Am more and more convinced that a virus more virulent that the old swine flu is prevalent among teenagers - it is called 'lazy bug'. We couched it in many facets - procrastination, tiredness, err, not enough time, busy, etc but when truth be told many are found spending hours taking mindless quizzes on FB, on the basis that they need to de-stress.
What hope can we place in the future generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, or God forbid, Prime Minister, who put personal comfort, fun, enjoyment above all else - hard work is definitely not in the top list of priority. Can one just sail through life without sweating it out? Will results and 'success' just drop into our laps, because we are born with silver spoon in our mouth?
This blog is not on a mission to 'shoot the teenagers'. It is an expression of concern over the state of being, how does one who is constantly bombarded with so much distractions keep his or her focus on what is important and and not on what is secondary? Indeed, wisdom beyond one's age is required. I was struck by the king in "The Kingdom of Heaven" how he led the army to war and prevailed over the enemy at the mere tender age of 16! What about our 18 year olds? Are they even rising to fight their internal battles against peer pressure, the weakness of the flesh, the deceitfulness of pleasure? It is a question best answered by each individual, you know your own weakness...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
It's been a month since I last posted, and lots have been happening in my life - it has been turned upside down!
Anyway, enough about me, let's move on to focus on you.
A few characters I have observed in class which I find rather interesting:
(a) a girl who comes from an affluent family and seems to be struggling for acceptance, as she is very awkward socially. Recently, I realise the problem - she has been and I believe still is being subjected to abuse psychologically (if not physically) at home. I can't believe in this age and time there is still such rampant abuse by parents, but if sticks can't break your spirit, words CAN.
(b) another girl, who seems to me a Bimbo - pretty and all but I can't say much about intelligence. Baffles me how can one be so lacking in understanding of anything, having gone through 11 years of education in Malaysia (or could it be the reason why?). Again, I just found out that probably she has really short attention span and has not been listening at all in class, hence the apparent 'dumbness'.
(c) a boy this time, seemingly intelligent but has no regard whatsoever for the value of hard work, it's just not in his vocabulary. Probably born with a silver spoon in his mouth and thinks that life is to be enjoyed and work is for the less endowed. Whatever his motivation is, and whatever promises he has given his parents about wanting to change, and willingness to put in the effort, there is serious flaw in his lifestyle, as he is too easily lured away from hitting his books by a mere phone call, from even an acquaintance.
What is to be done for each individual above? Unless each wakes up and realise the need to change and is motivated to change from within (irrespective of their environment) what can outsiders do for them, even the most well intentioned ones? I must say that they have good friends who are looking out for them and wanting to help them (save the socially awkward one who has yet to be transparent about her need for help). Can they be helped? Will they be helped? Again, time will tell.
Anyway, enough about me, let's move on to focus on you.
A few characters I have observed in class which I find rather interesting:
(a) a girl who comes from an affluent family and seems to be struggling for acceptance, as she is very awkward socially. Recently, I realise the problem - she has been and I believe still is being subjected to abuse psychologically (if not physically) at home. I can't believe in this age and time there is still such rampant abuse by parents, but if sticks can't break your spirit, words CAN.
(b) another girl, who seems to me a Bimbo - pretty and all but I can't say much about intelligence. Baffles me how can one be so lacking in understanding of anything, having gone through 11 years of education in Malaysia (or could it be the reason why?). Again, I just found out that probably she has really short attention span and has not been listening at all in class, hence the apparent 'dumbness'.
(c) a boy this time, seemingly intelligent but has no regard whatsoever for the value of hard work, it's just not in his vocabulary. Probably born with a silver spoon in his mouth and thinks that life is to be enjoyed and work is for the less endowed. Whatever his motivation is, and whatever promises he has given his parents about wanting to change, and willingness to put in the effort, there is serious flaw in his lifestyle, as he is too easily lured away from hitting his books by a mere phone call, from even an acquaintance.
What is to be done for each individual above? Unless each wakes up and realise the need to change and is motivated to change from within (irrespective of their environment) what can outsiders do for them, even the most well intentioned ones? I must say that they have good friends who are looking out for them and wanting to help them (save the socially awkward one who has yet to be transparent about her need for help). Can they be helped? Will they be helped? Again, time will tell.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Value of Education?
