Hey there! I just changed my blogskin :) It's a little user-unfriendly because you can't navigate my past posts by headings or hashtags. So i'm gonna update the codings, stay tuned! (The font's kinda hard to read too..other than these 3 peeves, i'm quite satisfied) Follow me on the links below! :) 29/4/2015.
Started this blog during the last few weeks of SEM1(AY2014/15) cos' i regained interest in blogging. I blog about anything - news, social issues, music - but mostly about my university life :) Hope my posts will help you to make better life (and module) choices! Currently a Sociology Major. Still fresh. xD
TIME FLIES. Back then, i was thinking of a list of fun things to do after finals. I have yet to start on any of them, LOL.
"I have so many damn things to do..but nothing that I want to do."
This summer has been really packed and stressful, filled with many new experiences, both good and bad. It wasn't a good start. I was really REALLY stressed up over planning Sociology Camp. Not to mention, I was juggling with my admin job over at The Institution of Engineers. BUT i'm really happy that it all ended well. Lemme walk you thru my summer journey~~ haha
SOCIOLOGY CAMP 2015: THE SYNDICATE
BEACH DAY!!!
As a rather introverted and chill kinda person, camps aren't really my kinda thing. But oh well since i have taken up this position, i really gave my best. Honestly, when i took up the role as Deputy Project Director, I had no idea that there was so much (shit) to be done. My experience as an Admin staff for conferences did help, but i was always the follower-kind of person, not really a leader. I'm also more of a listener, i think a lot before i give suggestions, and i tend to not talk much or opiniate unless i feel that something is going wrong. I feel that as a leader overseeing the camp, it's more important to listen to each committee and their ideas, esp for programs. You set the structure and layout, and you get everyone to fill in the sugar, spice and everything niceee .. hahaha. You start the engine well, and you don't interfere too much - just let the drivers do their thing. That's a well-planned camp.
I always wanted to know what happens behind the scenes, and joining the Sociology Society was a pretty good choice. Even though it wasn't my first choice. My first choice was an artsy fartsy kinda CCA - either acoustic bands or acapella kinda thing. But anyway, it all turned out well so i'm pretty grateful.
Obviously, behind every (successful) event, its not all rainbow and unicorns. There were miscommunications, conflicts and fears to not living up to other people's expectations, and fear of people doubting that you're not good enough. SO it was really stressful. I don't usually complain to my friends, i tend to forgive and forget things easily LOL (STM at work). I don't like to bring up past events which are sad or bad. BUT i kinda exploded a lot during this period. I couldn't tank it anymore, i just complained and complained, need to vent somewhere, to the point where i don't even care if the person i'm talking to actually cares about what i'm talking about. But my friends are all really nice and encouraging and it guided me through the tough times. Haha my level of ranting is still quite small scale so i think everyone can tahan la LOL
I am really happy to have such great programme heads. I was really reassured cos Sam and WX are the Progs Heads. They handled it really well. For my other comms...we had to push them quite abit... Another problem i faced was that some people are not proactive enough. We are all busy people. I understand~ BUT if you are given a position, live up to it and do your job. "As caring and compassionate leaders" (HAHAHA lemme self praise bit), Swee and I had to clean up lots of mess and do many things that the other comms didn't do. Sometimes they do stuff, but it's not good enough. This is the case whereby you'd rather spent time and do things yourself than get people to do it for you. I'm just saying this in general, not naming anyone hor.. this kind of things happen during prep. Its a matter of how you react and handle it.
(Sometimes i think, how busy can they be?? When Swee and I are working 9 - 5pm err weekday? Plus OT?? Literally, our lives were just spent on only WORK during that 1 month plus. Had to work on camp stuff DURING and AFTER work. Can you feel ma pain? And we have to chase various comms to do their stuff, WA kana spammed like crazy..sometimes i just disconnect from all devices and play my guitar.)
