Looking at my number of posts dwindle over the years, I realise that I've outgrown this whole blogging thing. Who does that now with other forms of social media like instagram, twitter and facebook? Pretty much everything has become an open book and I find myself having less stamina to read lengthy posts, much less type one. But still, I feel that I need a space for this.
I guess at this point, the world pretty much wants to just move on to 2017. The list of notable people who passed away this year is just, overwhelming. I've also been saddened by the deaths of people I knew - someone I used to know, someone from work, and someone's loved ones.
This year, I worried a lot. How life would be living in NZ, my work visa, job, finance, family, friends, relationships. I worried most about my dad, his health, his operation. But I'm glad things went well and I was able to take him on a holiday to Taiwan and HK.
Moving to NZ was the biggest thing for me this year. I got homesick, I cried, I missed my family and friends. But I was able to cope with that, thanks to the boyfriend and his parents, and the support I have from those back home. Without technology and social media, keeping the connection would have been limited to snail mail and expensive overseas phone calls. But I still get so so happy and touched each time I receive a snail mail. Thank you Clara for sending me the most cards and Shari for sending me a christmas parcel that came with a very expensive postage!
And those who took the time to whatsapp me, your messages are so precious. My students who still wish me on teachers day and my birthday, and when the Christchurch earthquake happened, messages of concern from friends and... Miss Chong!? That was totally unexpected. It takes so little to make an overseas Singaporean feel warm and fuzzy inside. Although Auckland is pretty safe from natural disasters, I was touched beyond words.
This year, I became both a student and a teacher. A month of crazy CELTA, then becoming an ESOL teacher. And while I'm still learning how to drive, my instructor says I should be able to take my mock test soon, so yay! Fingers crossed that I'll pass my driving test soon so that I can finally drive my own car.
This year, I started playing masak-masak and experimenting with recipes. Poor Sean ends up being the guinea pig but thankfully, he has been mostly encouraging and approving. Haha.
This year, I turned 30. The inner child in me still thrives on and wants to take on life's adventures. But at the same time, I see other kids my age expecting their own kids. How exciting!
Now 2017, don't make us wait already. Things are only going to get better.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Sunday, May 29, 2016
CELTA checked!
I've been really busy with CELTA (Certification in English Language Teaching to Adults) this month and it feels really strange to unwind from the intensity of this course now.
It was great that our tutors suggested lunch on our last day as we were usually too busy to have lunch together. The only times we went out was to grab some coffee during our longer breaks after our morning lesson observation.
We all gave each other a goodbye hug, knowing that we did our best and struggled through together. Although everyone will be going to different countries after this, i'm sure we'll all take away lots of stuff from this course.
My classmates have been really nice and supportive during the course. i remember freaking out before my TP (teaching practice), taking in deep breaths and going over my lesson plan. But my classmates were always encouraging, giving me a pat on the back and wishing me luck for my TP. When i felt like i did badly, they assured me and always had positive things to say. Being the only one with a teaching background, i should have been less worried but assessment puts me into the pressure cooker. Heh.
Spending weekends on assignments, sleeping 4 hours on weekdays, drinking 2-3 cups of coffee every day, struggling to stay awake during dinner and doing lesson planning on my 1 hour bus ride to school... I don't know how i was able to do this crazy routine but funnily, i'm starting to miss my 'productivity'. For once, after a long time, i'm able to sleep in on a monday but a part of me secretly wants to be a student again.
And... i gotta thank the boyfriend for being so accommodating in getting up earlier to send me to the bus stop and detouring after work to pick me from school. You've been a mega support!
And... i gotta thank the boyfriend for being so accommodating in getting up earlier to send me to the bus stop and detouring after work to pick me from school. You've been a mega support!
Friday, April 1, 2016
Moving to NZ: The Prelude
I've been living in NZ for almost 2 months now and loving every bit of it. But somehow, it still feels rather surreal that i'm actually here.
In fact, it's my first experience living overseas. i've never been on any exchange programme or overseas work attachment. A bit sad that i only get to experience this when i'm approaching my big 3. Gulps.
