Service Learning
(1) What do feel about the trip and why do you feel that way?- Honestly, I feel kind of nervous about the trip. I have never really been that much of an independent person who is fully capable of taking care of herself properly without much support from others. Until now, I am struggling and wanting to overcome this personal barrier. With this said, I am also actually very excited about the trip. No doubt, it will prove a challenge for me. However, I am willing to take it without hesitation to enable myself to grow as a whole. Never having gone to another country, and for quite a long while, without my family to take care of me before, I feel that this trip is a significant stepping stone for growth as a person both emotionally and in terms of character. However, there are also other reasons that I think have played a big part in my determining my feelings towards this trip. Coming from the Philippines, I have had what you might call first-hand experience with the hardship and struggles of those who are not as fortunate and privileged as most of us. Back then, I saw with my own eyes the sufferings and sacrifices the less fortunate and children even younger than me were going through. However, it was almost always only through the car's window. I could not reach out, and even if I could, I could not have done anything to be of any use. Maybe this is why it is such a sensitive topic to me. Now, though only a bit older, I want to be able to do something that will at least make a difference, even if only a bit, in somebody else's life with my own hands.
(2) What are your personal goals for the trip?
- My personal goals for the trip....I guess it is to be happy and make others happy. Though I know it may sound such simple a goal, I couldn't explain it in such 'chim' terms that others would have liked to hear. I guess I am also aware that the paths to it are complicated and it in itself will be challenging to achieve. I want to grow as a better and more matured person through this experience, able to stand on my own feet - a feat quite difficult for me to achieve. Often, though I know it may seem strange, I often get carried away by my thoughts, imagining what it would be like to be in other people's shoes - how I would feel, what I would do, what I would and would not want others to do. Succinctly, I want to change myself, and be able to make a difference in somebody else's life, even if only a bit.
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Appearances
As the saying goes, “Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success.” How does dressing for success apply to you? In light of the controversy surrounding this issue, should people be judged by their appearance?- It is a common saying that 'There's more than meets the eye' and 'Beauty is only skin-deep'. Many know of it, but in this world abound with beauty and perfection obsession, how far can this really be practiced? Still, there is also the saying ‘First impressions always count’, so in this once-in-a-long-time situation, is it not sensible that people might as well give it their best shot?
Looks are what the eyes first see when one sets his sights upon something, so it is no wonder that much fuss is made over it. Almost for everyone, aside from cars, houses and jewellery, clothes are one of the major displays of status of a person. People dress to impress. It is unavoidable that one of the main bases from which we analyse a person is through his appearance. When the word ‘success’ is mentioned, the first few things that come to mind are fancy mansions and sophisticated lifestyles. We dress to show who and what we are, but we also dress to attain the kind of aura we want to exude. Common sense tells us that when we go for a job interview, we have to do everything we can to look professional, full of potential and largely suitable for the job we are applying for. Dressing up for it is one of the most obvious and yet most complicated way to do this. It is like a standard that has been set and we have no choice but to follow. Though it is true that is essential to just be ourselves, we must also show that ‘ourselves’ are dependable and deserving of opportunities. By dressing up professionally, a person at the same time exhibits discipline and capable of appropriate conduction. However, when one focuses too much on the outside, they lose sight of what is really important on the inside. Superficiality creeps in and not only is there a change in the way they see themselves, but also in the way they see others and the world. When this happens, a person becomes merely a hollow shell, sporting a perfect exterior but lacking personality and attitude, which are what are really crucial for the path to success.
Success is a combination of both physical and mental attributes. There is, however, a balance to it and when one of either each end tips, the path to it grows vague. This means that people should not be judged by merely their appearances, but their abilities must also be taken into much consideration. After all, is it not true that looks are not everything?
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Conceptions of Success
What does success mean to you?
For me, success means not only achieving your goals, but also helping others through it. It means attaining something that you have always wanted, without trampling on anyone and overcoming obstacles that come your way with a clear conscience and good intentions.
Identify one famous personality (whom you deem to be successful)
- background and biography of this person
A famous personality (in the world of science) I deem to be successful is Stephen Hawkins. Stephen William Hawking was born on 8 January 1942 in Oxford, England. At eleven Stephen went to St Albans School, and then on to University College, Oxford, his father's old college. Mathematics not being available in University College, he did Physics instead. He then went on to Cambridge to do research on Cosmology. After gaining his Ph.D. he became first a Research Fellow, and later on a Professorial Fellow at Gonville and Caius College. After leaving the Institute of Astronomy in 1973 Stephen came to the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, and since 1979 has held the post of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics.