You don't tell people,"I have no time". You MAKE time. I think if it happens once or twice, or if you give a prior heads-up, it's fine..but if it happens repeatedly..what can i say.. Esp when there are people who are so on-task despite their own busy schedules. I hate being compared but i guess this is quite justified..right?
There's a reason why some people are so busy but are able to complete all their tasks and balance time well. It's hard, but it's up to your attitude and responsibility. Sometimes, I do the job even though i don't want to. It's because i want the camp to progress smoothly. Sometimes..you just think there's no right person for the job and you have to be the one who clears the shit does the job. Seriously. (This is making my amygdala active..releasing negative thoughts..) If we, as leaders, do not see through these small yet important details in making the camp a smooth experience, who will?
This might seem like blaming-the-victim, individualising the problem, or ignoring the fact that they may have a compelling reason which they are unable inform us...wdv... but i have really tried to understand from the victim POV and i still think my POV is more compelling... hahaha. And that's where our problem begins.."Conflict arises not due to a clash of right and wrong..but a clash of right and right." but all is fine now. In this case, I've learnt to be a better team player and follower as well.
The best thing about planning camps, and the thing that keeps the society running year after year, is when the freshies thank us so enthusiastically and warmly for everything we've done. A freshie specially emailed us to thank us for organising the camp, so sweet :3 At that moment you'd think that all the 'sufferings' you've been through are worth it HAHA. Months of preparation has finally concluded successfully. But i'm seriously considering if i should run next year. It's not something i really want to do. I'm more interested in singing. BUT it's something i want to be part of. I guess i could take up an advisory kinda role, helping the next DPD and stuff haha.
INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS - WORLD ENGINEERS SUMMIT 2015
Interestingly, I observed many parallels to my temp job at IES as well. Perhaps it was my first time taking up such a position, so I was more observant of how leaders make people willing to work for them and get things going. I saw how some leaders burden their team due to lack of understanding, miscommunications, bad planning..and when i look at them, i always reflect it upon myself - Have i been like this? Or, I should try this method next time as well.
Let's be frank - initially, i reallyyy disliked my job cos i felt like it was the same as my Post-A's job. Constantly felt like quitting for the first week, but the responsible and empathetic part of me told me to stay. Of course, my bosses also told me that they really needed people, and that they hired me cos of my previous work experience. The event's coming up in less than 2 months, and based on the current situation.. there are lots of things to do. If i leave, it would bring lots of trouble for the team.. and so i made the BEST DECISION EVER, I STAYED ON.
Working under Dr Chew, the Chairman of the Organising Committee (and also a prof in NUS) has been AWESOME. I really learnt a lot from him, and he was someone i can look up to. Dr Chew is really sincere and nice to all of us, pretty charismatic as well. At first, it was bit stressful to work under him. Esp if you don't live up to his expectations. Fortunately, i did fine..and the team forgave my mistakes and slips at times. He gives compliments when you do a good job so it's fun to work under him. Nowadays, you don't really find people who bother to praise others... and it has become a sort of culture. I learn to give compliments when necessary, it makes things less stressful, and people would be more willing to work for you as well. Who likes a sulky moody boss? Sometimes, we often gives ourselves a hard time, we don't take care of ourselves, and its these compliments that make you realise that you're actually much more important than you think you are. Its a really nice and warm feeling ^^ To feel appreciated and wanted. It gives people the motivation to do better. I worked pretty closely with Dr Chew during the last few weeks in lieu of the event. He is the cornerstone of the team, a great decision-maker, and knocking down communication barriers, making the team's activities more transparent as well so we all know each others' duties. And we know who needs help.
I could go on and on about my lessons from Dr Chew...let's move on for the time being. hahaha
Our Chauffeur helped us to take the photo..haha he's quite an old man so that explains the finger markings. It's BMW Series 5 with WES LOGO!! XD We were the last few people to leave suntec. Dr Chew was always the first to come and last to leave. Admirable.
I really wanted to take photo with the team but we forgot cos we were so busy! Should be somewhere in the photographer's DSLR haha..
