Students experience fun, freedom and friendship at Sungei Buloh

By Cornelius Koshy

A group of 30 excited Anglican High Students made their way to the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve on the 22nd of May 2008. GEMS committee in Anglican High organised to provide students an up-closed and rejuvenated appreciation for the biological diversity in the muddy wetlands in Singapore.

Students of Anglican High came back from their trip, have a bursting sense of accompishment-fun, freedom and friendship.

My journey on the coach to Sungei Buloh nature Reserve was filled with despair and sadness. I could have easily skipped this trip, but my conscience would be pricked. I was simply not interested in any field trips, especially to such a muddy, humid and mosquito-infested environment. My initial grudge was magically transformed into unwillingness to leave the reserve.

It all started on the wooden bridge, where we overlooked the partially clear river flowing rapidly beneath us. We saw fishes, similar to that of a swordfish, but definately much smaller, swimming in abundance. These fishes would be constantly following a few archer fish, waiting to scavenge on the prey of the archer fish. I awed at the fact that the archer fish could shoot water out of its mouth, hitting small insects that rest on floating plants or leaves that hang low. Immediately, the cunning scavengers waiting behind the scene would rush out from where they were hiding and snatch away the hard earned prey caught by the archer fish.

Along the way, the sight of mud skippers made my jaw drop. my friends and I were exclaiming, “Wow! So big!” Since primary 3, we ha been studying mangroves swamps and thus never failed to across pictures of mud skippers in the textbooks and on websites. However, the mud skippers in Sungei Buloh were as long as my hand. I always thought that they were tiny, miserable and disgusting, but to have a face to face encounter gave me a different amazed view: ‘What a beauty!’ (Adapted from Steven Irwin)

As we continued treking through the wonder filled mangrove swamp, we spotted a jellyfish swimming under us. We were shocked to find one in a mangrove swamp. We were also fortunate to spot crabs climbing trees. These tree crabs climbed trees to escape from the rising tide and predators that are brought in with the tide. Every corner lurked surprises and my tongue kept rolling with questions and words of wonderment. I never thought that a mangrove swamp could be any interesting, it was really enriching! Once, we licked some leaves and realised that they were salty. I felt accomplished to have seen what i had learnt about transpiration in Biology for real – trees take in sea water and the salt is left behind on the surface of the leaves.

However, time was not on our side. i did not feel like returning to our starting point. There was still so many undiscovered wildlife and memorable adventures in there!

Nevertheless, i brought home a couple of lessons from my trip to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve. Firstly, i learnt to appreciate wildlife, no matter how freaky, and uncomfortable the environment might be. My initial idea of a mangrove swamp was a apathetic one. I could not care less about life in the mud. However, i have seen the vibrant nature and diverse creatures, causing me to think twice about degrading such biological environments. Secondly, i have learnt to be responsible about my actions. Throughout my journey, i never failed to come across ‘Do Not Litter’ signs all around. How true it is! I learnt that its chemicals are very destructive and poisonous to such feeble creatures. Furthermore, many of these man-made rubbish are non-biodegradable, meaning to say that they would be there forever!

My journey to Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve was definately a pleasant and an enriching one! I look forward to more of such field trips in the near future!

Since technology had advanced, many spent less time on ink and paper. The computer especially, was a great influence, it required Man to just keep clicking and typing with their fingers with so much ease. Diaries, memos, to-do-lists were alien very quickly as all these were done straight away in the computer. However, there is an irony that affects everyone, and that is the Internet. Having a diary in a form of a blog was opened to the whole world to be read, even without the author knowing. Due to this, diaries lost their substance and value. Personally, i feel that Blogs (Internet Diaries) are fine and necessary if the owner uses it courteously.

Firstly, blogs are mediums whereby one can convey his present condition. In the past, one had to send a letter or make a call to another so as to communicate. However with a blog, the owner types a message and publishes it on his blog-page. Anyone who comes by would know more about the owner. Parents no longer have to send emails asking about their son’s situation. All they is required is going on the their son’s blog and reading whatever he has published in his ‘diary’. This is better than e-mails as emails are not always successful in reaching the desired recipient as Internet-traffic jams to occur. Even among friends, going to each other’s blog would give updated information about their day’s activities, feelings, favourite songs and pictures, wishes etc, creating a greater understanding among friends and social groups. Thus i feel that blogs and necessory.

