close my eyes and leap

Edit: I was so engrossed in describing what I went through and what the job's all about, that I actually didn't say what I'm going to be working as! So anyway, I'm a nurse at the Endoscopy Clinic in NUH. I realised that it slipped my mind to ask if I was working on public holidays and I've already signed on the dotted line. I kinda just assumed that since I don't work on Sundays, public holidays were free too but in the health care industry, seriously you just never know.

After about a week of properly job-hunting, I managed to land one. It's really all thanks to Huishan and her sister-in-law so even though she doesn't read this, I still feel the need to show my appreciation so THANKS!

I was lost, aimless, clicking on ad after ad trying to find something that would suit my nature. Regular hours, something not too taxing and matched my qualifications; I wasn't that fussy, in my opinion. Sent out a few applications but got no call backs but it had only been a week anyway. Most companies need about 2 weeks probably, I rationalised.

Then Huishan referred me to her da sao who works for a recruitment company dealing with the NHG cluster. Within hours, an interview date was settled upon and after the meet-up, I was offered the job three hours later. All this before noon. I would be a fool not to take it so I accepted the same day.

The hours are rather long (nine, to be exact) and the job sounded tougher than expected but I guess the pay is commensurate with the job scope. Though if I were to minus the housing allowance (one perk of being an alien), my salary dwindles significantly. This will most likely happen if and when I get PR status here. I have to be on on-call duty as well when I start a second year in the clinic, something which scares me to no end but I'll convince myself to worry about that when the time comes. I suppose, like so many others, it's the fear of the unknown that will keep me awake.

But it's time to focus on the here and now.

I keep telling myself that if so many other people can do it, so can I. However, telling yourself is one thing, believing it is quite another.

I did it for you.

We came but did not conquer.

Although we didn't achieve what we set out to do, I hope the friendships forged will be stronger than many of those found in hall because no committee, sport or cultural groups is quite like Rag. Many, including my own father, will say that I'm stupid and wasting my time, joining something after I've graduated but to these people I say: I have the rest of my life to work so why not let me finish up and enjoy my last school activity ever?

Rag 0910: Incandescence was one that was filled with much laughter, tears and memories that will stay with me for a long time.

My only regret? That I'm no longer in hall to see all of you on a regular basis any more.