- Why is he/she successful?
Stephen Hawking has worked on the basic laws which govern the universe. Together with Roger Penrose, he proved that Einstein's General Theory of Relativity implied space and time would have a beginning in the Big Bang and an end in black holes. These results indicated it was necessary to unify General Relativity with Quantum Theory, the other great Scientific development of the first half of the 20th Century. One consequence of such a unification that he discovered was that black holes should not be completely black, but should emit radiation and eventually evaporate and disappear. Another speculation is that the universe has no edge or boundary in imaginary time. This would imply that the way the universe began was completely determined by the laws of science.
Stephen Hawking has twelve honorary degrees, was awarded the CBE in 1982, and was made a Companion of Honour in 1989. He is the recipient of many awards, medals and prizes and is a Fellow of The Royal Society and a Member of the US National Academy of Sciences.
Through all this, Stephen Hawking continues to combine family life (he has three children and one grandchild), and his research into theoretical physics together with an extensive programme of travel and public lectures.
- How he/she has inspired you?
Having said all this, many may think that this is the only reason that he inspires me; by breakthrough discoveries in science. However, one thing makes him different, drawing a distinguishable line between him and all. This is because through all the successes he’s had, he has always had an obstacle, but which he did not let stop him from continuing life achieving his dreams. When he was in Cambridge, he was referred to a specialist and was later diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This incurable disease is the degeneration of the motor cells in the brain and spinal cord, thus leading to weakness and wasting of muscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Despite knowing this, he did not wallow in self-pity or lose hope. Valuing life more than before, he dreamt at several times that he would sacrifice his life to save others, thinking that after all, if he were going to die anyway, it might as well do some good. But he didn't die. Despite living with a cloud seeming to always hang over his head, he found out that he was actually enjoying life in the present more than before. Though robbed of power of speech during an operation, he lived on and when a computer expert heard of his plight, he was assisted by a computer programme which helped him to communicate much better. This enabled him to either speak what I have written, or save it to disk. He can then print it out, or call it back and speak it sentence by sentence. It is through this that he has written a book, and dozens of scientific papers. He has also given many scientific and popular talks, all of which had been well received.
Stephen Hawkins has had motor neurone disease for practically all his adult life. Yet it has not prevented him from having a happy family, and being successful in his work. His condition has progressed more slowly than is often the case, but it shows that one need not lose hope.
Through him, I realised that one’s disability is not necessarily a wall that prevents one from reaching out for our dreams. Instead, it can strengthen you and drive you to achieve even more, and the only obstacle that can stop you is actually yourself.
Identify one person you know personally (whom you deem to be successful)
-background and biography of this person
This person would have to be my mom. Through all the challenges she’s been through, she never gave up and let it get the better of her.
- Why is he/she successful?
When I was only a year old, my mom was widowed. She went abroad to get us a better life. However, she didn’t let it cause us to drift apart. She instilled in us values and filled in the shoes of both a mother and a father. Even through the toughest of her times, she never stopped supporting not only my siblings and I, but also the rest of my family members, who are needless to say numerous. Though she has been done wrong, not once did she bear grudges and instead has always kept a positive outlook in life.
- How he/she has inspired you?
My mom has inspired me to become a better person and achieve higher. She showed me that challenges don’t weaken you, unless you let them. For her, success isn’t counted by the money you’ve earned, but by the good things you have done for others, without expecting anything in return.
How can this programme help you to get closer to your goals?
I believe that this programme can help instill the right values a student should have to enhance her knowledge and excel in this learning experience. With the right attitude towards new things and discovery, it can help me to adapt to new situations, learn to mix around with new people, and drive me to do better.
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Scholarship & Service
What does scholarship mean to you?'A scholarship is an award of access to an institution, or a financial aid award for an individual student scholar, for the purpose of furthering their education. Scholarships are awarded based on a range of criteria which usually reflect the values and purposes of the donor or founder of the award.' This is the dictionary definition of scholarship. I agree to this to a certain extent. However, in my point of view, scholarship is not just an award; it is yet another learning journey to be fulfilled by a student where ability meets potential, and potential meets achievement. Here, I believe that more challenges lay and in overcoming these obstacles, our knowledge is widened not only in the confines of a classroom, but including the world outside by first-hand experience.
