Beginning my last year in university
There are different phases in a Singaporean’s life: primary school, secondary school, JC/Poly, National Service for the guys and of sometimes, university itself. It is sobering to think that 3 years of university has already passed for me, and it seemed like only only yesterday that I was just a freshman or year 2 student barely approaching the halfway mark. During my first year, I would count my University life in semesters, especially when it was close to the finals period. I would tell myself that I would only have to go through this tough period of studying just 7… 6 … 5 … 4 …3 more times before it was over. And now that counter has come down to the sweet number of 2 itself. I will now recount the thoughts that are recurring in my head regarding the upcoming academic year. This would not be a post written in a fashion consistent with the other posts because I am writing from the perspective of my thoughts are constructed. While pictures may beautify and help readers to immerse themselves, I feel that this post is better constructed with words and words only.
The end is indeed in sight, and it is not difficult to measure the amount of effort that I would have to put in before I complete my bachelor’s degree. I have just 6 modules and a Field Service Project left to complete over the next year, which meant that my workload would be less demanding than the usual fare. I would also only be taking a single quantitative mod for the upcoming semester, and although it is known to be pretty difficult, I could concentrate my efforts upon it. I am actually pretty relieved and happy that this is all that I have left. The initial effort of overloading across some of my earlier semesters have finally paid off.
In parallel with my studies, I would also continue working part time in my current company until December, and I have no idea how it will be like juggling a part time job and studies at the same time. While I have been doing food delivery as a part time job for the past 3 years, my current job would not allow me the same unlimited flexibility to plan my schedule as compared to being a delivery rider. It would be an interesting experience indeed, and at the very least it’ll keep me disciplined from falling into the trap of sleeping below 3 am every night. Having an estimation of the efforts needed to get through this is important, because it gives me an idea of how much effort i must muster for the different responsibilities that I will undertake. This preps me mentally and allows me to prepare for when the busier periods arrive.
I am also looking forward to participating in school events as well in my free time, such as case competitions and workshops. These are all part of the university package and are often free to take part in. I think that my participation in these events would help to round up my university life before I graduate, ensuring that I have experienced everything that university has to offer. Since I will not ever be back in the capacity of an undergraduate ever again, it would be best to leave without regrets or what-ifs.