Nice pose LOL
This event, though rather small scale - around 800 delegates, was graced by 5 Ministers. Quoting Minister Chan Chun Sing, this shows how much importance the government places on engineers. Minister Chan's a great speaker, quite friendly as well! He was our GOH for the Gala Dinner at RWS. It isn't everyday you get access to these classy places. So i was pretty excited. The ballroom is awesome!! I was kinda under-dressed though.. hahah.
Out of all 5 ministers who came, I only heard Minister Chan's speech...cos i was so busy with my own registration and ad-hoc duties.. As the only ARTS student here, (all our student helpers are engineering students from the 5 Unis), i gained a glimpse of how important and crucial engineers are to Singapore. Energy and Water Security are critical issues, and engineers have to ensure that our living spaces are well-designed to tackle this, and on top of that, building cohesiveness amongst the diverse races in Singapore. Pretty interesting, considering that engineers are thinking about the "Social" as well. Heartening for the sociology kid here haha.
Our president speaking during NED Closing Ceremony. Minister Heng Swee Keat graced this event held on 24 July.
Didn't catch DPM Teo during the Opening Ceremony as first day's registration was crazy, super duper hectic, you can't even imagine. Kudos to CORP IT for handling it so well, and being so helping and patient.
It has been a fruitful summer so far. Got a free hotel stay @ Pan Pacific hehehe, so it was convenient for us to travel to Suntec. The Buffet's great, they had JAP, KOR, CHI, INDIAN, MALAY, WESTERN, PERANAKAN food..so many choices!! *_* :D
Above all, it was great working with PCO and other staffs for this event. It's an experience i am really thankful for, I have learnt many skills. Most importantly, on how to be a better person, and a better leader. I really look up to my boss, the CEO and Dr Chew. It's a fruitful experience! (Despite OT-ing till 11+/12am for the past week - it's all worth it.)
TIME FLIES. Back then, i was thinking of a list of fun things to do after finals. I have yet to start on any of them, LOL.
"I have so many damn things to do..but nothing that I want to do."
This summer has been really packed and stressful, filled with many new experiences, both good and bad. It wasn't a good start. I was really REALLY stressed up over planning Sociology Camp. Not to mention, I was juggling with my admin job over at The Institution of Engineers. BUT i'm really happy that it all ended well. Lemme walk you thru my summer journey~~ haha
SOCIOLOGY CAMP 2015: THE SYNDICATE
BEACH DAY!!!
As a rather introverted and chill kinda person, camps aren't really my kinda thing. But oh well since i have taken up this position, i really gave my best. Honestly, when i took up the role as Deputy Project Director, I had no idea that there was so much (shit) to be done. My experience as an Admin staff for conferences did help, but i was always the follower-kind of person, not really a leader. I'm also more of a listener, i think a lot before i give suggestions, and i tend to not talk much or opiniate unless i feel that something is going wrong. I feel that as a leader overseeing the camp, it's more important to listen to each committee and their ideas, esp for programs. You set the structure and layout, and you get everyone to fill in the sugar, spice and everything niceee .. hahaha. You start the engine well, and you don't interfere too much - just let the drivers do their thing. That's a well-planned camp.
I always wanted to know what happens behind the scenes, and joining the Sociology Society was a pretty good choice. Even though it wasn't my first choice. My first choice was an artsy fartsy kinda CCA - either acoustic bands or acapella kinda thing. But anyway, it all turned out well so i'm pretty grateful.
