Hello world! It's been a really long time since I last wrote here. All I've been occupied with in the past months has involved this thing called a thesis (which is very much still in the works, but now that I have completed my first draft of chapters 1-4, I'm having a short breather before getting on with the second phrase of the project...which pretty much involves working towards and on the data collection process). Nevertheless, let's move away from the one thing that has seen me retreat into my hermit shell...and take some time to reflect on the days, weeks and months that have gone by to make up the year that 2011 was.
All I can say is, I never fail to be astonished by the fact that time just flies by so quickly. It felt like yesterday when I just started out in Stockholm, and here I am...(hopefully) mere months away from finishing off my thesis and graduating with my Masters from Stockholm University (surely, as my friend and I once said...this will be a talking point given the rather random choice of university)! And all those days of complaining about being a perpetual student will soon be behind me...I should hope! Anyway, back to the point - here I am yet again, on the cusp of a brand new year (2012 is really just a day away), looking back at a fascinating year gone by. A year filled with brokenness made whole; a year of endless travels; a year of finding my academic footing (more or less); a year of new friendships and the embrace of family relations more so than ever...it's been quite a year really!
So 2012...what does it have in store for me anyway? Surely we all wish for good-will to come our way, but who knows? All I know is that I treasure the experiences that I've had and the (mostly) amazing people I've come to know and love over this year (and all the years preceding that). And as for the rest of the journey ahead, I can only put on an optimistic front and hope...
Hope for what, you say? Perhaps some of my hopes for 2012 look like this:
- Finally graduating from university (really!)
- Finding a companion in life (you've got to love the way I phrased that, hey? I do know I'm not getting any younger, but as much as it's ideal to settle down in the near future...it's really a matter of finding the right match!)
- Finding a suitable job back home in Australia
And that's it really, I'm that simple (no matter how ironic that may sound)! Regardless, I just know that 2012 will sort itself out appropriately (as life always does)...so my hopes aside, I don't have any particular resolutions to make. There are many new challenges that lie ahead in the new year with the transition to work and moving back home to Australia after a long hiatus in Sweden/Singapore/everywhere else...but with such a supportive family like mine and a few good friends that make my world that much brighter, things will be just fine! In the same vein, as we go into the new year, I pray that each and everyone of you will find peace in embracing 2012 as it will be. Happy New Year everyone! :D
Friday, 30 December 2011
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Mind and soul in transit
As the Swedish chapter is coming to an end, I find myself sitting and reflecting on the entire experience. I ask myself what I have gained from it, how I have grown from it, and why I chose to pursue living abroad again.
And strangely enough, as much as I've gathered new perspectives to things and come to know myself a bit better...I find that my last year and a bit in Stockholm has garnered the same feelings and rather similar lessons in life as did my previous living abroad experiences. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I find Stockholm to be a waste of time. I think it just helped me to better define the things I once felt I was unsure about. Cast out into another dimension by myself, I wanted to see if I would function better in an environment that was vastly different from all my previous ones. The past year and a bit was a bit of a living experiment, to be honest. And as much as I appreciate the quaint beauty of Europe and met people who broadened my perspectives to things, I don't think this is the place for me to thrive on at this stage in my life. For some reason or another, I don't think I could belong here. But who knows, maybe I'll have another go somewhere else in Europe in the future? I won't discount that.
Yet again, this is not to say that I want to go home - whatever that term means anyway. To me, home is not something that is tangible. It is something that lies in your heart - it is where your most treasured possessions and loved ones are at. So, having lived a little bit here, there, there and over there...I'm a bit of a mess on that front. Furthermore my immediate family is based in two different countries, and we all shuttle to and from our home country on a very regular basis. So, my heart is always in a bit of a flutter between places...and for me to say that I prefer one "home" over the other is tough business. It always has been and I hate being confronted with that.
