A Tale of Two Cities

Well, I got accepted into Memorial U in Newfoundland, Canada. They're one of the universities that kinda specialises in marine biology, which is at the moment what I want to do. Sadly though, there is a veeery slim chance that I'm going cos my parents want me to study in Singapore for a few more years. The only way I'll get to study there is if I can't qualify for Sci Fac here but, to be quite honest, it's only a slight possibility. Then again, who knows? Seems like a lot of people did well this year and my grades won't be enough for entry. Good thing I have my Plan B in place :)

I am so looking forward to getting out of Singapore and living somewhere else for a change. I'm tired of the fierce competition; I'm tired of the rigid structure. I don't want to leave my family and friends though plus I'm not even sure if I want to be a marine biologist anymore. But I need to choose a course soon! Such a dilemma.

Talking about education, I just read an article today about how primary school children are being pressured by their parents and/or teachers to do well in school. A nine-year-old boy even broke down before his exams. For God's sake, he's NINE! The Straits Times published the timetables of the boy mentioned above and an eight-year-old girl. Needless to say, I was quite shocked. The kids are bombarded with enrichment classes or revision almost everyday; they don't seem to have much of a childhood at all. I understand that in this day and age, one needs to be outstanding to be a cut above the rest but I would rather my child not do as well in school and have a great time being a kid than excel academically and break down. It's just not worth it. One of the few times you get to be carefree is during your childhood; why take that away?

I'm glad to say that I enjoyed my own very much, cycling, playing rounders, blind-man's-buff etc etc. Those days were some of the happiest times of my life.

I miss the park people.