubin etc.
2)Flight Delay @ Noi Bai Airport
Thanks to Tiger %@#^@#% Airways, we were entitled to a night's stay in Hanoi's airport for 17 hours. I still recall Edmund's US flight which he missed, the old women and little children crying at the scene, and ZL lying down on the floor as though his dad bought the place. Still, we struggled through the entire night and endured the worst conditions for the whole Fusionoize Vietnam 06' trip (don't argue here, we could not even get drinking water!). On the bright side if not for the bird slamming into the windshield of the plane, there would not have been Tiger %#^@ Credits and Fusionoize Laos 07!
3)The NYAA Gold award ceremony video presentation
This was a compilation of photos from all the 168 recipients and the activities they went through. Only God knows how many photos the Council received (I myself sent 10!), but out of all the selected few VSNPCC Fusionoize had at least 1 photo in each category of the various NYAA sections. Imagine what we experienced was actually the model for all participants to emulate in their quest for the Gold award such that most of our photos were specially selected for display to all the VIPs and guests present. Although there were also many other groups who did the same tasks, we were a step ahead of them which was why we were chosen!
Thanks for the journey.
Thx. Chanzl for opening the closing reflection.
There are many times I also do not know how to carry on but i guess the group's fun-ness helped! I dunno know if i can ever go thru this again. Or if any other batches or individuals can inspire me to do the same. The conceptualising, planning, monitoring, admin & vetting are really very very very painful. But the comraderie was what kept me sane and what kept you going.
I guess it's really the journey and not the destination. And I am not saying this just as a cliche. Like you go all the way from Sg through Bangkok to Ubon and into Pakse, only to find a tiny nondescript time-forgotten town with like one dusty road and a river and nothing to do. And you go all the way to across the Mekong river to Champassak to find a traffic circus but there is no junction. Then ask Wat (Phu) is there to see here? But it was the (trying) and getting there that is fun! Same for this NYAA journey.
Many times the jourmey was delayed, the ride was bumpy or there seemed no road, and the dusty track doesn't seem to end, and it's getting stifling in the bus and the heat is unforgiving, we still made it from Siem Reap to Poipet. And finally to Aranyapathet, where there is a 7-11 with lots of happy food and 3 piece crispy KFC at Hualumphong. Isn't it just like the NYAA journey?
Thanks for the journey. Look at the photos; you have gone from young boys to young men! Congrats!
There are many times I also do not know how to carry on but i guess the group's fun-ness helped! I dunno know if i can ever go thru this again. Or if any other batches or individuals can inspire me to do the same. The conceptualising, planning, monitoring, admin & vetting are really very very very painful. But the comraderie was what kept me sane and what kept you going.
I guess it's really the journey and not the destination. And I am not saying this just as a cliche. Like you go all the way from Sg through Bangkok to Ubon and into Pakse, only to find a tiny nondescript time-forgotten town with like one dusty road and a river and nothing to do. And you go all the way to across the Mekong river to Champassak to find a traffic circus but there is no junction. Then ask Wat (Phu) is there to see here? But it was the (trying) and getting there that is fun! Same for this NYAA journey.
Many times the jourmey was delayed, the ride was bumpy or there seemed no road, and the dusty track doesn't seem to end, and it's getting stifling in the bus and the heat is unforgiving, we still made it from Siem Reap to Poipet. And finally to Aranyapathet, where there is a 7-11 with lots of happy food and 3 piece crispy KFC at Hualumphong. Isn't it just like the NYAA journey?
Thanks for the journey. Look at the photos; you have gone from young boys to young men! Congrats!
FINALLY...
Hi,
think its been sometime since anyone posted here so i shall be e first! haha.its really been a long long time like 3 full years since we last sat at macdonalds at kallang after our lifesaving course to talk about going to vietnam at end of 2006 which we eventually did. along the way we went on to undertake e nyaa(gold) to give e trip a purpose and it more then fulfilled its initial objectives. it gave all of us an opportunity to meet up during the jc life to do project, something that we hated at times but now looking back it definitely allowed us to stay in touch with one another whether its to play soccer or what.
we did what was required of us and achieved what we thought it might be too far away at most part in time.many times we felt like giving up really even i could nt take it anymore and how i wished it could all jsut end. its nt e projects that were difficult but e longlong time that we had to go thru tt made it challenging.i always tell myself that i would definitely cry or whatever when i receive e award but just yesterday i did not.
i didnt because looking back now it wasnt actually that tough at all. what made me felt like giving up at that moment was just that second of thought and nt giving in to that moment of madness was what lead me to yesterday. it was also because i knew there were 7 other great friends who was strivin along with me throughout these three years of hardwork.
if there wasnt tt discussion at macdonald and if there wasnt mr khoo, i dont see how we could go overseas for three year straight and backpack together.