Of course, I will have to settle someday soon. I have said that I am very sick of being on a plane every couple of weeks, and I still am. But I cannot see myself being cooped up in the drudgery that Singapore is (bless my home country, but after a few weeks there I'm tearing my hair out wondering how I ever managed to call it home over eight years ago - but then again, I was a child who had never thought twice about living abroad in the past, so it was a very different scenario). I also refuse to accept that I will be growing semi-senile in Melbourne (your days of youth are the most vital, and I don't really wish to be ageing prematurely in way too laid-back/randomly located Australia for now). For now though, I have to go home to be with the parents for a bit and sort out some remaining issues I have to deal with in Melbourne and Singapore. However, you can count on the fact that I will be up and going again in the near future (give me a few years maximum).
Next destination for living abroad: somewhere in East Asia. I've always been enamoured by this region, but I didn't want to commit to full-time work here yet because I wasn't sure if I made the most informed choice (hence trying somewhere else first, i.e. Sweden). I have been there before when I was younger for study abroad, but I want to venture further this time. Alluring cultures that are not like my own, but similar enough for me to feel like I belong...and for me to want to learn from it. Cutting-edge cities vibrant enough for me to spend the rest of my youth in, yet a stone's throw away from nature whenever I want it. Also, it will be geographically closer to the family given that it's in the Asia-Pacific region. Another plus is the fact that there are four seasons, unlike the endless sweltering summers in South East Asia. So that's the next plan.
But for now, I need to count my blessings. I'm thankful for the European experience. It has added on to my experiences in Singapore, Seoul and Australia...and better defined who I am today and where I want to go tomorrow. And as people say, this is not goodbye. It's just a see you later...and I will be back again soon. Hej då, Sverige...and hello to the horrible transition period between Singapore/Australia.
Monday, 12 September 2011
Food for thought
While doing reading on the topic of "personalising learning" and trying to link it to the models of educational management and leadership which I'm currently learning about in my ongoing course, I came across a quote which really spoke volumes for my interest in focusing on how educators interact with students on the ground level - do they provide students with the environment required (time, space - both physical and in the programming/curriculum itself, resources, a pre-existing culture of adhering to children's rights, etc.) so that students are encouraged to be genuinely involved in a two-way teaching/learning process which will likely see the best outcomes for the students?
Of course, what can or cannot be done in such situations is also very much linked to the broader social agenda that is in place in each specific community - local, regional, national. And on top of that, many other factors also come into play - teacher's qualifications, their beliefs, the school principals beliefs, the management and leadership style of the school itself, the family backgrounds from which the students hail, etc.
But either way, the quote below sums the gist of things so succinctly. And it just gives me more inspiration to get my current course paper out of the way so I can work full-time on this whole interest area for the thesis...
"Students are not merely educational shoppers in the marketplace; they are creators of their own educational experience. Their voice can help shape provision, both as a means of engaging students in their own learning - the co-producers of education - and as a means of developing their talents - using their voice to help create choices. (What we need is)...an education system where the system is moulded around the child, not the child around the system; an education system that identifies the true potential of every child and then gives them the means to achieve it. It...should be what Government wants for every child (CERI 2006, pp. 29-30)"
Reference:
Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) (2006) Schooling for tomorrow: personalising education. France: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Publishing
Of course, what can or cannot be done in such situations is also very much linked to the broader social agenda that is in place in each specific community - local, regional, national. And on top of that, many other factors also come into play - teacher's qualifications, their beliefs, the school principals beliefs, the management and leadership style of the school itself, the family backgrounds from which the students hail, etc.
But either way, the quote below sums the gist of things so succinctly. And it just gives me more inspiration to get my current course paper out of the way so I can work full-time on this whole interest area for the thesis...
