Last week of school :')

I'm always saying this, but time really, really flies. My 16 official years of education is coming to an end this week. :( There are so many things I'm gonna miss about SMU, and school in general.

 I'm gonna miss...

#1. My friends 
While my friends and I are definitely still gonna make the effort to catch up occasionally, the truth is that we probably won't be able to see one another as often. Once we embark on our career paths & start taking charge of the numerous responsibilities in life, it's likely that we are all just gonna be more busy than we already are. I will surely miss my lunch & dinner dates with friends, working in projects together, randomly bumping into them around school/in the library, attending CCA practices etc. There have been so many valuable friendships forged since my secondary school days, and I'm very thankful for all these people in my life. These are the people I have grown up with, and have shaped me in one way or another. I hope that we will stay close in touch & be there for one another during our milestones in life (e.g. weddings, career progression, house-warming etc.) <3 

#2. My teachers
There are many teachers who've touched me with their passion for teaching throughout my years of education. Teachers who show so much conviction in what they do; teachers who've believe in me; teachers who provided opportunities for me to pursue my dreams - thank you!

#3. The sheltered life
Studying may be stressful, but it sure is less stressful than embarking on the route to independence. As a student, the main thing I had to worry about was doing well in my studies. I never had to worry about money management, paying the bills, hitting KPIs or making critical life decisions. I'm blessed to have parents (my mum esp) who take care of my fundamental needs & remind me to enjoy my freedom while I can. Also, as a student, you can be forgiven for mistakes you make. But as a working adult, every decision you make can have a significant consequence. While a part of me dreads facing the realities of life, another part of me can't wait to earn my own keep & take care of the people who've always placed my needs above theirs. I have made a mental note to self that no matter what path I eventually embark on, I'm going to give my best and carve out a great future for myself & my loved ones. :')

#4. Student privileges
So gonna miss student meals, concession passes and student discounts. Savings in any way are always good! :/ I shall pretend to be a student for as long as I can hahahaha.

#5. Student life in general
I refer to events like CSP, after-exam celebrations, group outings, school welfare drives, project meetings in GSRs, organizing school events etc. I also refer to things like eating at my favourite Tea Party, Waterloo hawker centre, Kopitiam (& even Koufu). I will also miss studying in the library, where everybody else is also diligently studying. And oh, you know those gossip sessions/HTHT your clique of girl friends always have? Or those class gatherings at chalets? Or deciding on the 'budget meal' to have for dinner? Will hold all these memories very dearly in my heart. The sense of community in school is kinda remarkable.

There's probably a million other things I'm gonna miss about school that I just can't think of at the moment.

And now here's another list of what made my SMU journey so memorable...

#1. Samba Masala
I don't say this often, but joining Samba is without a doubt one of the best decisions I've made in SMU. It taught me a lot. It also gave me a lot.

It taught me the meaning of being a musician. It taught me the importance of team work, hard work and discipline. It also taught me to trust my heart when making decisions.

It gave me some close friendships. It gave me the opportunity to travel to Europe, and perform to a thousand-strong crowd. It gave me confidence and drive to be better in what I do. 

#2. StarringSMU'11
Being in the EXCO was actually fun in many aspects. It was the highlight of my Year 1 summer break. From relentlessly sourcing for sponsorships to planning for camps, the late nights and endless meetings drew me closer to a group of people who started out as strangers to me. While I'm not particularly close to them now, my experience with them back in Year 1 was very memorable. 

#3. Exchange in Montreal
Ok this is not really considered as an SMU experience since I was enjoying myself in another part of the world hahaha. But I'm grateful that SMU gave me the opportunity to travel to Canada and US; something I would never have dreamed of before entering Uni. Exploring the world with like-minded friends was one of the best times of my life. :) It encouraged me to venture beyond my comfort zone and discover more about myself.

#4. Marketing girlies
My love for marketing grew with my bunch of SBM girls (+ 1 guy!) hehe. I'm really glad our awesome team dynamics has encouraged us to continue meeting up with one another! I love our coffee talks and catch-up sessions filled with laughter and excitement. ^^

#5. Meeting the love of my life
I'm extremely thankful to have met Jem who is such a special person to me <3 "When I first met you, I had no idea you would so important to me." It's amazing how fate brings people together, because you are really everything I can ask for bb. :)

Finally, things I intend to do during my last week of school + study week!

#1. Eat Tea Party
#2. Visit the school gym
#3. Eat at Koufu
#4. Eat at Kopitiam
#5. Study in the library (until closing time song?)
#6. Ace my presentations
#7. Rooftop view
#8. Study super hard for my final exams & ACE them

If you've read this super duper long post, thank you! :) Now back to doing work ^^