if mr khoo didnt talk to my mum on tt faithful night to allow me to go kayaking(first breakthrough)i wouldnt have been able to kayak, learn lifesaving, go vietnam laos cambodia thailand china for e next three christmas,possibly even join odac go india, climb mountain, go for camps or even become a cadet inspector.
if the few of us did nt embarked on nyaa(gold),we would nt have stayed in touch(even for e most hated reasons frankly)and kept good relations with one another,laughed at each other and still nt get angry with each other.we would nt have been great friends for these six years.
if nt for soccer,we might nt have bonded so well. seriously, i think we rly love soccer alot la keep playing thou we screw up alot of things while playing we cant help but admit its our love for it that bonded us together.of cuz sometimes need balance that love arh.
if not for all our preserverence and hardwork and determination, we would not have successfully achieved all these as we stood by each other during the times we needed one another.
and most importantly, if not for mr khoo and his great deal of patience with us(and all our soccer),we would nt have achieved all these.
at e end of e day, receiving e gold award isnt really that glamorous afterall when u looked back. all e kayakin and skills that u have learnt, service u have contributed to e community are just part of e requirements. its really nth. its e ttime we have spent together doing them all and achieveing them all that matters. thats wd e award represented for me. looking at it now its just a badge sitting on my desk(without proper box somemore.lol)but it stood for our friendship.
i wear it with pride to show that we are truly e best coming this far and hopefully its nt the end(WE STILL HAVE VIET LAOS CHINA 2008).hopefully many of you guys share my thoughts and
YES WE HAVE FINALLY DONE IT AFTER SO LONG!!!
THANKYOU FOR ALL THE HARDWORK AND EVERYTHING!!!
WE ARE THE BEST!!!
fusionoize 03/04/05/06/07/08/09/...
zhan liang :)
think its been sometime since anyone posted here so i shall be e first! haha.its really been a long long time like 3 full years since we last sat at macdonalds at kallang after our lifesaving course to talk about going to vietnam at end of 2006 which we eventually did. along the way we went on to undertake e nyaa(gold) to give e trip a purpose and it more then fulfilled its initial objectives. it gave all of us an opportunity to meet up during the jc life to do project, something that we hated at times but now looking back it definitely allowed us to stay in touch with one another whether its to play soccer or what.
we did what was required of us and achieved what we thought it might be too far away at most part in time.many times we felt like giving up really even i could nt take it anymore and how i wished it could all jsut end. its nt e projects that were difficult but e longlong time that we had to go thru tt made it challenging.i always tell myself that i would definitely cry or whatever when i receive e award but just yesterday i did not.
i didnt because looking back now it wasnt actually that tough at all. what made me felt like giving up at that moment was just that second of thought and nt giving in to that moment of madness was what lead me to yesterday. it was also because i knew there were 7 other great friends who was strivin along with me throughout these three years of hardwork.
if there wasnt tt discussion at macdonald and if there wasnt mr khoo, i dont see how we could go overseas for three year straight and backpack together.
if mr khoo didnt talk to my mum on tt faithful night to allow me to go kayaking(first breakthrough)i wouldnt have been able to kayak, learn lifesaving, go vietnam laos cambodia thailand china for e next three christmas,possibly even join odac go india, climb mountain, go for camps or even become a cadet inspector.
if the few of us did nt embarked on nyaa(gold),we would nt have stayed in touch(even for e most hated reasons frankly)and kept good relations with one another,laughed at each other and still nt get angry with each other.we would nt have been great friends for these six years.
if nt for soccer,we might nt have bonded so well. seriously, i think we rly love soccer alot la keep playing thou we screw up alot of things while playing we cant help but admit its our love for it that bonded us together.of cuz sometimes need balance that love arh.
if not for all our preserverence and hardwork and determination, we would not have successfully achieved all these as we stood by each other during the times we needed one another.
and most importantly, if not for mr khoo and his great deal of patience with us(and all our soccer),we would nt have achieved all these.
at e end of e day, receiving e gold award isnt really that glamorous afterall when u looked back. all e kayakin and skills that u have learnt, service u have contributed to e community are just part of e requirements. its really nth. its e ttime we have spent together doing them all and achieveing them all that matters. thats wd e award represented for me. looking at it now its just a badge sitting on my desk(without proper box somemore.lol)but it stood for our friendship.
i wear it with pride to show that we are truly e best coming this far and hopefully its nt the end(WE STILL HAVE VIET LAOS CHINA 2008).hopefully many of you guys share my thoughts and
YES WE HAVE FINALLY DONE IT AFTER SO LONG!!!
THANKYOU FOR ALL THE HARDWORK AND EVERYTHING!!!
WE ARE THE BEST!!!
fusionoize 03/04/05/06/07/08/09/...
zhan liang :)
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