"Students are not merely educational shoppers in the marketplace; they are creators of their own educational experience. Their voice can help shape provision, both as a means of engaging students in their own learning - the co-producers of education - and as a means of developing their talents - using their voice to help create choices. (What we need is)...an education system where the system is moulded around the child, not the child around the system; an education system that identifies the true potential of every child and then gives them the means to achieve it. It...should be what Government wants for every child (CERI 2006, pp. 29-30)"
Reference:
Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) (2006) Schooling for tomorrow: personalising education. France: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Publishing
Friday, 9 September 2011
Inspiration to believe
While I absolutely cannot concentrate on studying tonight (boo to me), I have been meaning to write here...so why not? Yes, priorities...another area of my life that clearly needs to be worked upon :(
Anyhow, lately I've been itching very badly to get out of the mould that I currently am in - that is, the one of me being a perpetual student. Of course, I'm not saying that learning ends once you're done with your formal education...but I have actually been at university for six years and running, and there have been NO GAPS in my education whatsoever (yes, okay, so that's a blessing in that I didn't "waste" time with the gap year, but on the other hand...I am also dying to go out there and begin working life - oh surprise surprise)! My internship over the summer definitely helped to realise that there is so much that university doesn't teach you, and that I've got so many varied experiences out there in the workplace to savour.
And of course, since I started on the issue of the "working life", I naturally starting asking myself why I was doing what I was doing. Basically, I've never been one to choose paths based on how much income I will earn. My understanding is that you will spend a huge chunk of your life at work, and that I want to be in love with what I do. Clearly, there will be moments where everyone feels tired from a long day's work/a particularly busy period at work. But essentially, I want to be passionate about what I do for a living - I want it to fulfil my very purpose in life.
Although I'm not very intellectual, talented, or anything along those lines...I've had the blessing of being surrounded by extremely supportive family and friends, whilst having doors of opportunity open up to me at the most timely moments in my life thus far. I'm actually surprised that I've managed to turn little bits of my dream into reality. There's still a bit to go, but I'm pretty much on track at the moment to get to where I would love to be. Not that I know if it's the best thing for my life, because you never know until you get there eventually (it's funny how some things don't turn out as you plan in life, but something else pops up instead of what you've envisioned...and on later hindsight, you realise that the unexpected change in plan served you much better than you could imagine if you had stuck to your original plan)!
So whenever the road seems long, and when I cannot seem to get down to studying (like right now), I try to keep everything in perspective...and I motivate myself to press on. The end goal is in short-term sight for me now anyway (regarding the completion of university, should everything go smoothly - which basically depends on how I work now, really)!
Finally, I want to leave you all by saying that I'm so motivated by my peers to work hard for what I want. I truly believe that I probably know some of the most brilliant people of my time - people who will be future leaders of a slew of fields and industries. Scientists, lawyers, bankers, analysts, auditors, NGO/government civil servants, health care professionals, journalists/media and communications people, fashion industry people, TEACHERS (that had to be in caps, because I know how hard you guys work and are often so under appreciated. You are genuine everyday superheroes: how you balance children, parents, principals, the other teaching staff, planning, endless meetings, professional regulations run by the local/state/federal government, ongoing professional development and research into how you can continue best practice...PLUS your own personal lives - why, I'm basically one of you...and I may just as well go back to the classroom in the near future)...and the list goes on. And seeing my peers succeed so early in their careers makes me so very proud of their achievements. Plus, I feel so propelled to work hard to get to where I want to be too - because I've come to the conclusion that a lot of the so-called "success" is attributable to dedication and passion, then maybe some good professional connections and the right timing. So thank you, every single one of you, friend or acquaintance...for giving me the inspiration to know that I CAN :)
And so it is, that I should now attempt to get back to the books...or to go to bed. Bless you all!
Anyhow, lately I've been itching very badly to get out of the mould that I currently am in - that is, the one of me being a perpetual student. Of course, I'm not saying that learning ends once you're done with your formal education...but I have actually been at university for six years and running, and there have been NO GAPS in my education whatsoever (yes, okay, so that's a blessing in that I didn't "waste" time with the gap year, but on the other hand...I am also dying to go out there and begin working life - oh surprise surprise)! My internship over the summer definitely helped to realise that there is so much that university doesn't teach you, and that I've got so many varied experiences out there in the workplace to savour.
And of course, since I started on the issue of the "working life", I naturally starting asking myself why I was doing what I was doing. Basically, I've never been one to choose paths based on how much income I will earn. My understanding is that you will spend a huge chunk of your life at work, and that I want to be in love with what I do. Clearly, there will be moments where everyone feels tired from a long day's work/a particularly busy period at work. But essentially, I want to be passionate about what I do for a living - I want it to fulfil my very purpose in life.