What responsibilities does a scholar have?There is a time for work, and a time for play. However, in both cases, learning can be done. I believe that this is what a scholar have to do; to learn and have fun. Still, atop this, she must fulfill and live up to the expectations of the title given to her. A scholar must be a role model to her other schoolmates, exuding dedication, respect and morale, as well as a positive attitude towards learning.
What are some of the obstacles you think you will face?For me, obstacles I think I will face are mostly related to overcoming my weaknesses. Teamwork for instance. Even distribution of the load and full trust towards each other may prove as a challenge for me, as I am used to doing everything on my own. Also, I believe that in the course of this programme, there are bound to be different personalities and possibly opposing perspectives too. Thus, the clash this may cause will definitely come as an obstacle. However, I believe that the biggest obstacle will be myself. Overcoming my self-consciousness and coping with all the potential challenges ahead would be entirely up to me, and this, for me, is the main obstacle I will face.
Is a scholar also a leader? How so? Who and how do you intend to serve as a scholar?Yes, I believe that a scholar is also a leader. For me, a scholar serves as role model for her fellow students, and drive them to achieve even higher, seeking their potential. This in itself exudes leadership, helping her teammates excel and work towards a better goal.
As a scholar, I intend to serve the school and, naive as it may sound, the world. I hope to mould myself into someone who has the ability to encourage the people around her to not only achieve higher, but also become a better person. To do this, I will strive to readily offer my help to anyone in need, and be of useful assistance to them. I would have to face my fears and show that weaknesses are not weaknesses. Rather, they are what boldens our strength and in overcoming them, we become more of a person, and less of a coward.
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MBTI
Your personality type is
ISTP.
Introverted (I) 57% Extraverted (E) 43%
Sensing (S) 55% Intuitive (N) 45%
Thinking (T) 50% Feeling (F) 50%
Perceiving (P) 59% Judging (J) 41%
Introverts often:
-Have quiet energy
-Listen more than talk
-Think quietly inside my head
-Think, then act
-Feel comfortable being alone
-Prefer to work "behind-the-scenes"
-Have good powers of concentration
-Prefer to focus on one thing at a time-Are self-contained and reservedSensors often:
-Focus on details & specifics-Admire practical solutions
-Notice details & remember facts-Are pragmatic - see what is-Live in the here-and-now
-Trust actual experience
-Like to use established skills
-Like step-by-step instructions-Work at a steady pace
Thinkers often:
-Make decisions objectively-Appear cool and reserved-Are most convinced by rational arguments-Are honest and direct-Value honesty and fairness-Take few things personally
-Tend to see flaws-Are motivated by achievement
-Argue or debate issues for funPerceivers often:
-May have difficulty making decisions-Are playful & unconventional-Are less aware of time & run late
-Prefer to start projects
-Play first, work later
-Want to keep their options open
-Question the need for many rules-Like to keep plans flexible
-Want the freedom to be spontaneous
Features ISTPs are typically quiet, realistic, independent, and highly pragmatic people and come across as objective, even-tempered and unflappable in almost all situations. ISTPs, while often people of few words, they
do enjoy joking around with people they know fairly well.
Direct, honest, and down-to-earth, ISTP’s typically prefer to skip a lot of theoretical analysis or future predictions in favor of getting right to the bottom line and the relevant facts and figures. They can be veritable storehouses of information on things they know well and understand. Because they are realists, they are able to capitalize well on available resources, which make them practical, with a good sense of timing. ISTPs have an innate understanding of how mechanical things work and are usually skilled at using tools.
They tend to make logical and private decisions, stating things clearly and directly, just as they see them.ISTPs Tend To Be:• Able to work well independently with defined tasks & tangible products
• Keen observers; excellent memory for factual information
• Highly logical thinkers; able to bring order to confusing & recognizable facts
• Able to stay calm & cool in a crisis or under pressure
• Highly resourceful and pragmatic
• Great at identifying the most practical, simple solution to what may seem complex
More on ISTPsLike their fellow SPs, ISTPs are fundamentally Performers, but as Ts their areas of interest tend to be mechanical rather than artistic like those of ISFPs, and unlike most ESPs they do not present an impression of constant activity. On the contrary, they lie dormant, saving their energy until a project or an adventure worthy of their time comes along--and then they launch themselves at it.