Was at an Education Fair yesterday, browsing through the 'stalls' to see what colleges are offering. Interestingly, overheard some conversations:
father: no SPM can get into college ah?
counsellor: sorry sir, we need at least 5 credits?
father: pre-u cannot meh?
counsellor: no sir. It's a requirement set by the government.
father: so, no SPM how?
counsellor: maybe some private school may take the student in for O level...
father: ok la.
girl: errr, may I know what kind of degree can I do with just some principals for STPM?
counsellor: how about your SPM?
girl: 2As
counsellor: let's see what we can do
(consulted another counsellor)
: am sorry, but don't think you are suitable for any degree course with your STPM results. Maybe you can do a foundation course instead (which is equivalent or lesser than STPM by the way)? You definitely can get into foundation with your SPM results.
girl: oh ok, err how do I get a loan for foundation course?
counsellor: you can call this number, the person will be able to assist you.
The above conversations are reflective of what the society is chasing after these days - GRADES. Without any paper qualification, one seems not to be able to get ahead in life.
One bumiputra girl with 20A1s is now spoilt for choice - MARA and other institutions offering her scholarship for her pursuit of A level in London.
Some of the students at the Education Fair who came forward with beaming with pride, have 10A1s under their belt, and scholarships are being offered by colleges to these students, whether they need the 'help' or not.
After passing SPM with flying colors, what actually does happen to these students? Do they keep up their 'excellent' string of As or do they just melt into the background of colorful college life and let their grades fly?
Many students who came from renown kebangsaan school and are on scholarship, can hardly write an essay fit for A level. Assuming that they had A1 for SPM English and EST, their grammar is still at the elementary level, not anywhere near A level. It causes one to wonder how did these students score the way they did at SPM? Has something been compromised?
Can one continue to churn out essays that a 5-year-old has no difficulty writing even when one is about to enter into university? Is this an acceptable standard that our society is bearing with, as long as the person has good grades on paper?
Are we producing graduates who can barely speak English and who draft proposals and submissions using 'sms' or 'msn' English? Think about it and reflect whether you are fit to work upon graduation or do you need another 11 years of kebangsaan schooling system to regain your self worth (by the getting 30A1s probably) before joining the workforce?
father: no SPM can get into college ah?
counsellor: sorry sir, we need at least 5 credits?
father: pre-u cannot meh?
counsellor: no sir. It's a requirement set by the government.
father: so, no SPM how?
counsellor: maybe some private school may take the student in for O level...
father: ok la.
girl: errr, may I know what kind of degree can I do with just some principals for STPM?
counsellor: how about your SPM?
girl: 2As
counsellor: let's see what we can do
(consulted another counsellor)
: am sorry, but don't think you are suitable for any degree course with your STPM results. Maybe you can do a foundation course instead (which is equivalent or lesser than STPM by the way)? You definitely can get into foundation with your SPM results.
girl: oh ok, err how do I get a loan for foundation course?
counsellor: you can call this number, the person will be able to assist you.
The above conversations are reflective of what the society is chasing after these days - GRADES. Without any paper qualification, one seems not to be able to get ahead in life.
One bumiputra girl with 20A1s is now spoilt for choice - MARA and other institutions offering her scholarship for her pursuit of A level in London.
Some of the students at the Education Fair who came forward with beaming with pride, have 10A1s under their belt, and scholarships are being offered by colleges to these students, whether they need the 'help' or not.
After passing SPM with flying colors, what actually does happen to these students? Do they keep up their 'excellent' string of As or do they just melt into the background of colorful college life and let their grades fly?
Many students who came from renown kebangsaan school and are on scholarship, can hardly write an essay fit for A level. Assuming that they had A1 for SPM English and EST, their grammar is still at the elementary level, not anywhere near A level. It causes one to wonder how did these students score the way they did at SPM? Has something been compromised?