Although I'm not very intellectual, talented, or anything along those lines...I've had the blessing of being surrounded by extremely supportive family and friends, whilst having doors of opportunity open up to me at the most timely moments in my life thus far. I'm actually surprised that I've managed to turn little bits of my dream into reality. There's still a bit to go, but I'm pretty much on track at the moment to get to where I would love to be. Not that I know if it's the best thing for my life, because you never know until you get there eventually (it's funny how some things don't turn out as you plan in life, but something else pops up instead of what you've envisioned...and on later hindsight, you realise that the unexpected change in plan served you much better than you could imagine if you had stuck to your original plan)!
So whenever the road seems long, and when I cannot seem to get down to studying (like right now), I try to keep everything in perspective...and I motivate myself to press on. The end goal is in short-term sight for me now anyway (regarding the completion of university, should everything go smoothly - which basically depends on how I work now, really)!
Finally, I want to leave you all by saying that I'm so motivated by my peers to work hard for what I want. I truly believe that I probably know some of the most brilliant people of my time - people who will be future leaders of a slew of fields and industries. Scientists, lawyers, bankers, analysts, auditors, NGO/government civil servants, health care professionals, journalists/media and communications people, fashion industry people, TEACHERS (that had to be in caps, because I know how hard you guys work and are often so under appreciated. You are genuine everyday superheroes: how you balance children, parents, principals, the other teaching staff, planning, endless meetings, professional regulations run by the local/state/federal government, ongoing professional development and research into how you can continue best practice...PLUS your own personal lives - why, I'm basically one of you...and I may just as well go back to the classroom in the near future)...and the list goes on. And seeing my peers succeed so early in their careers makes me so very proud of their achievements. Plus, I feel so propelled to work hard to get to where I want to be too - because I've come to the conclusion that a lot of the so-called "success" is attributable to dedication and passion, then maybe some good professional connections and the right timing. So thank you, every single one of you, friend or acquaintance...for giving me the inspiration to know that I CAN :)
And so it is, that I should now attempt to get back to the books...or to go to bed. Bless you all!
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Falling in love all over again...with the Europe dream.
Am I really going crazy, or is it just that I think that I am going crazy?
Arrived back in Stockholm a few days ago...after having experienced the most wonderful summer break I've ever had in my life, where I was blessed to be able to do the things that I love, spend quality time with the people that I love...and in places that I call home (and would potentially love to call home).
And as much as I played out the usual teary-eyed child at the departure halls in Tokyo, Melbourne and finally Singapore...in my heart I knew that I didn't have very long left to treasure the Scandinavian chapter of my life, and a little flame in my heart still burned for Europe. After all, sooner rather than later, I'd be back in Asia to continue my research and work on potential job opportunities in the home region.
So it is, I came back to absolutely gorgeous summer weather, to a lovely Swedish family...to this place that was caught somewhere between history and modernity, where cool was the mode of life. And for the very first time ever since I first set foot on this land, I felt like I belonged to this place called Stockholm. Perhaps a few good months in the Asia-Pacific had worn me down so much so that I desired to find calm on my very own. Perhaps I had forgotten how long and hard the Swedish winter was.
But why is it that when I see photos of a white winter, I find myself kind of missing it? Maybe it's the novelty after having being scorched in Singapore and Tokyo this past summer. And then again, at night I cosy up in my basement cranny in suburban Stockholm, scented candle lit, listening to BBC Radio 3 (which is by far the most perfect radio channel I've ever set my ears on - it's Classical, by the way)...and I find the music transporting me around the various beautiful cities in Europe where cobble-stone streets, grand palaces, age-old churches and other stunning pieces of architecture still stand. And it's the simple moments like this, that make me wish that my time in Europe would never come to an end.
Of course, ideally, wouldn't it be lovely to spend a third of my year in Asia, another third in Europe, and the last third in Australia (by no means of order of preference)? But I've been so blessed as it is to be able to experience life in so many marvellous places. Who's to say where is next? I think I've come to the point where I'll just go where life takes me...so here we go, chance and opportunity. After all, the world is my oyster, no? I really hope so.