The apparently frenzied state that inevitably ensues is actually much more controlled than it appears--ISTPs always seem to know what they're doing when it comes to physical or mechanical obstacles--
but the whole chain of events presents a confusing and paradoxical picture to an outsider.ISTPs are equally difficult to understand in their need for personal space, which in turn has an impact on their relationships with others. They need to be able to "spread out"--both physically and psychologically--which generally implies encroaching to some degree on others, especially if they decide that something of someone else's is going to become their next project. (They are generally quite comfortable, however, with being treated the same way they treat others--at least in this respect.) But because they need such a lot of flexibility to be as spontaneous as they feel they must be, they tend to become as inflexible as the most rigid J when someone seems to be threatening their lifestyle (although they usually respond with a classic SP rage which is yet another vivid contrast to their "dormant," impassive, detached mode). These territorial considerations are usually critical in relationships with ISTPs; communication also tends to be a key issue, since they generally express themselves non-verbally.
When they do actually verbalize, ISTPs are masters of the one-liner, often showing flashes of humor in the most tense situations; this can result in their being seen as thick-skinned or tasteless.
ISTPs generally have the following traits:-Interested in how and why things work-Do not function well in regimented, structured environments; they will either feel stifled or become intensely bored
-Constantly gather facts about their environment and store them away-Have an excellent ability to apply logic and reason to their immense store of facts to solve problems or discover how things work
-Learn best "hands-on"
-Usually able to master theory and abstract thinking, but don't particularly like dealing with it unless they see a practical application
-Action-oriented "doers"
-Focused on living in the present, rather than the future
-Love variety and new experiences-Highly practical and realistic-Excellent "trouble-shooters", able to quickly find solutions to a wide variety of practical problems
-Results-oriented; they like to see immediate results for their efforts-Usually laid-back and easy-going with people
-Risk-takers who thrive on action
-Independent and determined - usually dislike committing themselves-Usually quite self-confident
TraitsThe ISTP is fortunate because
they have the abilities to be good at many different kinds of tasks. Their introverted and thinking preferences give them the ability to concentrate and work through problems which leaves many doors open to them. However, to be happiest, the ISTP needs to lead a lifestyle which offers a great deal of autonomy and does not include much external enforcement of structure.
ISTPs will do best working for themselves, or working in very flexible environments. Their natural interests lie towards applying their excellent reasoning skills against known facts and data to discover underlying structure, or solutions to practical questions.
Possible Career Paths for the ISTP:-Police and Detective Work-Forensic Pathologists-Computer Programmers, System Analysts and Computer Specialists
-Engineers
-Carpenters
-Mechanics
-Pilots, Drivers, Motorcyclists
-Athletes
-EntrepreneursMy Thoughts and FeelingsI would firstly like to apologise for copying and pasting this whole chunk into my post. I am always doing personality quizzes, and collecting a lot information, in the hope that I will be able to know and distinguish myself better. So yeah.
Judging by the percentages in the first part of this
really long post, I guess I really am pretty much average. Personally, I am quite shocked reading the results of the quiz. While I do agree that my personality type is ISTP, its more defined characteristics puzzle me quite a bit. I appreciate and like art. I appreciate IT-related things too. The 'like' part is, however, another matter. Or at least in school, which mostly consists of Cinema 4D and animation (in which I seriously perform averagely). I admit I like tackling codes and troubleshooting glitches though. Maybe, given that I fulfill the time and patience needed (which I doubtly think is possible), this can eventually, actually be true.
The rest is absolutely agreeable, especially the underlined ones, and the 'Thinkers' part. I often think too much (which also often results in too-late actions). It quite highlights my tendency to lack commitment in teamwork and be direct too.
Career-wise, I have always secretly wanted to be involved in police and detective work and also be a forensic pathologist, which I have probably derived from my fondness of mysteries. The quiz being able to show this both quite surprises and amazes me, as it has for most of its results.
