Mr. Chew, Mr. Kang and I were my best buddies back in secondary school. We went to a neighbourhood school. Mainstream, government-run, average and nothing much to shout about; though I must say few of the teachers from my school were(still are) rather highly sought after tutors in their various specialties. For example, I must say the best Physics teacher in Kluang at this moment of time was from my school. The best and most famous tutor for General Paper is also currently teaching in my school. Needless to say the best Additional Mathematics teacher, also from my school(and my church as well). In my opinion.
Now, what did I wanted to write about again? Okay, so Mr. Chew, Mr. Kang and I got together today thanks to our Hari Raya break. As usual, we had a good time catching up as well as talking about stupid things. Come on, boys will be boys. I don't expect us to talk about how China could break free from Communism, or how to lift off a rocket with 100% solar or renewable energy. Not that these are good or bad, or impossible. I love to spend time talking rubbish with these two people when we can get together once in a while, now that each of us have our own lives to live and studies to handle. However there is a balance. The last thing I want is for the three of us to end up in the police station for talking too loudly in public. Not that it will ever happen. There is a balance to keep, I believe. Between being stupid and being helpful. In the midst of rubbish talk for fellowship's sake, we often make sure we give each other a quick update about our lives, our struggles and problems.
Today we had fun looking back at our days in school together. Recalling names of teachers, schoolmates, classmates, etc. Reminding each other of the stuff we used to do- be it the stuff we enjoyed or otherwise. I remember a lot of rules. Rules were all over our student days. How to wear our uniform, how to keep an acceptable hairstyle, what not to bring to school, and the list just goes on and on. I remember how once Mr. Chew and my cell phones got confiscated since bringing cell phones into the school compound was banned back then. It is still, to my knowledge. I remember the teachers we had who behaved weirdly, those were the ones easily remembered. We remember the good ones as well as the not-so-good ones. And having gained insight and a certain amount of maturity, we now are able to appreciate our teachers accordingly. Yes, I admit there were times I resented a few teachers due to some unpleasant situations, perhaps; but now I understand that certain things did not happen the way I perceived them to. Similarly, a few of the teachers whom I used to dislike (were)are actually people worthy of my respect.
Secondary school- where there were more rules but less worries.
A few of us got together and I realise how much, through a short, two-and-a-half years, we have matured. Cheers to more and more years of maturity. And to our friendship too!
A few of us got together.
