Xin Hui

Year 2 Suzhou OELP
Name	School	Class	Stream	Period of Internationalism Experience	Country of visit
Chan Xin Hui	River Valley High School	2G	Integrated Programme	20 May to 26 May 2016	China
Reflections: I chose to go on this trip because it was a form of experiential learning. As the saying goes, "Tell me and I forget; Teach me and I remember; Involve me and I learn". I thought that this experiential learning program would help me to better understand the learning concepts which if otherwise were to be taught in a classroom itself, I may not be able to absorb as well. Since learning was the ultimate aim of the trip, I knew and hence decided I had to stay on task and focus in the midst of having fun. Every element we experienced that contrasted that of Singapore's could have a deeper reasoning behind, and as it turned out, many did. I had hoped to learn more about China's education system, which though may not be the best all-round, was producing many prodigies. How was our buddies' school lives like? Were they stressful? I had hoped to learn more about the cost of living in China, the lifestyles and economy of the country, and how it differed from that of Singapore's. I had hoped to learn more about the heritage and monuments in China's long and rich history, one which our ancestors were very well once a part of. I cannot say I know it all, but through this trip, we are all proud to say we now understand a lot more from firsthand experience - though not always pleasant. One situation in particular that I came across and feel strongly about happened in the Lion Grove Garden of Suzhou, China. I spotted litter being strewn across the place, and children stepping onto the barrier walls. This vandalism, caused by tourism, contradicted its aid in preserving heritage and monuments. I thought, if tourism gives financial support to preservation, yet made it crumble in the long run, was it not, in a way, a double-edged sword? I once read an article on Angkor Wat, in Cambodia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its popularity drew in hordes of tourists every day, who went about stepping on ancient stones and carvings. A spokesman said that he believed, if people continued touching these, sooner or later, they would be gone. Personally, I feel tourism is not a bad thing. It brings about the attention of the public, many who would then visit these sites of historical or cultural importance. Learning these can bring no harm, except when the people cross the line and abuse this given permission to enter, visit and enjoy these places. I wondered if measures had been taken to slow down the deterioration of such sites in the face of tourism. Was tourism the only way to sustain funds for these sites? These wonders and thoughts of mine were all very well, but I needed someone to provide answers for them. Our tour guide was one person that taught me more that what could be achieved in class. She was certainly very knowledgeable, and could recite statistics in what seemed like a breeze. She was clear about the people's lives, cultures, beliefs, and her experience and knowledge answered many of our doubts. Besides learning about China, we also understood more about Singapore's standing on a global perspective. One fact that I learnt during this trip that impacted me the most was that China, though having to take a longer time, was catching up in terms of technology. With technology, large land mass and population, they can overtake Singapore. Currently, we depend on our human resources, including technology, as well as our good relations with other countries. We have limited land area for development, which compared to us, is a win for China. Despite our having a dense population, China still produces many more young talents. After this trip, with this knowledge, I feel that we have to work even harder to maintain our standing in the face of various competition. Our best resource is us, our own people. We are the future generation. We have to put in the effort to keep Singapore a success in the years forward. Some long term changes I hope can take place includes our learning attitude. From the immersion programme at Lida Middle School, we can see clearly how serious and responsible every student is. Though we are around the same age, they seem that much more mature. In class, they focus on the teacher's every word and make detailed notes to aid their own learning. The teachers need not tell them not to talk among themselves, or to write down the information, for the students themselves would do it. When a teacher asks the class a question, the class answers. I find that their behaviour and attitude towards their own improvement is one we can learn from. We need to be more self-initiated in our learning. I also hope that, studies aside, students can spend more time giving back to the community. We learnt from our buddy that their school organises an annual charity event where students sell items they handcraft, the proceeds which are donated to a fund. As students, we have benefited from our community, and I reckon it is time for us too to give something back in return. Finally, in conclusion of this trip, I feel that what we can bring back is the vivid knowledge we have learnt, the good behaviours and attitudes we have seen, the great memories we made together as a class, and not forgetting the strong friendships we have forged with our buddies in China.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Trip Reflection