Arrived back in Stockholm a few days ago...after having experienced the most wonderful summer break I've ever had in my life, where I was blessed to be able to do the things that I love, spend quality time with the people that I love...and in places that I call home (and would potentially love to call home).
And as much as I played out the usual teary-eyed child at the departure halls in Tokyo, Melbourne and finally Singapore...in my heart I knew that I didn't have very long left to treasure the Scandinavian chapter of my life, and a little flame in my heart still burned for Europe. After all, sooner rather than later, I'd be back in Asia to continue my research and work on potential job opportunities in the home region.
So it is, I came back to absolutely gorgeous summer weather, to a lovely Swedish family...to this place that was caught somewhere between history and modernity, where cool was the mode of life. And for the very first time ever since I first set foot on this land, I felt like I belonged to this place called Stockholm. Perhaps a few good months in the Asia-Pacific had worn me down so much so that I desired to find calm on my very own. Perhaps I had forgotten how long and hard the Swedish winter was.
But why is it that when I see photos of a white winter, I find myself kind of missing it? Maybe it's the novelty after having being scorched in Singapore and Tokyo this past summer. And then again, at night I cosy up in my basement cranny in suburban Stockholm, scented candle lit, listening to BBC Radio 3 (which is by far the most perfect radio channel I've ever set my ears on - it's Classical, by the way)...and I find the music transporting me around the various beautiful cities in Europe where cobble-stone streets, grand palaces, age-old churches and other stunning pieces of architecture still stand. And it's the simple moments like this, that make me wish that my time in Europe would never come to an end.
Of course, ideally, wouldn't it be lovely to spend a third of my year in Asia, another third in Europe, and the last third in Australia (by no means of order of preference)? But I've been so blessed as it is to be able to experience life in so many marvellous places. Who's to say where is next? I think I've come to the point where I'll just go where life takes me...so here we go, chance and opportunity. After all, the world is my oyster, no? I really hope so.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Pensive mode, once again
After a month long internship with an NGO, and five weeks of being home in Singapore, I've been challenged in ways previously unforeseen...and as much as my future (career-wise) is brighter than it has ever been, I have some concerns about the things that matter in life.
It's as if I am going through a re-evaluation of my life thus far, as I am set to make some critical decisions regarding my immediate (and medium-term) future.
One thing is for sure though. I have woken up to many realisations about life, relationships and my sense of belonging. Sure, I am (a bit) of a restless soul in terms of my countless relocations across the globe (and travels)...but above it all, I am tired. And I am trying to come to terms with where I want to see myself being based in the very near future.
When you don't have options in life, you are holed up in a sad, repressive kind of state. When you have too many options in life, it creates (to some extent), unnecessary chaos in the course of prudence. I would very much like to retire and not have to think. Because I am beginning to feel less and less at home in Singapore (as much as it will always be my first love, I have come to the realisation that life in Singapore has altered to such an extent that I find it hard to come to terms with), slightly uncertain about Australia (as always), and clearly over Sweden. Do I choose to evade the ever-present question of where to call home, and choose to move somewhere else yet again? But seriously, that is so tiring and I would prefer to avoid that for now.
Chances are, I will let the best job offer decide for me in the near future. Either way, I'd love to be able to start my own home somewhere. But that won't be anywhere in a while.
I guess for now, I should just focus on my trip to Tokyo tomorrow. So here goes, JAPAN for the first time in my life!! Why do I feel like it won't be my last trip? Hmmm...
It's as if I am going through a re-evaluation of my life thus far, as I am set to make some critical decisions regarding my immediate (and medium-term) future.
One thing is for sure though. I have woken up to many realisations about life, relationships and my sense of belonging. Sure, I am (a bit) of a restless soul in terms of my countless relocations across the globe (and travels)...but above it all, I am tired. And I am trying to come to terms with where I want to see myself being based in the very near future.
