Sec Four...

Sec Four life is such a buzz that I could barely get around to tend to my other leisures. Except for the built-up homework capacity and teachers' constant reminder of "what would happen in ten months", more I can feel is the untold pressure that is hidden inside everybody and the slight tenderness that emanates in my class whenever the word "graduation" is uttered. The life grows tougher as the release of Chinese O Level results is just around the corner, everyone's stomach would go through involuntary churning at the thought of the formidable "results". Maybe this kind of tension is one of those things that has to be experienced to be understood.

I remember the time when I got my graduation results in China. Since I had made up my mind to apply for overseas studies, the results to me were literally of very limited importance. While my classmates fought for the rare positions in the best High School in our city, I could take a breath and enjoy the elapse of time as the examination drew near. I was well prepared, though, thanks to my good foundation set in earlier years, I passed my high school admission examission with flying colours and wrestled a position out of many pupils' "dream factory". It was true that till that time I never went through real stress. We struggled against all odds to grasp new knowledge, but that was all for the fun of learning. In this way I lost my only chance to experience the "notorious" intense competition in Chinese education system. And I never regretted for it. What is wrong with learning for fun and getting fun from exploring new areas? Studying is not merely an academic issue, after all. And fortunately, I am one of those "freaks" who get a "life" from learning.

So now the Sec Four life begins and I am among those who can be labelled as "muggers". Daily schedules are set at bedtime and every morning I awake with a fresh mind. It seems a good way to start a year. I feel greatly heartened that my dear mum does not need to worry about me for the time being, though I can sense her slight nervousness every time she is on the phone, for fear of taking me too much time. Her invisible support is one of the driving forces that sustain me to look at the positive side of my life and not to lose heart in the face of challenges. I am greatly indebted to her for this. Tomorrow will be her birthday, here I wish her as young and beautiful as ever, and I will do my best not to disappoint her.

In Sec Four, I also face more Council duties and CCA activities as the preparation for the SYF is a hot topic through and through. This Saturday we have CCA Extravaganza for newcomers and next week we will attend Sec 1 Orientation Camp in which stronger bonds will be built when we all play games and cheer together. In addition, I find mentoring my juniors an "awesome" experience. Seeing them go through what I now take for granted, I can see how much I have grown in my one year's studying here. I can see how tiny buds blossom into impressive florescences as we approach our late teens.

Beyond doubt, 2009 is a crucial year, someone puts it pivotal year regarding to the upcoming O Level ordeal we all have to go through. Again, we will all face difficulties in different forms, but one thing is certain----we will all grow, and we will all improve. Which level of improvement we will achieve lies not in yesterday, not in tomorrow, but in the present. So as the gravity of being a Sec 4er begins to set in, let's all work hard for "what will happen in ten months" and determine "what will happen in ten months".