The plan to move here was something that i had prepared myself for to end the pain of our long distance relationship. Haha. And i started rolling out the plan in different stages over a 6-month period (because i really only have the school holidays to do my own stuff).
During my last trip to NZ, i brought along extra cash to put with the bank and i set up an account with ASB. They have the option of opening an account from overseas and activating it on arrival but i really prefer to just do it in person in advance. The process was quick and fuss-free.
NZ has many visas so it's essential to do some research beforehand, knowing your purpose of coming to NZ (eg. work or holiday) and eligibility. The costs vary quite a bit for different visas and you can't apply for a work visa unless you have a job offer. i went down to the immigration office to enquire about the partnership visa and got my forms. There were separate forms for Sean and i to fill in, which had to be submitted together with other documents.
Form-filling was quite straight forward but it was the gathering of documents that gave me a headache.
Photographs attached must not be more than 6 months old. Which meant that i couldn't use the ones i took for my passport renewal.
Certified true copy of passport. i had to photocopy and approach a Justice of Peace to countersign. For convenience, i looked up the list of JPs and contacted the one whose address was the closest to mine. Haha.
Medical record. VFS has a list of panel doctors on their website (all of which are very expensive!) and i booked an appointment with Fullerton Healthcare. i remember having to wait for an hour just to see the doctor and the clinic was super packed. After my general checkup, i had to do an x-ray at Radlink Diagnostic Imaging. After the results were out, the clinic notified me and did an e-record submission on my behalf.
Certificate of clearance. For this, i had to fill up a form with a certified true copy of my passport and submit in person at the Police Cantonment Complex. Processing fee was $55 and although they said that processing time is 10 working days, i had mine done in a few days and made a second trip to collect my COC.
Other relevant supporting documents. As i had applied for a partners visa, i had to submit evidence to prove that we are "in a stable and genuine relationship". On top of that, i had to provide a handwritten statement to outline our relationship status.
Bank statement. To prove that i can financially support myself during my stay here.
The counter staff only briefly checked my documents and collected payment. An immigration officer then got back to me about my visa status and did a very detailed explanation when i posed my questions. When everything was settled, i went down to collect my passport. The entire processing time took less than 21 days.
That left me with just buying my air ticket and packing my luggage which i procrastinated quite a bit hehe.
I came up with a list of items that to bring over. i bought essential supplies from sephora and innisfree which would last me for the year, and those amazing daiso vacuum ziplock bags.
My only issue was clothes as i wanted to bring all my favourites. The boyfriend had helped to bring some of my stuff back when he came to Singapore in December. i ended up not bringing a lot because he said i can always shop here. Which i did!
That's really everything that i brought. The clear folder containing liquids went into my handcarry along with other documents and my laptop. My checked in luggage only weighed 23 kg (i had a limit of 30 kg).
On a side note, i realised i'm quite OCD when it comes to packing.
In fact, it's my first experience living overseas. i've never been on any exchange programme or overseas work attachment. A bit sad that i only get to experience this when i'm approaching my big 3. Gulps.
The plan to move here was something that i had prepared myself for to end the pain of our long distance relationship. Haha. And i started rolling out the plan in different stages over a 6-month period (because i really only have the school holidays to do my own stuff).
1) Setting up a local bank account
During my last trip to NZ, i brought along extra cash to put with the bank and i set up an account with ASB. They have the option of opening an account from overseas and activating it on arrival but i really prefer to just do it in person in advance. The process was quick and fuss-free.
2) Getting the right forms
NZ has many visas so it's essential to do some research beforehand, knowing your purpose of coming to NZ (eg. work or holiday) and eligibility. The costs vary quite a bit for different visas and you can't apply for a work visa unless you have a job offer. i went down to the immigration office to enquire about the partnership visa and got my forms. There were separate forms for Sean and i to fill in, which had to be submitted together with other documents.
Form-filling was quite straight forward but it was the gathering of documents that gave me a headache.
3) Getting the documents ready
Photographs attached must not be more than 6 months old. Which meant that i couldn't use the ones i took for my passport renewal.