Furthermore, blogs are sites that provide educational information, and lastest news in the world. In a documentary show on the 9/11 World-Trade Centre Terrorist attack, blogs were the first media to present that astounding news to the world. People who worked and lived in the area and witnessed the incident took pictures and videos with their cameras, uploaded them and published them in their blogs. People around the world browsing through blogs were the among the first few outside America to be aware of the attack. Surprisingly, the media in America was slower to report the news, as compared to bloggers. In addition, students around the would also browse blogs, especially the educational blogs to supplement and enrich their knowledge of a particular subject. Even in schools, teachers set up subject blogs where students are able to download notes and worksheets, and class blogs where class news and important announcements are published. Therefore, i feel that blogs are necessary and important.

In contrast, blogs could become gossip corners and sites for renting one’s hatred to someone, an organization, or even the government. The conventional diary was sometimes used by its owner to rant and rave, yet it was fine as it was kept a secret. However, now with a ‘public’ diary, owners take advantage of it and gossip and curse about a person and situation. Even if the author is wrong or bias, his blog might influence others to think the same way as he did, killing a mockingbird. Such misuse could have grave consequences to the victim. If the victim reads it, he might feel depressed as many had already read about it and might have been influenced to think alike. In multi-racial Singapore, two youths were jailed for publishing racist comments on their blogs against an indian university student, not knowing that a policeman came across their blogs are thus caught them. Thus, i feel that blogs could become a breeding place for hatred if it is misused. i feel that is is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that his blog is courteous in all manner.

In conclusion. blogs are really a necessity in the present world. However, everyone must be very cautious and remember that his blog would be opened to the world to view. Therefore, his words and thoughts must chosen with discretion so as to serve blog’s true purpose.

Freedom

His room was painted dark blue, the ceiling had ‘glow in the dark’ stars pasted on. It gave the tranquility and the peace outer space had to offer. His glass cupboard stood in the corner of the room. There were no books, no clothes, nothing in it, but a single figurine of Buzz Lightyear. Tryphosa ambled towards the glass cupboard and cautiously yet gently carried Buzz Lightyear in his hands. He embraced Buzz Lightyear tightly, as if it was his only hope for survival. His heart was filled with the jubilation and exuberance of a carefree life, like an eagle soaring in the heavens. What a regal assurance! 

Tryphosa’ father, Damascus, strode into the room, hoping that Tryphosa would be more confident to go out for a walk this time. Damascus stood stupefied by the scene. 

“Tryphosa, let’s go out for a stroll! The sun is out, the birds are chirping merrily, the trees are swaying in the wind. Ain’t it just the perfect day for a walk?” Damascus pleaded. 

Tryphosa was startled by his interruption. He peered out of the window. Everything looked just too familiar, exactly like what Buzz Lightyear and he had been through the other day. Behind those trees were the Martians hiding, ready to pounce like ravenous lions on anyone who passed by. Somewhere on that path laid mines, the clouds were the the aliens’ disguised headquarters…. Tryphosa felt terribly threatened.  

“I’d rather stay here with Buzz Lightyear, he’ll protect me, I know it!’ Tryphosa proclaimed. 

Damascus face was creased with sorrow. Murmuring a prayer, he took out a crumpled, tattered piece of paper from his pants pocket. He pondered for a moment, scribbled a word and left Tryphosa alone. 

Tryphosa read that word, paused, and allowed his mind to roam off into space and beyond. As Tryphosa and Buzz Lightyear wandered on the undulating Uranus ground, Tryphosa seemed to hear a faint voice. Assuming it was Buzz Lightyear, Tryphosa listened intently, anticipating any precious, motivating words from him. Instead, Buzz Lightyear explained that he had an everlasting mission – to protect Earth from Martians and the aliens of Pluto. Buzz Lightyear had no freedom, unlike Tryphosa who had the opportunity to bolt out and skip around ecstatically, having no doubt and fear of his safety. 

