The Long Awaited Return...

Finally, I stepped foot on the front gates of my dream school once again. The place where I have left many pondering why have turned away from my dream. The place that welcomed me warmly despite my abrupt decision to leave several months ago. The place which still gave me that sense of belonging, that auditorium that had me gasped when I saw its sheer size for the first time. The place whose greenery could always be an escapade for momentary relaxation. The place that had me entrenched in its roots, its spirit, its passion, purpose and drive. It is no wonder why for some like myself still believed that once a TJcian, always a TJcian at heart.

I went alone that fine evening and for some selfish reasons, I thought that I could find answers there. I went past the well kept college grounds, the familiar looking corridors, the very pillars that supported the college all these years and of course, before long, those faces I had once recognized smiled from afar and made me feel at home like once it used to be. It was very prominent for me to get the attention from the 'natives', having worn a rather unfamiliar dress code from the rest. But my intention was not to create a buzz back there, it was more of a long awaited return I have longed for, a reunion perhaps. And as it turned out to be, I managed to get what I came for.

It was then I knew, I have just found an answer to all my doubts and disappointments. I felt lifted up, more spirited, rejuvenated as one might say. To be present among those I have not kept in touch with certainly relived my past. And so, I sat down on one of those grey seats, grinning and brimming with pride as I looked around the auditorium, thinking to myself that this place has not changed one bit. It simply brought back fond memories. The event soon began and everyone sat still in attention. To cut short the event details which I intended to use them for a keepsake and memento, I'm just going to share the last part of the whole event. Before the event ended, the audience stood up with heads up high. I too followed suit. But this time, I decided to put in that extra mile. To be once again singing the college anthem restored my wounded spirit, lifted my burdens, rid me of my fears and most importantly, gave me something to be proud of.

I'm proud of my friends who stood by me, who acknowledged my contributions, who would not forsake me. The least I could do was to stand alongside them, acknowledge thier achievements and not forsake them in return. It was here that I realized that truly, I'm still a TJcian at heart even though having spent only 3 months there. All because I believed in the college; 'Passion, Purpose, Drive'.

If you ask me if I have regrets not staying put back then, I would say no. Because the fact that I was back to where I previously belong to, has already broken the chains of regrets that only the chariots of fire fuelled and uplifted my sunken spirit. No longer adrift, because now, I have a direction to go, I know where I want to be, I know who to place my trust in, I know for sure that I'm on the right track, I know victory awaits because only by being steadfast and valiant to duty true, I'm living a life worth living for and therefore I exist for that very purpose. My return to Temasek Junior College has been a fruitful, meaningful and purposeful one. For that, I thank you, my friends. Thank you for giving me the healing, friendship and warmth that I need in these desperate times...

(in chronological order) I hope I did not miss out anyone...
Dedicated to Soo Hui, Xue Ting, Sherlyn, Shahidah, Farha, Hayden, Michelle, Xingling, Hui Yan, Yik Ka, Chuan Li, Hanling, Si Jing, Yan Shan and Ilyana. Not forgetting Florence though you were not present back then because Xingling reminded me about you.

Inspired by "Better Man" by Robbie Williams.