Certified true copy of passport. i had to photocopy and approach a Justice of Peace to countersign. For convenience, i looked up the list of JPs and contacted the one whose address was the closest to mine. Haha.
Medical record. VFS has a list of panel doctors on their website (all of which are very expensive!) and i booked an appointment with Fullerton Healthcare. i remember having to wait for an hour just to see the doctor and the clinic was super packed. After my general checkup, i had to do an x-ray at Radlink Diagnostic Imaging. After the results were out, the clinic notified me and did an e-record submission on my behalf.
Certificate of clearance. For this, i had to fill up a form with a certified true copy of my passport and submit in person at the Police Cantonment Complex. Processing fee was $55 and although they said that processing time is 10 working days, i had mine done in a few days and made a second trip to collect my COC.
Other relevant supporting documents. As i had applied for a partners visa, i had to submit evidence to prove that we are "in a stable and genuine relationship". On top of that, i had to provide a handwritten statement to outline our relationship status.
Bank statement. To prove that i can financially support myself during my stay here.
4) Submission of application at VFS
The counter staff only briefly checked my documents and collected payment. An immigration officer then got back to me about my visa status and did a very detailed explanation when i posed my questions. When everything was settled, i went down to collect my passport. The entire processing time took less than 21 days.
That left me with just buying my air ticket and packing my luggage which i procrastinated quite a bit hehe.
5) Packing
I came up with a list of items that to bring over. i bought essential supplies from sephora and innisfree which would last me for the year, and those amazing daiso vacuum ziplock bags.
My only issue was clothes as i wanted to bring all my favourites. The boyfriend had helped to bring some of my stuff back when he came to Singapore in December. i ended up not bringing a lot because he said i can always shop here. Which i did!
That's really everything that i brought. The clear folder containing liquids went into my handcarry along with other documents and my laptop. My checked in luggage only weighed 23 kg (i had a limit of 30 kg).
On a side note, i realised i'm quite OCD when it comes to packing.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Post Teacherhood
Recently, the boyfriend asked why i haven't blogged and well, i really have no excuse except for plain laziness. And seeing that my last entry was in October 2015, i figured that there's just too much to fill in.
But if i were to sum up my status quo in a few words...
I didn't intend to sound happy being jobless by the way but i AM happy being in NZ. i'm actually starting my CELTA course in May which i'm quite excited about. Professional development, as my interviewer put it hehe.
Anyway. What prompted me to come back to this space was also due to a random dream i had today. It was so vivid that i told Sean about it when i woke up. Strangely, ever since i'd left my job, i've had a couple of dreams as a teacher in my previous school.
And my joker friends would say, "You miss teaching."
Now... DO I ACTUALLY MISS TEACHING?
Just last week, PB was out. Performance bonus rewards teachers who have shown that they have done well. Simply put, teachers who are in higher profile (for the right reasons of course). What happens to their comrades who are equally, if not more passionate and committed to their students' learning? But only because they aren't spearheading big projects and making their presence more 'visible'. i have seen good teachers quietly doing their part, caring for students and teaching their best, but not getting 'recognised' for their efforts. It is only natural to feel discouraged. But they stay on, nonetheless. i don't dispute the good intention behind this grading system but like any system, it remains flawed.
But if you are a 'true' teacher, you shouldn't be motivated by monetary rewards what!
Personally, i think it's more of the recognition that is attached to the grade we get. Saying "well done" is easy and you can say without truly meaning what you say. What i'm saying is there needs to be something intangible that satiates a teacher after a year of madness.
In the past 4 years as a teacher, my health deteriorated, mostly due to stress, lack of sleep and irregular meals. These are not problems that are only specific to teachers of course. But we work outside school hours, a lot. Marking, preparing lessons, responding to parents, counselling students. Even though we set boundaries on a cut-off time, we can't simply ignore a concerned parent or a student in need.
