On 2008

it's the last day of the year, at least here in uncle sam country. before i leave for boston tonight on this auspicious occasion, i thought it's about time that i do some reflections. about everything that went on for me personally, about things that went my way, things that didn't.


on graduation:
i still vividly remember the first day of this wonderful 2008, it was spent at the starbucks at raffles city mall. waiting to catch the first train home, sitting with a bunch of really great high school friends, talking about what a blast jc has been.

it's possibly some of the most bitter-sweet memories in my life, those two years. there were things that i'm disappointed about, but then again there are some things that i'm immensely proud of. and i didn't think that graduation would come so soon, everyone parts ways and carry on to live their own lives. some friendships may have drifted apart, people may have matured, but i'm sure that we each have that little peace of heaven that no one can take away.

graduation left a void that nothing else can fill. i tried to keep myself occupied with tv, movies, and other random things, but it just doesn't feel the same as when you're sitting at the class bench copying econs and math homework simultaneously or just fooling around in the fish tank.

on rugby:
honestly, i think 2008 has been one of the most fulfilling years of my life so far. and to think that it doesn't involve any academics or monetary gains makes it that much sweeter.

a decision was made (against my parents wishes) roughly in january that i would stay on in singapore until after the coming rugby season. i said that i had school stuff and whatnot to take care of, but the truth was i can't let go of rugby, seeing some of my team-mates struggle.

all i ever wanted was to help out in any way i can. making up the numbers during training, helping to organize the plays, or just passing on the tiniest of details that hopefully would translate to better performance on the pitch.

then after the season came the transitional period, one which i vividly remember, when i was put in a similar situation. the aimlessness, the absence of a coach, the lack of motivation. and that's when i inevitably took on the role of the "coach". i wanted to give the boys some hope, that there's still something to fight for, and that it's not just about them, but about those to come, the next batch, and the batch after that.

there were both amazing days where everything clicked and those forgettable ones where i really lost it and dished out the nastiest things i could conjure up. it's not in my nature to be harsh, but there are some things that ought to be done.

i think i've had some impact one way or another on the boys, that's all i ever hoped for. that as long as there's still an ounce of hope, there's something worth fighting for. and deep down i am really really happy that i decided to do this, because it's one of those life experiences that you would only understand if you went through it.

on life in the US of A:
life in the land of the free, home of the brave. two words - culture shock. i thought it wouldn't be that different. i've seen enough movies and tv shows to understand the bulk of the cultural inuendos that probably would surprise some.

it's just that, the stuff you see on tv, which you took with a pinch of salt, turns out to be exactly the way it's described. that's when you realize, it is the truth, the absolute truth with no additives.

even though champaign is the average small town america, it's at least partially the reflection about society at large. the social economic problems that this country is facing is immense, and it might have to take more than one man like obama to fix.

but i'm glad that i witnessed at the very least the willingness to change, in electing the first african american president of the united states. it says a lot about the people as a whole, that there might just be hope after all.


to sum this incredible year up, i think it's more than appropriete to call it the year of hope. so many hopeful things happened to me and all around me. and as i step into 2009, i would continue to always hope for the best. goodbye 2008 and hello 2009.


+listening to: why georgia by john mayer