Yes, you need a degree

Society needs university graduates. People need degrees. But not in the way the Singaporean government has made it out to be.

A university education should be about learning. Not blind pragmatism. It's true that school should be about skills for the work place, but the definition of those skills should not be limited to the same narrow field as the occupation.

It has been said that only 10% of what we learn in school is applicable in the work place. University takes up only four of 16 years in a typical JC student's study path. Then wouldn't the government's syllabus for the first 12 years be largely useless? Of course not! It is up to the individual to apply, however, whenever, whatever. Mathematics principles can be used in communication, geography cases in algorithm, history in strategy.

The classification of knowledge was never cast in stone firstly: computer, I.T., maths, physics, sociology, communication for example.

University opens minds. It puts you on the shoulders of giants. It illuminates the dance of ideas between the heads of many. It opens your eyes to see that thing you see every day differently. All before the brains of a typical undergraduate matures.

And for that, those who cannot bother with learning, should not bother with university.

Running and motivation

 

I succumbed. I ran my first 8km (4x2km) in 10 years today. The familiar scents of the rubber track and freshly cut grass juxtaposed with the consciousness I'm no longer running as a student. Through the humdrum of pounding feet, a few thoughts dropped in:

 

1. Without an end, the same task gets dreadful

2. The nearer to the end, the further it looks

3. Focus on the task, the process, the environment, the end, the goal, anything but yourself. Being self-centred gives up hope, and welcomes negativity

4. Breaks, work. But too many breaks pull you back.

5. Know yourself to be able to achieve more.

6. Negotiate and compromise, but never give up hope.

 

I am ready for my first speaking engagement!