Friday, 2 July 1999

I feel that I'm too old for all this!

This morning, when my alarm rang at 5:30am, I couldn't get out of bed... my entire body was aching to the bones! Orientation yesterday was really so hectic and we walked around so much and today won't be any better, I guess.

Actually, I felt kinda out of place yesterday when I looked around and there I was, smack in the midst of other nursing students as young as 17. That makes me 9-10 years older than the youngest of them. I know, you'll say that I'm as young / old as I think I am ... but my sore, stiff body tells me that physically at least, there's one apparent difference! :P

Thankfully, the entire afternoon of today's orientation would be taken up by the various government restructured hospitals. Nursing students in Singapore have the option of taking up a sponsorship with any of the government or private hospitals that have such a program (most of them do) and once you've been interviewed and accepted, you'll be paid a monthly allowance ranging from S$850-900 (US$500-529), depending on your qualifications. Upon successful completion of the three-year diploma in nursing course, you'll be bonded to the sponsoring hospital for the next three years.

I've signed on with the largest government restructured hospital here. I used to think that the hospital sponsorships were very easy to get until I met a few students who had difficulties getting a sponsorship so that made me treasure my sponsorship more. A few students did not want to sign up because they didn't want the pressure of having to produce good grades throughout the three years but I think the pressure to perform could be perceived in my favour. In any case, I want to do well and so, this factor doesn't really matter to me. I've got enough motivation within me to push myself through this course. :)

After the presentation by the various hospitals, we were issued with our time-table. At first glance, it looks like a really hectic schedule and upon scrutiny, yes, it is a tight squeeze indeed! Let's see, this semester, I'll be having lectures, tutorials for Behavioural Sciences I & II (Psychology and Sociology respectively), Biological Science 1A, Nursing Science 1A & 1B, as well as Clinical Education (practicals). I sure hope we don't get lost finding our way to the various lecture theatres, tutorial classes and laboratories!

Oooo... Nasty! We were informed too that if we are late for any lesson for 10 minutes, our attendance will be marked as 'absent'. Minimum attendances of varying percentages are mandatory to qualify to sit for the exams for all modules. The other campuses in Singapore doesn't really monitor attendances and they leave it up to you to attend lessons or not but here, they're pretty serious about discipline and all. In any case, Singapore students are usually very obedient... a little too obedient and rigid and uncreative sometimes, so I don't think there'll be much of a problem where attendance is concerned.

We ended today by playing some really silly games, *YAWN*. I wonder why the organising committee of freshmen orientations always feel that it's their sacred duty to make the freshmen do some horrendously ridiculous stuff. Oh, I didn't have to do some awful forfeit or anything but sitting cross-legged on the floor under the hot sun forcing laughs at what some poor students were made to do wasn't exactly my idea of fun either.

I guess I'll have to adjust - afterall, I'm a mature adult in the world of teenagers. I've caught some of my classmates stealing glances at me, they must be thinking that I'm such an oddity, to give up so much to attend nursing school. When I catch them looking at me, they're usually embarrassed and they'll look away quickly but I guess their look says it all, "Who are you? Why are you here?" It was a comfort to learn that some of my classmates thought I was only about 21-22 but then again, I'm lucky to have had a few months away from my last 'killer' job to 'recuperate' and psyche myself for all these.

I guess it's not just me - all the other freshies must be feeling overwhelmed and tired, just like me. I asked a few of my classmates and yup, they do feel the same as I do. I think I'm doing pretty well, rushing around for yesterday and today. Afterall, I haven't exercised for the past few years, almost since I've started work and night classes.

I'm looking forward to Monday, the first day of school proper. :) Wheeee!! If I could do the splits or cartwheels, I'd do them now but I guess I'd better stick to sitting demurely on my chair for now. hahaha!

Oh my aching bones! I'm so glad that it's weekend tomorrow so I can sleep in! I haven't been so doggone tired both physically, mentally and emotionally since... now when was the last time I wasn't celibate? hahaha! (Just kidding!)

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