Can one continue to churn out essays that a 5-year-old has no difficulty writing even when one is about to enter into university? Is this an acceptable standard that our society is bearing with, as long as the person has good grades on paper?
Are we producing graduates who can barely speak English and who draft proposals and submissions using 'sms' or 'msn' English? Think about it and reflect whether you are fit to work upon graduation or do you need another 11 years of kebangsaan schooling system to regain your self worth (by the getting 30A1s probably) before joining the workforce?
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Demonstration for language sake?
Read or watched with interest and 'amusement' the protesters who marched towards the Palace on Saturday afternoon (seems to fit within the meaning of 'procession' being a body of persons moving along a route). The reasons for their protest?
Science and Maths should not be taught in English as it threatens the sovereignty of the Malay language as the national language?
In any event, the teachers themselves are angry as they have not mastered the English language and hence are struggling with teaching the subjects in English?
Salute their bravery in coming forth to protest on an issue they feel strongly about but I can't help but marvel at how their dirty laundries are aired on national television - since one can't speak the language, one should stop others from learning in that language, and there is no need to improve oneself, but continue to languish in own foolishness? It is amazing that they would even think of coming forward to protest on such matters (being the 'mahasiswa' 'mahasiswi' of our nation, presumably the future leaders). Where is their shame in not being able to even mutter a few words in a universal language? Their defence being to preserve the Malay language? Hope they can stop dozing in their plush pillows of deception but wake up and smell the roses - there is no longer 'ketuanan Melayu' we are global society not just Malaysians!
God, save our nation. We are perishing in our mire of 'tidak apa-ness'.
Science and Maths should not be taught in English as it threatens the sovereignty of the Malay language as the national language?
In any event, the teachers themselves are angry as they have not mastered the English language and hence are struggling with teaching the subjects in English?
Salute their bravery in coming forth to protest on an issue they feel strongly about but I can't help but marvel at how their dirty laundries are aired on national television - since one can't speak the language, one should stop others from learning in that language, and there is no need to improve oneself, but continue to languish in own foolishness? It is amazing that they would even think of coming forward to protest on such matters (being the 'mahasiswa' 'mahasiswi' of our nation, presumably the future leaders). Where is their shame in not being able to even mutter a few words in a universal language? Their defence being to preserve the Malay language? Hope they can stop dozing in their plush pillows of deception but wake up and smell the roses - there is no longer 'ketuanan Melayu' we are global society not just Malaysians!
God, save our nation. We are perishing in our mire of 'tidak apa-ness'.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
On blogs
It's been almost a month since I started on this blog journey. Been amazed at how much time people spend reading other people's blogs. We are all very interested in the lives of people but we have no time to really sit down and catch up. Hence could it be that accessing lives through blogs are replacing real life face to face chat?
It's such a beautiful day - the sun hiding coyly behind the clouds, and I was driving along a hilly path, with trees swaying fr both sides of the road, can't ask for more out of life.
So many things to thank God for. No blog can contain the limitless thanksgiving.
Each time some light is shed on His word, my heart leaps with joy and I thank God that He shows me who He is. This time it is an interesting thought that leaped up - Ishmael (the father of Muslims) was circumcised at 13, and Muslims boys usually go through the circumcision ceremony at the age of 12 or 13, as they venture into adulthood. On the other hand, the Jews (descended from Isaac, the promised son of Abraham) are circumcised at birth. See the contrasts between the two?
It's no great revelation, but this mini revelation encourages me to dig deeper. There is a wealth of riches in the bible. For those avid Word diggers, feel free to share with me what nuggets you have uncovered.
So many things to thank God for. No blog can contain the limitless thanksgiving.
Each time some light is shed on His word, my heart leaps with joy and I thank God that He shows me who He is. This time it is an interesting thought that leaped up - Ishmael (the father of Muslims) was circumcised at 13, and Muslims boys usually go through the circumcision ceremony at the age of 12 or 13, as they venture into adulthood. On the other hand, the Jews (descended from Isaac, the promised son of Abraham) are circumcised at birth. See the contrasts between the two?