We're leaving for Suzhou on the 20th, which is only 2 more days away. Because it is an experiential learning programme afterall, we have to prepare some questions, so as to aid our learning, and allow for us to pick out key learning points more easily. The main component points we are seeking to understand through this trip include the cost of living as well as the heritage and monuments. Based on our itinerary, some places we are going to visit include our partner school, Lida, Suzhou Industrial Park, and Shanghai Science and Tech Musuem. I would like to find out, from these places, how the educational system in Suzhou differs from that in Singapore, besides language-wise. Do the students there face just as much stress as we do, or even more? How interactive are their lessons? Do they ask many questions? I would also like to know how the connection of the industrial park in Suzhou and in Singapore came about. What happened to bring about this connection? Which side first brought it up - Suzhou or Singapore? Why did they decide on connecting and building them? How is this connection being used?

Starbucks' Perspective

Imagine that you're Starbucks, and you have the chance now to expand your chain of stores to include a venue that is considered a popular tourist attraction. Would you take on this opportunity?

In my opinion on Starbucks' possible perspective regarding the preservation and tourism issue, Starbucks is likely to be in favour of setting up businesses in such a location.

First and foremost, Starbucks' would stand to gain the most if they were to expand their chain of stores to popular tourist attractions. Because these places are so popular among tourists, business would be brisk and large amounts of money can be made out of setting up a F&B store. If you were a tourist visiting a place of interest, would you not stop by a food store to grab a snack or drink on the go?

On the other hand, it is possible that Starbucks would get critiqued for imposing on perservation of culture. However, the pros do considerably outweigh the cons for Starbucks in this scenario. Hence, I think Starbucks would be supportive.

Blogwork - Merlion Drawing

When envisioning the future, what is the image that typically pops into one's mind? Some futuristic contraption, skyscrapers, an advanced technological device, flying transportation, or perhaps, even teleportation? Well for me, I envision the future of Singapore to be one that remains clean and green, which is the reason why I have depicted my views in the form of a drawing on a park. 

I hope that Singapore remains clean and green for the many years to come. With the advancing technology, many aspects of life are becoming seemingly easier for everyone, and regrettably, many of us have cultivated lazy lifestyles because of this. I hope that in the future, going to the park to enjoy a simple scenery would not be replaced by a pictorial representation of the actual scene instead. Moreover, the condition of our natural environment is worsening by the year. I hope that in the future, the generations after us would be able still to enjoy the clean air offered now in open spaces like parks.

Blogwork - Why Singapore Must Not Be Complacent In Her Achievements

In school, we are taught that if we do not work hard continuously in the path towards making improvements on ourselves, we will never improve. Our academic standards' remaining stagnant, or perhaps even dropping, would be highly probable. In my opinion, one cannot do without improvement if success is what they aim for. This applies too to the context of Singapore.

Today, many countries are working hard to bring a brighter future and better prospects to their people. Those behind us are putting in the effort to catch up; Those at the same level as us are putting in the effort to overtake us; Those ahead of us are putting in the effort to maintain their position, or get an even better lead on us. As the saying goes, we reap what we sow. These countries are putting in the effort; If we don't work hard too, and become complacent, what will become of Singapore? We would be left behind in the race to reach the top.

Singapore owes her success today to the nation's founding fathers. Her people were what brought about these positive changes and adjustments to the country. If Singapore were to become complacent and take for granted what we have today, we might just lose our current high status, achieved only so by the sweat and tears of the generations before us. How can we let them down so? How can we let ourselves down so?

Moving forward can be a daunting task at times, because the future can be so full of uncertainty. We know the past and we know the present, but who for sure can know the future? Yet forward is always the way to go. We want a brighter Singapore in the next 50 years. The only way to go about it? We have to step up in our country's various aspects.

Complacency is not an option for Singapore. It tends to get the better of people, causing them to lose their will to change for the even better. We need to work hard every single step of the way. This is why Singapore must not be complacent in her achievements.

Lesson Reflection

3- Things I Found Out:

1. I learnt about the short-term advantages China's one-child policy offered, for instance, having to spend less resources and money on people, but also understood its consequence in the long run - an ageing population.

