Just a simple guy flying somewhere away Who will follow me?
weibin_85@hotmail.com
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Repost
Alrite guys, this is what went unpublished - The post that was created halfway and then was of no more. Should have been up a couple of weeks back, considering the following text is somewhat of 'history'. Nevertheless, I've decided to retype and repost. Thanks to advanced technology. New post comin' up. Meanwhile, here it is. The original excerpt:
Closing This Memory Down - Issue 1: A Road to Single Mindedness [NC 16]
We are spoilt for choices these days. Even as I contemplate to pen down my next entry, many topics come to mind and the so many subjects I would elaborate on overwhelm me. Of these, I've come to pick the 4 that I would think sum up 2005 rather neatly:
a) Season Dilemmas b) Random Thoughts from a Consultation Room c) 2005 Top Charts! d) And then I Found Peace
So in 4 'issues', I'd present to you a look back at 2005. All would be rather long posts, so I suggest you hold your breath and devour everything if you so please, either that or come back from time to time to check-it-out; and tag!
And yes, I'd like to start off with a thank you to all who taught me a lesson or 2 on encouragement and love. Print out this page in exchange for a free big hug. Kisses and cuddles for girls only.
Well, common sense probably does give one some clues as to what lies beneath these titles. But here, let me present to you the first of 4...
Season dilemmas - As this Christmas season approaches, calling for a conclusion, coupled with a big celebration to all things 2005, I am once again at a crossroad, junction, dilemma, or whatever you call anything that makes your head go round and round and still you find yourself in one circle. It's that kind of thing that tells you to choose this, but no, that would be better; but then again, this is already, has been already.
First off, UWA (University of Western Australia, Perth) has, finally replied - a letter of offer! When I first read it off the internet, the feeling (There he goes again, feelings) was delicious! Come on man! It was afterall my dream university! First choice! Was. Was.Was... Ok, is. I'm working hard on that, Having already accepted UNSW after much struggle, applied for accomodation, paid the deposit, it becomes this sour sweet feeling now that UWA offers a place. I've travelled far and wide, searching for an answer to make an end to this. Here's what I got: " Which is your dream university? Right! Then you should go to UWA!"; "I donno leh...both can graduate with MBBS right? Then go to the one you like lah!"; "Stop being so po po ma ma, be a man! Stick with UNSW since you've already accepted it!"; "Why UWA!!!?? What's so good? UNSW's reputation is better!"; "Lets see...pros and cons, have you weight them...?" Alright folks, believe me, I've done that a thousand times. Here's my point of view. Less I have to repeat this story again everytime I ask for an opinion from my bestest friends, how about an excerpt from 'Medical Dilemmas'?
Reported by Jessica Charliez Jolie [J] Great doctor wannabe Weilbur Biker Notts [W]
J: So, what made you accept UNSW's offer when you knew you'd much rather prefer UWA? W: (chuckles) Well, there were a few facotrs. For one, the army requires one to submit the form for diruption (The actual day I complete NS, aka ORD date is in Mar '06, but because term in UNSW starts in Feb '06, I'd have to 'disrupt' and then serve the remaining one month during or after I've got the MBBS) 3 months before the intended date of disruption. Because UNSW replied early in Nov and I was told that UWA would only do so in Dec, I felt inclined to accept UNSW. Also, I was afraid that if I held on to the offer from UNSW too long while waiting for UWA's reply, UNSW would withdraw their offer and UWA would only reply with a 'sorry no entry'. And all would be lost. Of this, I did call the agent for advice. Well, he told me UWA's generally slower and is harder to get in (I wished I knew why) - so I shouldn't hesitate to take up UNSW's offer. Then was a major factor - my parents and most people I know. The discussions. Convenience? Sydney. Assurance? UNSW. Reputation? UNSW. Opening in Singapore in 2007? UNSW. Then? UNSW. As much as I wanted to wait for UWA's reply, I suppose you could understand why I had to lodge the acceptance to the offer from UNSW.
J: (Nods readily) Oh yes yes, I do understand. (Touches Weilbur's hand) What tremendous ordeals! W: (Holding on to Jessica's hand) (Smiles humbly)
J: Now... Why exactly do you prefer UWA? W: Good question. (Letting go of Jessica's hand, noticing her ring finger is without a ring) I would say the reason to this is not exactly very clear to myself as well. It's just this feeling I get when I compare between the universities. The more obvious reasons would of course be the environment. I've been to Perth before and I really like the weater and pace of lifestyle over there, and...
J: Have you been to Sydney before? W: No I haven't, but Perth is...
J: Wouldn't it then be unfair that you compare Perth to Sydney when you haven't been there before? w: (frowning slightly) Yes that would be true... Well you could say that I'm slightly biased, but it's just the impression of city life in Sydney, and as for Perth, I think it's more conducive for study and character development. So....
J: What makes you think that you won't be able to do that in Sydney? Oh well, I mean (noticing W is getting restless), I'm just curious that's all, that you're making up Sydney to be a lousy place. It's just... not right. W: (Long pause) I lnow what you mean, but I'd be alone there for 6 years, and I wouldn't want myself to be influenced by...
J: Then you should switch to UWA! I would even go wherever you would if you take me! (Arupt pause) W: ...
J: (Blushes) I mean, you could be a great doctor wherever..."
Well. I've already called the agent to make the decision.
I've closed UWA's file...
I would feel all bitter about being 'forced' to accept this decision.
I'm living with it. I have to.
But I'm actually feeling quite alright! I'm dealing quite well! In fact, I feel a weight off my chest. I'm feeling glad. There's this sudden rush of relief washing over me. I think I've finally come to terms with this decision. Indeed, I'm amazed at this sudden change of attitude I find in myself as well...
I guess years later when I look upon this chance to go to UWA, the 'what ifs' would definitely come running back. But I think, I could live with that. Now, I'm feeling excited and all geared up to enjoy my life there as a medical student and as a person. I can already almost taste it. 2 more months down the road in Singapore, then I'd be flying away. For a journey of a lifetime.