It's no great revelation, but this mini revelation encourages me to dig deeper. There is a wealth of riches in the bible. For those avid Word diggers, feel free to share with me what nuggets you have uncovered.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Interesting day in class, watched an unfolding episode of a tiff between lecturer and students.
What class was it? Not English 101 but A levels' Law class.
What started the tiff?
Nothing life changing, just an innocent question from one male student - "Teacher, in the context of this sentence, what does 'attract' mean?" Lecturer asked whether the student has looked up the dictionary. Well, student answered: "I know the meaning, but in the context of the sentence I don't get what the sentence says". Fine, lecturer explained the word and asked other students to chip in too. Clear.
Then some whisperings in Mandarin between the male student and a female student.
Next question that was shot from the male student: "How about this word 'necessitate'? Is it really 'necessitate' or should it be some other word?"
At this juncture, the lecturer was rather irritated, again, the same student asking about English word, not a legal term even. Hence, it triggered a whole long lecture from the lecturer about how students don't even bother to read up before class and expect to be spoon fed in class, and even after being fed, students expect the lecturers to chew the food for them.
"Does anyone actually read the textbook at all and try to find out the meaning of the word in context with the aid of a dictionary? Or does everyone expect to come to class to get explanation for the teeniest English word?" Blah blah blah, so went the lecturer.
At the end of the 'lecture' not on law, but on students' attitude, some black faces were evident in class, especially on the part of the male and female students concerned. Trying to break the ice or the dead silence, the lecturer asked whether the students would want to quit sulking and get on with class. The female student (admire her bravo!) actually voiced out that the comments were unfair, she did read up before class and tried to figure out what those words mean. Ok, since the 'lecture' does not apply to her, the lecturer asked whether she could accept an apology for the blanket criticism that was aimed at all and sundry without discriminating between those who did some work and those who didn't. Reluctantly, she conceded and really got on with the lecture, participating in class like usual.
What happened to the male student?
Well, well, well, his EGO was bruised. He refused to talk or even look at the lecturer the whole time, his neck must be hurting by now just looking down and writing his notes. Wonder how would this student react later in life when his boss corrects him? Throw in his resignation letter because his feelings are hurt? We'll see.
Between the three - lecturer, male student, female student - which one is the immature one? which one is the mature one and which one lashed out without justification? You be the arbiter.
I read from the best teacher in town's blog that ' "Sincerity" is the key that gives one a "die-die" attitude, i.e. no matter what the obstacles are, one would "die-die" make sure that the desired objective is being achieved.'
I wonder if the students were sincere in wanting to know the meaning of the words or just wanted to know whether they got down the right words so that they can memorise those words for their exams' answer? One of the warning the lecturer gave to the class in the long winded 'lecture' was that one is not to just memorise for exams but to understand the subject matter. If understood, one can use the word in any manner and in whatever form it appears. The lecturer shared her own experience of having done all the memorising in school without understanding until she gets to university and had to sit for open book exams which means there is nothing to memorise, but everything is about application.
Is the lecturer unfair making comments about students these days being less diligent and expect to be fed in every conceivable form? Is it fair to conclude that students have nothing better to do than to study, as there is no need to worry about unpaid bills, loans, how many kids to feed and school?
The truth is even money for petrol for one's car does not have to come from one's pocket, but from pocket money that parents supply. Food is cooked and served on the table, and sometimes dishes need not even be washed. Clothes are washed and ironed, even beds are made by the maid(s) at home. Really, what are the other concerns students have that distract them from studies? Could it be the following:
How many futsal games to go for this week?
How come the most popular guy in college did not invite me to his booze party?
Why does that girl keep looking at my pimple and nose hair?
Why can't I wear an Armani t-shirt and don on a Tag to college like the rest?
How come my family doesn't have an address in Damansara Heights or Bangsar?
Why am I only driving a Proton Saga not a BMW sports? Oh man, this is so embarrassing!
Of course, this is again a very gross and broad generalisation of the student specie. Many out there are working part time and studying part time to support themselves in getting through ACCA, LCCI, LLB. Money does not grow on tree, these students even give tuition to younger students to earn enough to pay for their examinations fees. I salute this minority who is learning to live the real life even at a young age, they will go far, at least in grasping the meaning of sincerity and endurance.