Tryphosa read that word once again. He had two choices at hand – The freedom a child had on earth of the freedom Buzz Lightyear offered. Tryphosa was a bird, locked in a cage, a wild horse galloping endlessly in the vast meadow. Tryphosa was certain; he hurried down to where Damascus was with the paper in his hand. He drew out a heart, with the word embedded in it, and showed it to Damascus. The creases on Damascus forehead deepened and he furrowed his eyebrows.  

“My FREEDOM is in my Soul!” Tryphosa gloated. 

Tryphosa turned to Buzz Lightyear and declared,

“I chose you Buzz! You are my Freedom!”

Tryphosa returned to his room, feeling accomplished and ready for yet another exhilarating adventure with Buzz Lightyear. Unfortunately, Damascus interrupted Tryphosa again, this time with the same plea, but with an extra phrase at the end.

“… with Buzz!”

Tryphosa gave a little squint, as if contemplating within for an answer. Then with an unexpected joyous glee, he nodded.

“Yes! He’ll protect us!” Tryphosa exclaimed.

Freedom unlocked the cage; Tryphosa is a bird that has just flown up into the azure blue sky, with Buzz! Freedom tamed her; Tryphosa is a tamed horse galloping endlessly in vast meadow, with Buzz Lightyear! 

<<589 words>>

This fairy tale takes place deep in a forest. Snow White, a gorgeous and  mesmerizing princess, was abandoned by her jealous step-mother to starve and die. Snow White’s step-mother ultimate goal is to be the ‘fairest of all’. However, her magical mirror proves Snow White to be the ‘fairest of all’. Snow White’s step-mother works very hard to succeed, but somehow, there’s always an obstacle in the way.

 After Snow White was abandoned, she finds a seven wonderfully hospitable dwarfs who take her in their cottage. Snow White becomes a mother to the seven dwarfs, showering them with her love. The dwarfs adore her and enjoy Snow White’s presence.

At the same time, Snow White’s wicked step-mother was highly pleased, thinking that the Snow White was devoured by some big bad wolf, and turned to the magic mirror. Her hopes were dashed, for the mirror replied: “The loveliest in the land is still Snow White, who lives in the seven dwarfs’ cottage, down in the forest.” The Step-mother screams in rage and plots to poison Snow White for good.

Snow White is alone in the cottage as the seven dwarfs went out to find firewood. The evil (Evil Villain Irritating Lemon) step-mother disguises herself as a poor widow selling apples. She knocks on the cottage door, Snow White responds. She pities the poor widow and buys an apple. She takes one bite into that red juicy apple, and falls dead.

The seven dwarfs are flabbergasted to find Snow White lying dead. They moan, but to no avail. Snow White was laid in a glass coffin, while the seven dwarfs constantly threw flowers, in respect of love and happiness she brought them. That’s when a handsome fine yound prince, riding on a horse, passes by and falls in love with Snow White. He kisses snow white, breaks the spell, and Snow White comes back to life. They live happily ever after in a castle in another town.

I have learnt that even though one may be hated or envied by others, he should continue helping others and bringing joy to others’ lifes. That one would be rewarded in due time.

The picture I have inserted at the top of this post, is the front cover of the present book I am reading.

This book was a present given to me by Mrs Janet Koh in 2007. It was a reward for my hard-work in Secondary two. I did start reading the first few chapters of that book during the holidays. However, it was difficult to maintain that reading spirit alive when school re-opened. Now, with the ‘vow’ i have taken, i have to find time and discipline myself to sit down, and read it. Presently, I have finished part 1, out of the 3 parts, of the story.

This story takes place in Singapore during the 1950s, just after the Japanese Occupation. The first few Chapters start describe two families – a poor family, and rich family. Silver Frond (15 years old) comes from the poor family, she is being adorned by the public for her beauty. The Man of the rich family is known by the village as The Venerable One. However, the village is overflows with gossips about The Venerable One and his three wives.

As Silver Fond grows up, she starts to open herself to all these gossips. One day, Silver Frond goes to the cemetery alone with a cloth-puppets. She starts to re-act the scenes she had overheard about The Venerable One.

The Venerable One decides to go for a walk in the cemetery. She sees Silver Frond playing and he goes closer to take a look. Behind a rock, The Venerable listens intently and finds Silver Frond play familiar.