When you don't have options in life, you are holed up in a sad, repressive kind of state. When you have too many options in life, it creates (to some extent), unnecessary chaos in the course of prudence. I would very much like to retire and not have to think. Because I am beginning to feel less and less at home in Singapore (as much as it will always be my first love, I have come to the realisation that life in Singapore has altered to such an extent that I find it hard to come to terms with), slightly uncertain about Australia (as always), and clearly over Sweden. Do I choose to evade the ever-present question of where to call home, and choose to move somewhere else yet again? But seriously, that is so tiring and I would prefer to avoid that for now.
Chances are, I will let the best job offer decide for me in the near future. Either way, I'd love to be able to start my own home somewhere. But that won't be anywhere in a while.
I guess for now, I should just focus on my trip to Tokyo tomorrow. So here goes, JAPAN for the first time in my life!! Why do I feel like it won't be my last trip? Hmmm...
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Post-October 2011 woes
It's officially the summer break. The day after tomorrow, I will be on my way home to Singapore - after months of anticipation. As much as I'm excited to be going home, it's going to be a very busy time for me...trying to sort out my direction insofar as my academic career is concerned, being preoccupied with having to create alternative plans for my life post-October 2011.
As you may or may not know it, I have been eyeing an internship at the UNESCO headquarters for the longest time in my life. A few days ago, I submitted my application for an internship position at the Basic Education unit at this same HQ. As much as I believe that I am qualified for the position, it is a very competitive internship where only one in five applicants get accepted. So I really cannot say very much about how this will turn out, but hope...
So my plans following the completion of my elective at Stockholm University are really uncertain. In reality, this means that in about four odd months time, I cannot tell you (or myself, for that matter) where I will be and what I will be doing. If, by sheer blessing, I land my internship at UNESCO in Paris, that's where I will be. If I don't, I will be home in Singapore working on my thesis, possibly extending my work experience with the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) Secretariat...or possibly doing an internship somewhere else? I just sat down to evaluate my options and came up with a list of other organisations I am interested in working with, in light of my uncertain life following October - time to update the CV again for the tenth time this year.
Life is getting a bit confusing right now. All I need is to sit in the library for hours on end and read up on my areas of interest, to work very hard at my summer internship with ARNEC...as well as spend some quality time with my family (on top of visiting Japan and Australia), on top of eating good food I have missed (also to fuel the brain).
I'm really excited for summer, all the endless opportunities that are likely to come from it...but on the other hand, I must say that I am worried as anything. And that's just silly, because why should I be? No matter what happens, everything is in His hands. I need to entrust my plans to Him and just work hard on whatever I've got now.
And for now, I really need to finish packing my bags and clean up my living area in the view that I will be gone from Stockholm for the entire summer. Life, here we go...!
As you may or may not know it, I have been eyeing an internship at the UNESCO headquarters for the longest time in my life. A few days ago, I submitted my application for an internship position at the Basic Education unit at this same HQ. As much as I believe that I am qualified for the position, it is a very competitive internship where only one in five applicants get accepted. So I really cannot say very much about how this will turn out, but hope...
So my plans following the completion of my elective at Stockholm University are really uncertain. In reality, this means that in about four odd months time, I cannot tell you (or myself, for that matter) where I will be and what I will be doing. If, by sheer blessing, I land my internship at UNESCO in Paris, that's where I will be. If I don't, I will be home in Singapore working on my thesis, possibly extending my work experience with the Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) Secretariat...or possibly doing an internship somewhere else? I just sat down to evaluate my options and came up with a list of other organisations I am interested in working with, in light of my uncertain life following October - time to update the CV again for the tenth time this year.
Life is getting a bit confusing right now. All I need is to sit in the library for hours on end and read up on my areas of interest, to work very hard at my summer internship with ARNEC...as well as spend some quality time with my family (on top of visiting Japan and Australia), on top of eating good food I have missed (also to fuel the brain).
I'm really excited for summer, all the endless opportunities that are likely to come from it...but on the other hand, I must say that I am worried as anything. And that's just silly, because why should I be? No matter what happens, everything is in His hands. I need to entrust my plans to Him and just work hard on whatever I've got now.
And for now, I really need to finish packing my bags and clean up my living area in the view that I will be gone from Stockholm for the entire summer. Life, here we go...!
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