What class was it? Not English 101 but A levels' Law class.
What started the tiff?
Nothing life changing, just an innocent question from one male student - "Teacher, in the context of this sentence, what does 'attract' mean?" Lecturer asked whether the student has looked up the dictionary. Well, student answered: "I know the meaning, but in the context of the sentence I don't get what the sentence says". Fine, lecturer explained the word and asked other students to chip in too. Clear.
Then some whisperings in Mandarin between the male student and a female student.
Next question that was shot from the male student: "How about this word 'necessitate'? Is it really 'necessitate' or should it be some other word?"
At this juncture, the lecturer was rather irritated, again, the same student asking about English word, not a legal term even. Hence, it triggered a whole long lecture from the lecturer about how students don't even bother to read up before class and expect to be spoon fed in class, and even after being fed, students expect the lecturers to chew the food for them.
"Does anyone actually read the textbook at all and try to find out the meaning of the word in context with the aid of a dictionary? Or does everyone expect to come to class to get explanation for the teeniest English word?" Blah blah blah, so went the lecturer.
At the end of the 'lecture' not on law, but on students' attitude, some black faces were evident in class, especially on the part of the male and female students concerned. Trying to break the ice or the dead silence, the lecturer asked whether the students would want to quit sulking and get on with class. The female student (admire her bravo!) actually voiced out that the comments were unfair, she did read up before class and tried to figure out what those words mean. Ok, since the 'lecture' does not apply to her, the lecturer asked whether she could accept an apology for the blanket criticism that was aimed at all and sundry without discriminating between those who did some work and those who didn't. Reluctantly, she conceded and really got on with the lecture, participating in class like usual.
What happened to the male student?
Well, well, well, his EGO was bruised. He refused to talk or even look at the lecturer the whole time, his neck must be hurting by now just looking down and writing his notes. Wonder how would this student react later in life when his boss corrects him? Throw in his resignation letter because his feelings are hurt? We'll see.
Between the three - lecturer, male student, female student - which one is the immature one? which one is the mature one and which one lashed out without justification? You be the arbiter.
I read from the best teacher in town's blog that ' "Sincerity" is the key that gives one a "die-die" attitude, i.e. no matter what the obstacles are, one would "die-die" make sure that the desired objective is being achieved.'
I wonder if the students were sincere in wanting to know the meaning of the words or just wanted to know whether they got down the right words so that they can memorise those words for their exams' answer? One of the warning the lecturer gave to the class in the long winded 'lecture' was that one is not to just memorise for exams but to understand the subject matter. If understood, one can use the word in any manner and in whatever form it appears. The lecturer shared her own experience of having done all the memorising in school without understanding until she gets to university and had to sit for open book exams which means there is nothing to memorise, but everything is about application.
Is the lecturer unfair making comments about students these days being less diligent and expect to be fed in every conceivable form? Is it fair to conclude that students have nothing better to do than to study, as there is no need to worry about unpaid bills, loans, how many kids to feed and school?
The truth is even money for petrol for one's car does not have to come from one's pocket, but from pocket money that parents supply. Food is cooked and served on the table, and sometimes dishes need not even be washed. Clothes are washed and ironed, even beds are made by the maid(s) at home. Really, what are the other concerns students have that distract them from studies? Could it be the following:
How many futsal games to go for this week?
How come the most popular guy in college did not invite me to his booze party?
Why does that girl keep looking at my pimple and nose hair?
Why can't I wear an Armani t-shirt and don on a Tag to college like the rest?
How come my family doesn't have an address in Damansara Heights or Bangsar?
Why am I only driving a Proton Saga not a BMW sports? Oh man, this is so embarrassing!
Of course, this is again a very gross and broad generalisation of the student specie. Many out there are working part time and studying part time to support themselves in getting through ACCA, LCCI, LLB. Money does not grow on tree, these students even give tuition to younger students to earn enough to pay for their examinations fees. I salute this minority who is learning to live the real life even at a young age, they will go far, at least in grasping the meaning of sincerity and endurance.
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