the last leg . . (almost)...

What a semester. It has been a busy & tiring one. Though I have only 4 modules, there's still the FYP to battle with, and that is a constant source of my worries. When I first chose my topic for FYP, I did not expect much programming coming my way. Little did I know that I was wrong on this part; it is so heavy on programming, that sometimes I jus feel so overwhelmed. Not by the programming (yet..), but by what is coming my way. Other than programming the robot to behave at my bidding, I'l also have to learn to program using simulation softwares, skills which is somehow, one way or another, is out of my league. Have borrowed 2 books on how to use Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio, hopefully I'l be able to achieve a decent result on this aspect.

The 2 most enjoyable modules I'm taking this semester would probably be Einstein's Universe and Quantum Weirdness, and Malay I. Though much of the content in Einstein's Universe leaves me in a dazed state and a state of "huh??", some parts of it really does gets us thinking. Especially parts in Quantum Physics, where in the past, I just absorbed and learnt what was taught to us. Now, suddenly, most of it made more sense, though some didnt. But those that didnt make sense to me now, I learnt to see it in another perspective, and to comprehend why things were how they were. And writing the term paper for this module proved to be a challenge, albeit fun. It was fun discussing with my dear partner (:P) what to write, and laughing at each other's ideas (though most of the time, it was my idea that was laughed at -- bleahhh) . But now that we have a rough draft of ideas, I feel safer.

Malay I was another modules I thoroughly enjoyed. Because I made new friends with whom I could banter with, and also of a very fun tutor. This tutor particularly stands out in my list of "good tutors" (my list doesnt have many people on the list actually.). He teaches with passion, lots of it. Though he needs to cover much content in each tutorial class, he injects fun & laughter into the class lessons. He is meticulous and makes sure that each and everyone in the class has the chance to participate and learn. And he does all the small things to ensure that what we needed, he catered for. Initially, when I first attended his lessons, I was a little terrified of him, worried that he might pick me out to answer his questions in Bahasa Melayu and making a fool of myself. But after that first week of lessons, I realised that my fears were unfounded. Now, I am considering taking Malay II, but most likely I'l try to find out if he will be teaching that module too. And another side point, I met one fellow Regular who is in the same vocation as me, and another Regular-to-be with whom one day I could very well be working alongside with.

The other 2 modules, one on materials, and the other on vehicle dynamics, well, being engineering modules, what more can I say? I need to put in more effort for both these modules, since the continual assessments are not alot, and also, teaching and learning was simply one-way, unlike the teaching methods of Malay I.

I attended the Kent Ridge Ministerial Forum (KRMF) on monday, 19 Oct 09. I got to see MM Lee Kwan Yew in person, for the first time. It was an experience which I have hoped for for a long time, and I finally got to see him in person. Not upclose though, he was probably at least 50m away from me on stage, but still, I was glad to have gone. I have listened to much of his words and speeches on television, so some of the insights he presented on monday were not new. However, hearing them words from the Lion's mouth is just different. Haha. And yes, I am impressed, from the way he speaks, what he says. Here is the man who built Singapore and had an important role in shaping Singapore the way She is now. If only I'd get a chance to shake his hand. And one of his sentences that night probably stayed deep in me (and perhaps with Dear too), that he made sure he did the best he could for whatever he set out to do, if not, dont do it at all. Yeah, many people probably said this and I've heard it many times. But again, hearing it from The Man, maybe its time I put serious thought to action, and do my best for my studies, and my career in the future.

This is now my final year of studies, my second-last semester in NUS. Going back to work in the Armed Forces for good doesnt seem so far now. And actually, lame as it might sound to some people out there, I am actually looking forward to going back to work, to get onto the next stage of my life.

Week 10 has come to an end. It's time to pull up my socks -- Quantum socks or not -- and to get mugging, before the deadlines and exams really start to come close.

Jiayous! =)