The glorious days, happiest moments, major hurdles, all in the year 2006. This has to be the most eventful year of my life. Not only does it mark the 2 decades of my existence, I also learnt a fair deal from my rise and fall.

The year started off with me being the only one from my Diploma course to be qualified for the National Qualifying Round of WorldSkills Singapore 2006 – Software Applications, which I eventually got into the National Finals and walked away with a Silver medal and cash award of SGD 2000, presented by Mr President. Ahh yes, it’s that prestigious. Even though I lost the chance to represent Singapore to compete internationally, I’m sure my teammate (the Gold medalist) would do us proud!

Then comes Graduation, where I was in the limelight. Ahh, I never really like attention, but it sure feels good to receive affirmations from both my peers and lecturers on my achievement. It’s definitely a nice feeling to be presented with the Gold Medal and cash award for being the top student for my Diploma course. I could still remember how my course mates applauded and cheered for me when it’s my turn to get up on the stage. It’s still fresh in my mind. If only I could figure out who were the ones shouting my name out loud, I would have sent them a hug.

It’s such a pity that I failed to clinch the title as the top technology student- the Lee Kuan Yew Award. It’s much less of clinching that title for myself but rather for my Diploma course since no one from my course had been getting that title for quite some years. Gahh, I felt really bad since my Course Director gave me countless advices the day before the interview. I believe it’s already an achievement to be considered for that award. And sure it is quite an experience to be interviewed by 7 individuals from the Board of Directors. :D

Either way, I’m thankful that the school actually invited my Principal from my former school to share the joy! Gahh, it’s just feels so good that everyone’s proud of you and that you didn’t let anyone down.

Graduation spells another new chapter of my life, University. Believe me; I wasn’t really prepared for that, I needed a break badly in order to go on. I haven’t had a break for a year. It’s much of trainings, competition, competition results, Hong Kong trip (which we shopped and walked and barely get to rest), then orientation and start of school. I wasn’t given the privilege to take a little break. On top of that, I was the only one from my Diploma course to get into the School of Computing. Alone, alone, alone. I felt really sore that my friend wasn’t able to get in.

Then comes the major hurdle, when I got myself demoted from somebody to nobody. Programming used to come naturally to me, not until I stepped foot in the university. I’ve got no idea what went wrong; I don’t really have the time to figure out either. Adding on, my family wasn’t being very supportive during my darkest days. And it makes me realise the fragility of family ties. I would never believe that blood is thicker than water, never ever.

The only comfort is that I get to know a great bunch of friends from the University. :D Honestly, I doubt that I could survive if any of them is missing. *nods* You know, I can be rather picky when it comes to friends, I hardly categorise anyone under friends without knowing them better. But for this bunch of angels, I’m just so sure that they made great friends. After all, we had been through the stormy days together!

I’m glad that I had taken up community service too. I believe in paying it forward. I always wanted to be part of it since I am highly blessed and loved ever since I was a little girl. I just feel that I’m oblige to pass on the knowledge and love that was showered over me. Honestly, it’s much less of giving. I learnt a lot in the process and found some really wonderful friends too. I even got the chance to learn some basic sign language! And, I could sign a song! :D

Did I mention that I did reasonably fine for my finals too? I actually scored better than my goals. :D It would be better if I could score a B- for my Life Science module. Gahhh, my first C after so many years. For the fact that Science’s my worst subject, I’m not really that disappointed.

Remembered the module that I failed miserably? That’s Data Structures and Algorithms which I eventually got a B+. Like what grace said, it possible to get a B despite failing if you don’t give up! :D Ahh, I’m hoping that I can maintain these grades, if not better, for the future semesters, just so that I would be able to walk away with at least a Second Lower Honours degree upon graduation! Though, I’m really hoping for a Second Upper. :)

Data Structures and Algorithms: B+
Computer Organisation: B
Business And Technical Communication: B+
Genes and Society: C+
Introductory Mathematics: A-

2006 had been a really great year despite the pitfalls. Just a picture and some of my favourite entries to round up the last entry for the year 2006:

Click on the image to enlarge.

• 06/12/2006: Reflections
• 29/09/2006: Forgotten-Shadows turns 2
• 22/07/2006: WorldSkills Singapore 2006: The Journey
• 20/06/2006: Graduation Day: Goodbyes

For all those who had witnessed my rise and fall, thanks for being part of it. Belated Christmas and Happy New Year to all. :)

Note: I’ll post the pictures of the presents I’ve gotten from the Christmas Exchange on my next entry. :)