Obviously, behind every (successful) event, its not all rainbow and unicorns. There were miscommunications, conflicts and fears to not living up to other people's expectations, and fear of people doubting that you're not good enough. SO it was really stressful. I don't usually complain to my friends, i tend to forgive and forget things easily LOL (STM at work). I don't like to bring up past events which are sad or bad. BUT i kinda exploded a lot during this period. I couldn't tank it anymore, i just complained and complained, need to vent somewhere, to the point where i don't even care if the person i'm talking to actually cares about what i'm talking about. But my friends are all really nice and encouraging and it guided me through the tough times. Haha my level of ranting is still quite small scale so i think everyone can tahan la LOL
I am really happy to have such great programme heads. I was really reassured cos Sam and WX are the Progs Heads. They handled it really well. For my other comms...we had to push them quite abit... Another problem i faced was that some people are not proactive enough. We are all busy people. I understand~ BUT if you are given a position, live up to it and do your job. "As caring and compassionate leaders" (HAHAHA lemme self praise bit), Swee and I had to clean up lots of mess and do many things that the other comms didn't do. Sometimes they do stuff, but it's not good enough. This is the case whereby you'd rather spent time and do things yourself than get people to do it for you. I'm just saying this in general, not naming anyone hor.. this kind of things happen during prep. Its a matter of how you react and handle it.
(Sometimes i think, how busy can they be?? When Swee and I are working 9 - 5pm err weekday? Plus OT?? Literally, our lives were just spent on only WORK during that 1 month plus. Had to work on camp stuff DURING and AFTER work. Can you feel ma pain? And we have to chase various comms to do their stuff, WA kana spammed like crazy..sometimes i just disconnect from all devices and play my guitar.)
You don't tell people,"I have no time". You MAKE time. I think if it happens once or twice, or if you give a prior heads-up, it's fine..but if it happens repeatedly..what can i say.. Esp when there are people who are so on-task despite their own busy schedules. I hate being compared but i guess this is quite justified..right?
There's a reason why some people are so busy but are able to complete all their tasks and balance time well. It's hard, but it's up to your attitude and responsibility. Sometimes, I do the job even though i don't want to. It's because i want the camp to progress smoothly. Sometimes..you just think there's no right person for the job and you have to be the one who clears the shit does the job. Seriously. (This is making my amygdala active..releasing negative thoughts..) If we, as leaders, do not see through these small yet important details in making the camp a smooth experience, who will?
This might seem like blaming-the-victim, individualising the problem, or ignoring the fact that they may have a compelling reason which they are unable inform us...wdv... but i have really tried to understand from the victim POV and i still think my POV is more compelling... hahaha. And that's where our problem begins.."Conflict arises not due to a clash of right and wrong..but a clash of right and right." but all is fine now. In this case, I've learnt to be a better team player and follower as well.
The best thing about planning camps, and the thing that keeps the society running year after year, is when the freshies thank us so enthusiastically and warmly for everything we've done. A freshie specially emailed us to thank us for organising the camp, so sweet :3 At that moment you'd think that all the 'sufferings' you've been through are worth it HAHA. Months of preparation has finally concluded successfully. But i'm seriously considering if i should run next year. It's not something i really want to do. I'm more interested in singing. BUT it's something i want to be part of. I guess i could take up an advisory kinda role, helping the next DPD and stuff haha.
INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS - WORLD ENGINEERS SUMMIT 2015
Interestingly, I observed many parallels to my temp job at IES as well. Perhaps it was my first time taking up such a position, so I was more observant of how leaders make people willing to work for them and get things going. I saw how some leaders burden their team due to lack of understanding, miscommunications, bad planning..and when i look at them, i always reflect it upon myself - Have i been like this? Or, I should try this method next time as well.
Let's be frank - initially, i reallyyy disliked my job cos i felt like it was the same as my Post-A's job. Constantly felt like quitting for the first week, but the responsible and empathetic part of me told me to stay. Of course, my bosses also told me that they really needed people, and that they hired me cos of my previous work experience. The event's coming up in less than 2 months, and based on the current situation.. there are lots of things to do. If i leave, it would bring lots of trouble for the team.. and so i made the BEST DECISION EVER, I STAYED ON.
