From Ashes to Asha

11 August 2007 did NOT start off like any other day. Firstly I had no sleep whatsoever the night before plus it was Rag Day! It drizzled a bit but we managed to save most of the float from any lasting damage except to the wings which collapsed. Listened to Don's narration after that and when he finished I was so bloody proud of us. When we were next up to perform, Tat stood on my stairs, which nearly toppled (cue audience gasp here), and gave this short speech which almost moved me to tears and after I watched our presentation, I once again felt this immense burst of pride.

Results: SH swept nearly all the Flag awards cos Flag was simply outstanding and we all knew that more than half the battle was won cos Flag makes up 60% of the total score. We didn't get Least Cost and Environmentally Friendly but I knew for sure we weren't getting those. Eusoff won Best Float and I think at that moment I started crying because I thought it was going downhill from there. But it was not to be because after that we won the other 2 most important awards - Best Float Presentation and Best Float Design plus the Chancellor's Shield.

I tell you, everyone was crying. Every single ragger I saw had at least tears in their eyes, if not all out sobs. KH was right, Rag is the only event which can make grown men cry. I was hugging people everywhere and I finally know what it's like to have a good shot at winning even before the competition starts.

Btw, in case there was any doubt, our neighbours are totally disgusting and don't have an ounce of class. When EH won Best Float, they were cheering away not cos EH won but because we DIDN'T win? They were chanting "It's not Sheares, it's not Sheares!" Well all I can say is, in your face. When they won, Shearites clapped for them because we are head and shoulders above them in sportsmanship. I'm happy that Sheares Hall always sets the mark to beat with them following in our wake. Two things: Midway Fair in Chingay and during NUS' centennial year and The Cinderella at the Padang.

I always believed we could win. When I heard what the concept was and when I saw the design, I believed we had a good shot. I guess you could say that I put blind faith in this year's Rag team, based on their track record for the various events. Turns out, my faith was right on target.

We managed to fulfil the mission, vision and goal for Rag 0708. We fostered new friendships, we made a float that every Shearite was proud of (but if you weren't, go commit suicide please) and Sheares Hall will definitely be regarded as a premier Rag Hall after all this.

Thank you to everyone that made this happen. I will never regret joining, even if we didn't win. Honestly. I am extremely honoured to be part of Rag 0708 and to all the raggers, thanks for walking with me on this journey. I gave Rag my sleep, social life, my blood, sweat and - can't say 'tears' cos I didn't cry during the process itself - holidays and it was all seriously worth it. That shield made up for everything.

And so, another chapter in my life closes.

“Don’t wait to see to believe. Some things need to be believed to be seen.” - Mr Sean Bai (Logistics IC)