This personality test has enabled me to distinguish my strengths, and magnify my weaknesses. With this done, I hope I can drive myself to become a better person and use this to achieve my goals more efficiently with an open mind and ability to just let others take control for a while, instead of doing everything alone.
Wrapping it all up, I hope this has helped you to know me better, as it has helped me to understand myself more. Good day :D
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Who am I?
My name is Ana, and I came from the Philippines. I have been here for four years already, and I can say that I am coping well with Singapore's lifestyle, which is so different from the Philippines'. Adjusting is hard - emotionally, socially and educationally. Everything is so different. However, my family, especially my Mom's hard work, is the constant drive that pushes me to not only adapt, but also perform well. I also motivate myself to pursue what I think I deserve, and try hard to achieve as much as I am able to, for I know that this is the main way I can repay all of the sacrifices my mother has put in to get us here.
For most, I may come across as reserved and unapproachable. However, behind that cold façade, I am really a friendly person, and actually very talkative. Bubbly and comical, I always try to make my peers laugh and make them feel better when they are feeling down. I try hard to keep up a happy atmosphere. Otherwise, I would end up feeling gloomy too. Sometimes, though I know it is unhealthy, I keep all my feelings inside, not letting them show, perceiving it as some kind of weakness. Maybe that's why I come across as frosty sometimes. Always grasping for control, I dictate the feelings I show, for fear that I'd end up losing control. Still, I am in a constant struggle to overcome this, without being too showy or sensitive.
My strengths include good command of the English language. Not that I am saying it is excellent or something, I guess it is considered as above average. I am pretty negative practically all the time. I am not used to compliments, so when I am given one, I feel awkward accepting it and just try to make it seem as if what I had done is just nothing. I guess you can consider this my weakness - always thinking negative. I am scared to hope, scared for it to just be crushed in the end. When you're negative, at least it's a good thing when you're wrong. Or at least I think so. I am trying to build up enough confidence to dare stop doubting myself, and be positive enough.
Though I like socialising and making my companions laugh and feel at ease, teamwork is also actually my weakness. I am used to doing and managing everything by myself, so working together comes as a challenge for me. More often than not, I end up doing most of the work myself. I hope to overcome this, so I can actually really enjoy not only coming together as a group, but also working together as one.
Just like any other person, I have both likes and dislikes. I love books, as explained in the next paragraph. Also, the library is one of my most favourite places in the world. It's so serene and tranquil, calming my senses and seeping away all the stress built up in my everyday life. Everything is so quiet, and there is something about the musky smell of books that is oddly comforting to me. It is easy to just let yourself go in the shelves of books lining the whole library, each offering places and story to tell. I also love music. It can soothe my nerves, boost my mood, energise me and sometimes even let me vent my anger without hurting myself or anyone.
There are also certain things that I cannot help but dislike. I hate too much noise. Or anything else that interferes with my concentration for that matter. It's already hard enough for me to concentrate on pretty much anything. But most of all, the thing that I dislike the most is procrastinating. Which is exactly what I have been doing for so long. I really hope I can overcome this too.
I dislike being vertically challenged. In short, being short. When I was young, I keep wishing I'd stop growing taller. Now that I really did stop growing taller, I keep wishing the contrary will happen. I guess this proves nobody's ever contented.
I like animals. I really do. But worms are seriously another matter. There's nothing in this world that I hate more than worms. Maybe my mom passed on that phobia to me. Silly as it may seem, I would honestly rather see a snake than face a worm. I have no idea why. Their crawly, fleshy, squirmy ways just does something that provokes so much from me. Mostly disgust.
I also dislike the fact that the only thing I can easily describe myself as (bookworm), has of all things got to do with this animal. Come to think of it; my most favourite and loathed objects combined together to something I am. Ironic.
Now, with so much time at hand, it is easy having so many things go through your head, even unnecessary ones. To kill time, I always borrow and read books. This is my favourite hobby. There is just something about them that preoccupies me so much as to enable me to 'escape' into the world I am reading about and forget everything else, even for just a while. Though it may seem unusual, I actually have a hobby of collecting library receipts of the books I borrowed. I keep the ever-growing pile of such receipts in my personal file, careful not to lose it. It is like a souvenir to me, something that reminds me of places I've been to, although only in books.
This is a rough but main outline of what I am like. Hope it helped. Have a nice day! :D
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