Working under Dr Chew, the Chairman of the Organising Committee (and also a prof in NUS) has been AWESOME. I really learnt a lot from him, and he was someone i can look up to. Dr Chew is really sincere and nice to all of us, pretty charismatic as well. At first, it was bit stressful to work under him. Esp if you don't live up to his expectations. Fortunately, i did fine..and the team forgave my mistakes and slips at times. He gives compliments when you do a good job so it's fun to work under him. Nowadays, you don't really find people who bother to praise others... and it has become a sort of culture. I learn to give compliments when necessary, it makes things less stressful, and people would be more willing to work for you as well. Who likes a sulky moody boss? Sometimes, we often gives ourselves a hard time, we don't take care of ourselves, and its these compliments that make you realise that you're actually much more important than you think you are. Its a really nice and warm feeling ^^ To feel appreciated and wanted. It gives people the motivation to do better. I worked pretty closely with Dr Chew during the last few weeks in lieu of the event. He is the cornerstone of the team, a great decision-maker, and knocking down communication barriers, making the team's activities more transparent as well so we all know each others' duties. And we know who needs help.
I could go on and on about my lessons from Dr Chew...let's move on for the time being. hahaha
Our Chauffeur helped us to take the photo..haha he's quite an old man so that explains the finger markings. It's BMW Series 5 with WES LOGO!! XD We were the last few people to leave suntec. Dr Chew was always the first to come and last to leave. Admirable.
I really wanted to take photo with the team but we forgot cos we were so busy! Should be somewhere in the photographer's DSLR haha..
Nice pose LOL
This event, though rather small scale - around 800 delegates, was graced by 5 Ministers. Quoting Minister Chan Chun Sing, this shows how much importance the government places on engineers. Minister Chan's a great speaker, quite friendly as well! He was our GOH for the Gala Dinner at RWS. It isn't everyday you get access to these classy places. So i was pretty excited. The ballroom is awesome!! I was kinda under-dressed though.. hahah.
Out of all 5 ministers who came, I only heard Minister Chan's speech...cos i was so busy with my own registration and ad-hoc duties.. As the only ARTS student here, (all our student helpers are engineering students from the 5 Unis), i gained a glimpse of how important and crucial engineers are to Singapore. Energy and Water Security are critical issues, and engineers have to ensure that our living spaces are well-designed to tackle this, and on top of that, building cohesiveness amongst the diverse races in Singapore. Pretty interesting, considering that engineers are thinking about the "Social" as well. Heartening for the sociology kid here haha.
Our president speaking during NED Closing Ceremony. Minister Heng Swee Keat graced this event held on 24 July.
Didn't catch DPM Teo during the Opening Ceremony as first day's registration was crazy, super duper hectic, you can't even imagine. Kudos to CORP IT for handling it so well, and being so helping and patient.
It has been a fruitful summer so far. Got a free hotel stay @ Pan Pacific hehehe, so it was convenient for us to travel to Suntec. The Buffet's great, they had JAP, KOR, CHI, INDIAN, MALAY, WESTERN, PERANAKAN food..so many choices!! *_* :D
Above all, it was great working with PCO and other staffs for this event. It's an experience i am really thankful for, I have learnt many skills. Most importantly, on how to be a better person, and a better leader. I really look up to my boss, the CEO and Dr Chew. It's a fruitful experience! (Despite OT-ing till 11+/12am for the past week - it's all worth it.)
“To put away aimlessness and weakness, and to begin to think with purpose, is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment; who make all conditions serve them, and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully.”
- James Allen Quotes
Sometimes I wonder how people see me and what they think of me. It scares me a bit, honestly. I am sure though, that what they think of me,
what they think my life is, is a complete misperception. I have always tried to show myself as a carefree person, as someone who wont get bothered
because of public judgements. I am sure my friend and family think there is nothing going wrong in my life, that I do not worry enough, that
I am always happy. And I am sure they probably somewhat hate me for it because, lets admit it, there is nothing worse than seeing someone
who is life seems so perfect while yours is a complete mess. Truth is, I have become an expert at pretending. I think we are all experts
or at least we are getting there.
my projects
links exchanged opened! just tag me but link me first
: Amelia Lim, 20 October.
