Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Great post Faith!

An important opinion for everyone, especially first years who have just come into hall. But while Faith has voiced about relationships, maybe I'll voice about something else, but related to hall life.

Business.

Aaah...we all are busy bees. Not only do we need to worry about our studies, in order to stay in hall the following year, stay back points need to be accumulated, and the only way is to participate in hall activities. That's the barebones of the system. In time, we all will be in the thick of the action, studying in the day, and hall activities after that to the wee hours of the morning.

But of course, hall activies doesn't stop when the semester ends, but continues even throughout the holidays. Big comms like XQRJ, Hall Play and ORC work throughout the breaks. The workload can break people, and it has.

So the basic question is: How do I keep my sanity?

To be honest, I have never come close to the point of breaking down or burning out. Firstly, it must have been the grace of God persevering me. Secondly, I'm not a very talented or outstanding hostelite. So I guess, without the attention, people don't expect too much of me.

To the first years who will chance upon this blog, I'm a fourth year senior right now. Let me humbly offer some of my two cents of advice. Pls feel free to disregard it.

1) Ditch the innate fear of not being able to stayback.

This is natural, but know that first and foremost, it is our Father in heaven who provides us with everything, including a roof above our heads and a social life. I know of people who get fed up with hall life and move on to other residences, and their life become so much fuller. Don't be taken in by the lie: No hall= no 'life'. There are so many fullfilling things organized by outside bodies by which we can grow and develop as people. Hall life is a special experience, but it is not the only experience.

I for one, have never truly thrown away this fear. But this is what I have observed by looking at the life of seniors who have gone before me-The do not complain about tiredness, do not in general bitch about people and are more joyful in whatever they do.

Do not let this fear manipulate you into doing stuff you do not really want to. It will cripple you.

2) Know how to say, " No!"
This comes naturally from the first point. Also, one could say, it becomes easier to say "no" if we are not tied down by fear.

There's not much to elaborate about this point actually. By simply saying, "no", we avoid a lot of unneccesary workload.

Sometimes, even though the activity may seem fun at first glance, it is always advisable to give up a little excitement for the sake of our sanity.

And in fact, upon joining a comm or group, knowing how to say, "no" (wisely) saves you heartache and bitterness of not being able to complete a job or assignment.

3) Never use your 'busyness' as a badge of honour

You may have probably heard the phrase: " Full time hostelite, part time student." Of course it is a light hearted comment, something used to spice up dinner conversations.

But behind it lies it's deceit and danger. The lure of hall activities is that by 'doing things for the hall', one gains not only stayback points, but social status. It is not unlike the chase for status once we graduate and step into the working world. Having our name mentioned in dinner conversations is nice, but it's lure is dangerous and subtle. Be wary, don't be sucked into a popularity contest you do not have the strength to win.

Know yourself and your limitations.

Three points should do for now, welcome to KE7 hall. Cheers!

Uliang