2. I found out that Singapore once too had a policy to limit the number of children a set of parents could have - the two-child policy.

3. I learnt more about the campaigning and incentives put forth by Singapore's government in hopes of successfully reversing the two-child policy.

2- Perspectives I Have Gained:

1. I understood the reasons behind both China and Singapore's government setting policy against having too many children. In the circumstances of their time, over-population was a serious issue.

2. I understood the discontent in the people living in China, who only had to have one child and as a result suffered because of the ageing population.

1- Question I Still Have:

1. What exactly made Singapore's government reverse the two-child policy at the point of time they did?

Chingay Parade 2016 - Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore

The initial purpose of the Chingay parade was to compensate for the ban on fireworks, which was placed in 1972. To the Chinese, firecrackers was a customary New Year practice to drive away evil spirits with a loud din. The Chingay parade, with all its noise and festivity, was meant to make up for the loud din created by firecrackers.

However, in today's context, the Chingay parade has come to mean more than but a custom to dispel of evil spirits. Chingay has become a uniquely Singaporean Lunar New Year tradition, and is celebrated not only by the Chinese, but also Malays, Indians and Eurasians alike. The Chingay parade has also extended invitations to international artistes and troupes, adding a variety of exciting performances.

I believe this change was made because Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural country. Thus, instead of only making the Chingay parade about the Chinese, its purpose was extended and the programme was modified to be more inclusive to the other races that reside here, in Singapore. This way, age, race, language and creed are no barriers, and we can all come together to celebrate the Chingay parade as one.

In my opinion, the organizers of the Chingay parade 2016 has fulfilled this exact purpose. The audience easily came together to admire the brilliant performances. Up on the stands, the entire atmosphere we felt in the crowds can only be described as 'high'. We were all in high spirits, cheering loudly, clapping, and singing gleefully along to the songs that they broadcasted on the speakers. The music got us swaying along in our seats and shaking our clappers as we threw our pompoms about.

We could see that performers of different races and cultures worked together in putting up the performances. There was one segment in particular where the performers wore different ethnic costumes, yet performed a unified dance routine. It signified the racial harmony in Singapore, which we all cherish. Everyone focused on working together to make the Chingay parade 2016 a success. As a part of the audience, I can say that it was.

There were Chinese performances, such as Taiji, and dragon dancing. Despite not being Chinese, people of the different races were able to enjoy these acts too. They were well carried out and practised beforehand. The performers also made a conscientious effort to stay in sync. These performances show that although changes were made, the initial purpose of the Chingay parade was still included in its new purpose - allowing everyone to celebrate it together, as one.

There was a really wide variety of performances. There were many different segments that attracted different people's attention - for example, there was a segment where different floats of different organisations came in to perform different acts, such as parkour and taekwando. This showed the efforts put in to find a wide range of programmes to showcase to the people so that we all enjoyed it. We were all wowed by the performers' routines and all their moves, which they clearly put a lot of hard work into perfecting.

The various floats themselves were amazing too, decorated with dozens and dozens of LED lights. Instead of using the floats to signify Chinese New Year, phrases such as 'Towards SG 100', and 'Voyage SG 100' were used, signifying Singapore on its journey forward the next 50 years. All Singaporeans alike could relate to this, as all of us head towards SG 100. When the main float came up, displaying the phrase 'Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore', it looked beautiful. All of us whipped out our phones and snapped shots.

During the section of the parade where performers appeared, each holding onto the inflated light bulb balloons decorated by the community, the common feeling of love for Singapore could be felt by all. The decorations, hand-drawn by residents of various residential communities, represented the people's many hopes for Singapore's future. Regardless of race, language, or religion, we were all Singapore citizens, and together, I believe we would work forward to a brighter future, a brighter Singapore.

Throughout the entire parade, as a part of the audience, I can honestly say that we felt really bonded with each other. Because of this bond, and because of the entire lively energy, Singaporean spirit, and common identity we felt and lived, I can definitely say that the parade was truly a success. We came together as Singaporeans to celebrate this year's Chingay parade 2016, as one. The organizers have fulfilled their purpose. 

