An ex-classmate...

Last year, we had a classmate who is not here now with us year to share our joy and happiness. His name is Lin Xin Cheng, and he was just like one of us in the beginning of the year, except doing a little bit worse than average. He was normal, no matter from what perspective you see him from. However, around midway through term two, one of our classmates introduced him to the extremely popular game which most of us play, DotA. At first, he was only slightly amused by the game. But shortly after, he started playing it. From a few games a day to a few hours. His results, of course, suffered a tremendous impact. In fact, he would not do his homework just to play DotA which resulted in him getting reprimanded by the teacher the next day. This continued on and on, until our form teacher, Mdm Lim, talked to him and counselled him. Only did she realise that Xin Cheng's results suffered due to his computer addiction. Apart from having his results deteriorating, Xin Cheng was so into his world of DotA that he even acted as one of the characters. For example, he would, at a random point of time, say,"I cast you a sleep spell!" At first, I thought he was just trying to be funny, but after some time, I realised that he was clearly addicted to DotA and that he really needed some help. I began talking to him, treating him as a friend. Most of my classmates treated him like a retard and continuously poked fun at him. I tried several times to get them to stop, but they would not heed me. In the end, Xin Cheng became extremely marginalised, with only a few true friends like Shao Xuan, Hao Yu and me. Finally, at the end of July, he decided to give up secondary one and repeat it this year. I feel that our classmates should not have made fun of him last year. Instead, we should have all encouraged him to quit his gaming and focus on his schoolwork. Making fun of him was wrong, but everyone loved it. This was an act of prejudice by my class last year, one which should have been stopped before consequences became too dire...

Paradise Resort

*The sky is azul blue, with fluffy cirrus clouds levitating above the islands. The sea is calm and crystal clear, as if a symbol of paradise. The coconut trees like guardians, loomed over the island, watching over the people enjoying the time of their lives there. There is a small boat floating on the peaceful sea, together with two people snorkeling and looking at the diversity of corals and marine life underwater. Soft powdery sand covered the island, which was decorated by huts and cottages. There was also a pathway lined by a fence at the shore, which links to the other side of the island. There were several people walking on the path, admiring the view of the heavenly island. Some others were strolling on the sand, experiencing the beauty of nature and the sea breeze. These are the pure enjoyments and relaxations the people on Paradise Resort enjoy.*

Never take things at face value...3

http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/2728059

Never take things at face value...2

http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/2727741

Never take things at face value...1

http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/2727593

Aunt Alexandra

~Aunt Alexandra~

Once an hour-glass figure,

Pinched in the waist, flared in the rear,

Always wearing protective garments.

Strict and stern

Expecting good discipline,

Reprimanding Jem and me always

For being disrespectful.

Like a hand in a glove,

She fitted into society,

But never into Jem’s nor mine,

Maintaining discilpine was all she concerned.

Atticus’ dear sister,

A rule to respect her was passed,

By her ever faithful brother.

Clickety clickety click,

Knitting was her pasttime,

Day or night,

When she wasn’t scolding us…

Prejudice

Know: Prejudice is a form of bias, an act of giving someone or something better treatment than that given to another of the same rank, standard or power. Prejudice is often formed when a person has a bad opinion or impression of the other person, thus giving him worse treatment and benefits. Prejudice is often based on quick but usually wrong judgments. There are many reasons for prejudice. Past year experiences, looks and maybe the person's habits or action might affect how people treat him or her.

What: I want to learn more about how prejudice affected the people in the past and maybe how it will in the future.