I have sacrificed a lot of social life as well, more often than not, not out of choice. On weekdays, i'm too tired to go out after a long day, especially when i've work to bring home. But i set aside friday nights and saturdays for meetups. School week begins on sunday for me, when i stay home to get things done for the week and on weekends when i have to set papers, sorry not free. Essays to mark? You can find me at a cafe and see me mark. Haha. To be fair, not every teacher's life is like mine. i cannot imagine how my ex-colleagues cope with being daddies and mummies at home. But there are also those who choose to do the minimal.
Apart from common workplace complaints and students on their bad days, i actually like teaching. My teaching beliefs are governed by two simple things: to pass on the love for literature and to be a positive influence in my students' lives. i've had teachers who changed my life and i do believe that teachers are vessels of influence.
While my teacherhood has 'officially' ended, i do miss ACTUAL teaching. Not the dreaded admin stuff that comes with being a teacher. And i miss my students. i'm also really thankful to have good colleagues who supported me and became my good friends.
Cliche as it sounds, teaching has helped me grow as a person. It has given me memories and an invaluable sense of accomplishment (not in being a good teacher but in being able to do at least some good to the students).
I really appreciate my ex-students who met up with me before i left for NZ and these sweet kiddos above who sent me off at the airport.
Given a choice, i would still be a teacher all over again. At least, at this point of my life :)
But if i were to sum up my status quo in a few words...
I'M JOBLESS AND LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND!
I didn't intend to sound happy being jobless by the way but i AM happy being in NZ. i'm actually starting my CELTA course in May which i'm quite excited about. Professional development, as my interviewer put it hehe.
Anyway. What prompted me to come back to this space was also due to a random dream i had today. It was so vivid that i told Sean about it when i woke up. Strangely, ever since i'd left my job, i've had a couple of dreams as a teacher in my previous school.
And my joker friends would say, "You miss teaching."
Now... DO I ACTUALLY MISS TEACHING?
Just last week, PB was out. Performance bonus rewards teachers who have shown that they have done well. Simply put, teachers who are in higher profile (for the right reasons of course). What happens to their comrades who are equally, if not more passionate and committed to their students' learning? But only because they aren't spearheading big projects and making their presence more 'visible'. i have seen good teachers quietly doing their part, caring for students and teaching their best, but not getting 'recognised' for their efforts. It is only natural to feel discouraged. But they stay on, nonetheless. i don't dispute the good intention behind this grading system but like any system, it remains flawed.
But if you are a 'true' teacher, you shouldn't be motivated by monetary rewards what!
Personally, i think it's more of the recognition that is attached to the grade we get. Saying "well done" is easy and you can say without truly meaning what you say. What i'm saying is there needs to be something intangible that satiates a teacher after a year of madness.
In the past 4 years as a teacher, my health deteriorated, mostly due to stress, lack of sleep and irregular meals. These are not problems that are only specific to teachers of course. But we work outside school hours, a lot. Marking, preparing lessons, responding to parents, counselling students. Even though we set boundaries on a cut-off time, we can't simply ignore a concerned parent or a student in need.
I have sacrificed a lot of social life as well, more often than not, not out of choice. On weekdays, i'm too tired to go out after a long day, especially when i've work to bring home. But i set aside friday nights and saturdays for meetups. School week begins on sunday for me, when i stay home to get things done for the week and on weekends when i have to set papers, sorry not free. Essays to mark? You can find me at a cafe and see me mark. Haha. To be fair, not every teacher's life is like mine. i cannot imagine how my ex-colleagues cope with being daddies and mummies at home. But there are also those who choose to do the minimal.
Apart from common workplace complaints and students on their bad days, i actually like teaching. My teaching beliefs are governed by two simple things: to pass on the love for literature and to be a positive influence in my students' lives. i've had teachers who changed my life and i do believe that teachers are vessels of influence.
While my teacherhood has 'officially' ended, i do miss ACTUAL teaching. Not the dreaded admin stuff that comes with being a teacher. And i miss my students. i'm also really thankful to have good colleagues who supported me and became my good friends.
Cliche as it sounds, teaching has helped me grow as a person. It has given me memories and an invaluable sense of accomplishment (not in being a good teacher but in being able to do at least some good to the students).
Given a choice, i would still be a teacher all over again. At least, at this point of my life :)