E.L.I.T.E.

What is the definition of an elite? Who is an elite? Does going to an elite school automatically makes me an elite? How do you define an elite school anyway?

This is but a label put upon you. Sometimes I feel it's a label I rather not have, but at times I'm happy to have that.

But it always makes me uneasy to be called an elite. There seems to be so many connotations that comes with this label, bad and good, but seems to be mostly bad. Other than not wanting to be associated with the negative traits, I do not feel that I'm good (ie smart or successful) enough to be an elite too.

The ST article last Saturday does more or less resonate for an ex-Rafflesian like myself. Tho I'm only a third Rafflesian (only been to RJ rather than those who are on the Raffles family from Primary to JC), I think the issues in question are applicable to anyone who is lucky enough to be in good schools their whole life. mixing with friends from respectable and mostly loving /supporting families with a great learning environment. Can be someone from HCJC, VJC, TJC, NJC and come from the top 10 or 20 sec schs. It's no doubt the school environment and the people you hang out with shape who you are and how you think and view the world.

I think my first jolt to reality came when, at a inter-school leadership camp, where prefects from my sch (DHS) have combined camps with prefects from other, what they call neighbourhood schools. As we discuss the kind of disciplinary problems we have to deal with and help each other out on how best we can deal with them, you realise how insignificant your problems of catching ppl who have their shirts tucked too far out and wearing ankle socks are, compared to those who deal with students who smoke and steal and fight. You do not face them and you just can't understand. You come from a loving family, and so do most of your friends. You do not have to worry about monetary issues and do not have to work during holidays to make sure you have something to eat at recess when sch starts. You just have to study hard and be a good student. That's your job.

I'm as un-Rafflesian as one can be. I like Mandarin, I'm not good in English. I join the Chinese Orchestra, I study weird subject combinations (more than half of RJC students are in triple science). Many are rather surprised at my decision to chose RJC. And why did I choose RJC? Because I want to study Japanese at A Level (and that's the only place in Singapore that offers it), I want to improve my English, I think I will benefit from a different kind of environment.

Anyway, being Rafflesian or not is also a kind of stereotype isn't it? In the end I still made good friends whom I can clique with, more or less enjoyed my time at the school and come out with better command of English and understanding of what the "elites" are like.

It's so sad to be shedding tears just because you do not get 4 As or 5 As at A levels, relentlessly pursue excellence in every single way possible (be a leader, serve the max no of comm service possible, represent the sch in every competition possible) and not stop to experience what life is about, or think about what life is like for "commoners" out there.

In a way, my choice of profession is already very "un-Rafflesian" as my brother puts it. Most Rafflessians eventually end up as doctors and lawyers and bankers and be top civil servants, earning big money, and I'm but a poor (literally) journalist. They easily earn at least 30% to several times more than what I'm earning right now.

But then, I'm not quite "Rafflesian" to begin with.

Labels. They are never ending.

it's another great day out with the girls today. nv fails to be energy and/or events filled. there was no USS or roller coaster like we envisioned it to be, but there was still trusty Sentosa and a fulfilling meal.

but then, it was the results of the random decision to do a personality test among all on the grp that amazes me. and so did the discussion over supper after.

we can be so different, and yet so complimentary. there is always a place for u in this world, a way you can contribute.

let the powers combine.