Think of the times where you need to make a choice. For example, I need to choose between blowing the nose (now, or taste the fluid at my lips within the next 2 seconds).

Let's go back to the days of old, where we're all slightly younger. Say, the times when we need to choose the bags we carry and the shoes we wear. Way back during MY time, wearing converse or 'US Master' would mean you're cool, happs and hip even if your dress sense was bad. So long as you're wearing that pair of shoes, you're in. 'Eastpak' and 'Outdoor' were the two most sort after bags then. Couple that with tightening the straps, you're even more 'there'.

We later fought to have the longest and softest hair in the entire seconary 4 cohort. The fight later died when the discipline master caught up with us. Soon after, due to situations and unforeseen circumstances, we fought for friends, when we later realised how important they are. We chose to stick together, thereafter.

We got angry, petty, frustrated and threw tantrums. Some chose to forgive, some did not.

As we grow older, and enter the army, some choices have already been made for you. The moment you signed on the doted line, your career path have been carefully, intricately paved out at least for the next 10 years. Some fought for a bunk in OCS, I didn't. i got dragged in. And boy it was good.

This girl got bullied by some jerk in some bukit timah road school. Choices.

This other boy got angry with me, bitter and refused to accept my apology, twice. Choices.

I chose to be a trainer. To date, that still proves to be a decent choice. It brought me step closer, to realise and discover some of the strengths, gifts and desire. At current, decisions still lay bare before me, in a platter, in an array of patterns, as thought enticing me to quicken my move. Think about it: you turn down an offer. You then turn down another. What's that supposed to imply man?! Choices.

Another door ahead of me. Should I open it?

Rejection at its highest level or immaturity?

It's interesting because as we grow up, it's only natural that for most normal human beings, we also grow in our awareness of self and those around us.

For those who grow up being ostracized by their peers because of the way they look, talk or behave, as victims they have all the right to flare up and react. Just look at the primary school kids, teenagers and even working adults around you. As an educator, I have seen that from the youngest of age right up to adults.

Of course, let's not forget about those who made blunders and their acts were forever edged in the minds of many. What follows next is obviously the teasings and whatnot. Of all the suanings I have given and received, majority are friendly, some were simply out to get back at me, but rarely were they malicious.

For the uninitiatived, they often sweep these issues under the carpet and 'move on', thinking that maturity would take the place of a simple 'I'm sorry for teasing you'. Unfortunately, from experiences not of my own and through honest sharings from numerous students and living beings, that is just not the case. Sometimes, a simply apology means the world to them. To a more matured man, he would understand that an apology is sweeter than harbouring the bitterness and anger.

The sad truth about human beings is the inability to properly manage emotions. That has obviously watered down to our generation of youths. You produce your own fruits. Thus, when the apology does come, you either respond with a smile and know that the other party is out to make peace despite having to humble himself and take the first step in stretching out that right hand; OR you can just walk away.

The latter response would result in a tougher situation for reconciliation to take place in the future lest maturity overtakes the individual and helps him understand the eroding cum biting effects of unforgiveness. The same response can also imply guilt and therefore, I don't want to face it and rather walk away.

I have had my first taste of attempt in reconciliation only to be rejected straight in the face. (say wow!)

Oh my...am I ok? Yes, thanks to the calm and logical thought patterns I chose to maintain and friends who helped me see the possible roots behind that response. Upset? That's normal, but only for a while. Worried? Yes, but not about myself.

Boy, that was an experience. And writing this can only confirm that I have done the right thing in humbling myself to take the first step in openly stating an apology. What follows after that is all history that will one day be brought into light again.

I thank God for such an experience now, who knows I might encounter such a situation in the future? At least now I know the appropriate response I ought to give if I'm ever in the position to cast a stone.

Found this somewhere..

I can't help but relook into this little stanza and am unable to identify the statements as lived out by those I come into contact with.


We, the teachers of ----------------------, pledge that:

We will be true to our mission to bring out the best in our pupils.

We will be exemplary in the discharge of our duties and responsibilities.

We will guide our pupils to be good and useful citizens of --------------.

We will continue to learn and pass on the love of learning to our pupils.

We will win the trust, support and co-operation of parents and the community so as to enable us to achieve our mission


There's much work to be done.

The selection process needs to be tweaked.

And there's nothing I can do about it honestly.