Skip to main content

LWL #2

Time to reverse 'narcissisim epidemic' (The Sunday Times, January 17 2010)

I cannot agree more with wat LWL wrote in this article. That our young people are plagued with the 'narcissism epidemic' that is fast spreading like cancer; infiltrating into every aspects of their lives.

I see it being so prevalent in today's culture. On the bus, in the train, and even just walking along the streets. The oblivion, our young wear on their faces, towards people or matters that require attention is startlingly painful. How is it that one can still comfortably sit (in the 'reserved' zone in trains) with a preggie woman or elderly in front of him/her and pretend to be sleeping??? Won't their conscience be pricked? This is just 1 of the many examples I can cite.

What exactly is the root of this social problem? Parenting? Education? There is no one main cause if you ask me. Its just many factors culminating into the pattern of living we see in our young today.

But something that was mentioned in the article resonates in my heart i.e. "a nurturing school that not only teaches a child academic subjects but also builds her character, together with caring but firm parents, is the most practical way of reversing the narcissism epidemic."

Having spent a considerably good 1.5 years in a school (prior to NIE), I've experienced and witnessed this epidemic and no doubt, the face of education must change if we want to see a more resilient, civic-conscious, responsible and non-narcissistic generation. I hope I get to see the transformation in my life-time.

How interesting & timely this article came about. Am about to head out for my teaching practicum 2 and then formal posting in 5 months time. I can't help but admit its a sign/direction of the kind of mentality I should adopt when I go about my teaching career. It has always been my belief that character development is key and I'm not there to further push for academic excellence (as it is, there are many teachers who can do that!) but I'll advocate for character building and will take it upon myself to be part of the DART (Disaster & Rescue Team) recovery process to save this generation, whom we claim to be future leaders of this nation.

God Bless Singapore!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Breather

Back from a Sec 3 level camp in JB, Tanjung Piai. Thought I could have the week's off to clear my brain's cache and prepare my lesson plans but alas...I'm down for ODAC camp and sec 4s' oral exam mock practice! When can I have my breather???? Sometimes I wonder whether returning to a familiar place is good for me after all. I'm like on the 'Wanted' list for this committee, that committee, this event, that event etc. Not that I'm popular or high-in-demand, its just that I'm nicely available. I'm not usually mindful of taking on responsibilities. Its just that during these 10 weeks, I reckon is a crucial component of my NIE understudy and I am not wanting to settle for something less in my planning (although i really hate lesson plannings!). But I'm so stretched! I feel like screaming: " GIVE ME MY SPACE!" To say the least, I'm feeling stressed. Most unfortunately, I'm not given the option to say 'No'. Not until I get ...

ACTION 100%

I finally can take a breather and bloggie! I just can't believe that my 2 weeks of the 10weeks practicum have just passed! But of course, its just ACTION this entire week since I started teaching. My gosh....if anyone desires for time to pass quickly JOIN TEACHING! Having not taught for the last 1.5years, getting back to the routine sure took some adjustment. Physically, I crashed by 10pm every night. Last night, 8.45pm! Record set. Just last week I was thinking its ultra boring to just shadow my CTs and not teach....I basically didn't know what I was asking for then. Mornings start with the mad rush of preparing for PE lessons and its just been taxing on my brain! After PE, I feel as though I've ran a marathon. I just slump on my chair and let the cool air from the air-con bring me back to life. When school ends, I just have little energy left to do my own trainings! OH ...btw I cycle to and fro school so....its zero level at the end of the day. Joani said this to me befor...

Divine Connection

Buzz phrase between Ana and me recently. One by one, our peers are walking down the aisle and we both look at each other and we say "How ah??" Frankly, as much as I hate to admit it, I do fear being left on the shelf! Well not that I'm undesirable, but at times I just stop hoping. I know i know...words have power and I should not make negative confessions. I should keep praying and commiting my inner most desires to the One who knows best. Yet I'm only human. And a woman for that matter. Today we met again and we both exclaimed, "Our time not here yet!". Pastor walked in, smiling as usual. "DIVINE CONNECTION. Its not a right. Its a desire" (Pastor, 2009). We'll get there somehow. Meanwhile, continue to wait for this DIVINE CONNECTION.