Silver Frond gets into trouble, her family receives threats from an unknown person. After some time, things take a turn, instead of threats, they start to receive money, food, clothes, a doll. Silver Frond is puzzled and worried.

That’s the end of part one.

Instead of a review, i shall guess what would happen the the next two parts.

Part 2: Silver Frond goes to the Great House to see The Venerable One. They apologise to each other. A week after, Silver Frond recieves a love letter from The Venerable One. Somehow, The 50 year Venerable One has fallen for Silver Frond. They get persecuted by the public. They do not see each other for weeks.

Part 3: The Venerable One holds a singing contest in the village. Silver Frond participates and wins. The Venerable Ones snatches a word with Silver Frond. The Venerable One says, ‘Love’, ‘Song’, ‘Everyone’. The Venerable One goes  up on stage and announces that the winner of the contest would want to sing a song for the public. Silver Fond realises what The Venerable One wants – ‘Sing a Love Song for Everyone to hear’. Silver Frond quickly put some words together and sings their love song to the tune of ke ren lai. Some in the public hears and get touched.

The village understands. They live happily ever after. The End.

That is how i think the story would end.

I would be focusing on the factors that lead a group towards success, as i want to apply them in my group activities.

 Firstly, there must be appointment of duties and responsibilities to every member of the group. If one were to be the group leader, design manger and writer, he would be very burdened with all those responsibilities and thus, reducing the productivity rate and the quality of the job. I feel that everyone must play a part in an activity. For example, if there is a research to be done on William Shakespeare, one could research on his profile and background, one on his contribution to the society, and the others in charge of the compilation of the materials. In this way, an efficient system is produced, where each member can put his heart into their individual small jobs.

Secondly, there must be understanding and patience in every member. Everyone is bound to make mistakes in one way or another. If the other is not satisfied and flares up, the group has to concentrate on bringing the peace back, rather than completing the assignment. I feel that we should accept the fact that all of us have flaws and learn to be forgiving, rather than spending the whole picking and nagging over someone’s weaknesses. We should divert our criticism to an encouragement or an advice. For example, if one were too submit his unsummarized research to the one who compiles, the compiler should not start a dispute over it, but rather advice the other that summarizing it would make life easier for him.

 Thirdly, there must be a spirit of diligence and perseverance towards our assignments. I feel that this point is quite straight forward – everyone must put in their whole effort into their roles. Slip-shot work never wins. If a group can even do well in small assignments, what for talk about success?

What can i do as a member? As a member, i can … (I shall quote Katrina Costa)….

Concentrate 10% on lack of communication…
And 90% in being PART OF ESTABLISHING IT.

I would say that i was quite upset when i saw 3-D’s class list last year. None of my Secondary2-E’s friends were there. Nevertheless, i still did recognize a few of them from my CCA. I expected my life in Class 3-D to be quite monotonous. However, or i would say, fortunately, my first ‘thesis statement’ was proved wrong.

Making friends was not a problem for me as all of them were surprising bubbly and cheerful. I did not have to make a tedious effort to talk to any classmate. Somehow i would say, it was a perfect fit. Having Godwin and Germaine as our class’ chairperson/vice-chairperson was a brilliant combination. Godwin, as a person talented in art and music, is filled with creativity in his works. Germaine is really ‘gifted in giving orders’. She has a booming and piercing voice that just shoots into our ears, almost impossible to ignore. Having them as our class’ leaders would bring us together and lead us hopefully to ‘The Most Creative Class’ award this year.

One thing that has changed a great deal, as compared to last year, is my schedule. If i could just scream, i would do so now! I have not a single day in the week in which I’m free. Choir takes up three days, Art elective programme 2 and Student council 1. That leaves Sunday free. I am feeling both physically and mentally drained. Frankly speaking, i have yet to have my personal leisure time this year. I have not found time for it yet. I would not say that homework and tests are causing this hectic schedule, but rather on my part, poor time management. That’s one part of my life i have to improve on.

CCA had been any different for me though. Apart from my new Secondary one juniors, I’ve still been enjoying and exercising my passion for singing.

I guess my attitude in these four weeks and the remaining terms in 2008 are summarized as:

Perservance

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