Poverty and Happiness

In my opinion, there is no direct correlation between poverty and happiness. Instead, I feel that it is only through the dissatisfaction in the way which one is living that he or she begins to form a link between the two.

Money is not a measure of happiness. Dissatisfaction, which in turn leads to unhappiness, is not only caused in terms of money. It can also be caused in terms of people's standard of living, or the relationships they have with others. This proves that money is not a measure of happiness.

Often, it is assumed that the rich are happy, and that the poor are not. This assumption is based because our basic living needs depend on money - we need money to pay for water, food, etc. However, if there is no dissatisfaction in the poor for not having enough money, for instance, they are content and happy. Similarly, if there is dissatisfaction in the rich for the stress they encounter at work, for example, they are discontent and as a result, unhappy.

These examples lead to my point that this link is all based on people's dissatisfaction. Only when people are content with the way they live are they happy. While money does have a role behind certain dissatisfaction, there are also different factors that come into play, such as having leisure time to balance the stress that comes with work.

In conclusion, I think that there is no direct correlation between poverty and happiness.

                              

Extraordinary In The Ordinary

Staring down below from this position, one can see the delicate raindrops fall, landing in miniature puddles on the ground below. It cannot b2e seen from the photograph where the rain starts falling; and yet, we all know that they descend from too-heavy clouds. It cannot be known when exactly each raindrop touches the ground; all we know is that eventually, each one of them will stop falling.

What sets these raindrops apart is the process of falling in which they go through - some pelt on students running hastily for shelter, some seep into dry soil to be absorbed eventually by the roots of thirsty plants, and some land in ponds full of water.

We didn't have a choice in beginning as who we are, and we don't have a choice to gauge when we will end. What we can do is decide how we are to live each day of our lives - how we are to affect the people around us. In the end, we want to ask ourselves this: has our influence been a positive one? Would we rather cause inconvenience for others, much like the rain which soaks the careless? Or would we rather help those around us, like the rain which waters plants?

Perhaps we would eventually go through our cycle not having made much of a difference. However, our way of living is entirely up to us. This is why I find this scene extraordinary - it depicts my sentiments of the lives we can choose to live for ourselves. It is not the start or end that counts; it's the process that matters most.

Introduction

Hi, I'm Xin Hui, and (brace yourself because this introduction will only get weirder) a list of my favourite past-times would include reading novels, eating good food, listening to music, and writing.

The world got a little more magical on the 18th of January, 2002.

My current CCA is Concert Band, and I play the french horn. I used to play the violin in my primary school, Shuqun Primary, and in a Sunday kids' orchestra, but quit playing after I, by some miraculous attempt, passed my Grade 5 theory test (no really, I barely remember a thing) before PSLE.

Some would say I'm anti-social because I don't have many friends, perhaps as a result of my awkwardness around people I'm not close with. I'd like to change that very much (in fact I have tried, but I can't say I've exactly had much success), and be able to get along with others better.

I have two siblings - a sister older than me by five years, and a brother younger than me by five years. We're generally pretty okay with each other, excluding, of course, the occasional petty sibling fight (my sister steals whichever food item she can get her hands on).

My favourite book is Handle With Care, by Jodi Picoult. I admire how she manages to convey the thoughts and the dilemmas of which her characters have to go through, such that the reader is easily able to relate to the characters' emotions, as well as their eventual decisions. I think she's pretty famous as an author, but not many have heard of her, so if you have, I'd probably take an instant liking towards you (I'm just really excited whenever this topic comes up).

I'd (also) take an instant liking towards you if you have a pretty smile (another random, weird obsession I have, I know, I'm weird).

Jodi Picoult's stories usually revolve around some form of a dilemma, a question that allows for more than but one answer. I like how reading such stories makes me feel, understanding different people's points of view. However, in contrast to that, such a situation in terms of my studies is something I usually have trouble answering to. Like in History, for example. There's no one definite answer that you can use, unlike with Maths (which may explain why History isn't one of my strengths, really). 

This is rather abrupt, but that's about it for this short about me, (realising that you live a boring life certainly does not lift your self-esteem) and I'm hoping that whatever I've said above won't make you feel weirded out, because I can be so, so weird at times.