OCTOBER 2008 A publication of

www.spprimers.com

Experience It Yourself We Will Wait Our Very First

 SP.PRIMERS EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE 08/09

President’s Office
October08Issue10
Kelly (President)
Sebastian (Vice President) Front Cover: The participants of the
Huey Lee (Treasurer) OSLT to Sri Lanka have benefitted from
much more they can imagine.
Administrations & NYAA Back Cover: A view of the dusk in Sri
Peijin (Admin) Lanka.
Qilin (NYAA) Picture by: Yao Han

Logistics
Jonathan

Programmes 3 the editor writes

Benjamin Blessed are we Singaporeans
>> What can you do in your position?
Publicity
Budiman
4 top story
Cluster Head Planting Hope
Ignatius (A) >> Check out what the trippers have to
Weiqiang (B) say and their thoughts on the recent
Sheng Long (C) Overseas Service Learning Trip to Sri
Lanka.

7 snippets
Ohana! is a publication of
>> Primers Awards 2008
SP.Primers, published every 3
months by the EXCO Publicity >> Food Junction
Department. The opinions and >> Night Cycling
views in this publication are >> Chill Out Chalet
those expressed by the >> Amazing Race
writers and do not reflect the
official views of SP.Primers. All 8 interview
rights reserved. Subject to the
Shining Shan
provisions of the Copyright
>> Turn around and the family will still
Act, 1986, no part of this
publication may in any form
be here.
or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, microcopying, 11 what’s been hot
photocopying, recording or Rough It Out Camp
otherwise) be reproduced or >> PS: It’s not the body that is
transmitted without prior challenged.
written permission from
SP.Primers. Articles of interest
are invited from readers who 13 and we have…
may send them to Poly 50
spprimers@gmail.com. >> When it’s not just about the results.
SP.Primers accepts no
responsibility for the return of
all manuscripts or artwork 15 randommendations
submitted.
 B lessed with a land of political
stability and geographical advantage,
Singaporeans can sleep easy, knowing we
can wake up not worrying for our next meal.
Most of us lead a routine life and as we
pursue our academics, find a job, settle down,
have kids and then pass away, I’m certain
many of us have asked: “Surely there must
be a better way to spend and live life to the
fullest?” Most of the time, the question was
brushed off as soon as it appeared.
When the Sichuan Earthquake and
Cyclone Nargis that hit China and Myanmar
respectively (killing approximately 22,000),
what do you think were on the people’s mind
when they breathed their last on earth?
I guess we need to ask ourselves this,
“What do I hope to be remembered as when
I die?” Are you going to be like another vapor
in the wind that will just pass by and be
forgotten or will you shine and be the light
for someone else?
To inspire you, turn to our top story to
know more about a life changing experience
in Sri Lanka and also an exclusive interview
with one of us to hear real life testimonies.
Stop complaining about which latest
gadgets you do not have or how hot the
weather is. Cheesy as it might sound, but
know that you are in a position to make a
difference. Quit waiting and start now.
 SP.Primers’ second
visit to this tsunami hit
land is to plant 100
trees, impart Basic
English to the children
and engage in cultural
exchange activities.

Prior to the trip, the

team had to go
through a stringent
selection process. They
had to attend trainings
and take part in fund
raising activities just to
name a few.
Starting out
17 students (average age <20) and 3
officers embarked on a journey of service
and self-discovery to a foreign land. After
bidding farewell to their loved ones and the
rest of the Primers family, they departed and
reached their destination in 3hrs. After which
they took a 10hrs bus ride to the relief camp
where they rendered their services.
Life lessons
For one of the pit stops to the relief
camp, the team stopped at a pastor’s house
and had tea while listening to his sharing. He
had been taking care of people around him
by providing potable water. The amazing part
is how he continues to help despite the many
trials he faces. One of the trippers Jingyi
shared, “The villagers actually burnt down
the pastor's old house but he did not give up
in helping those who are in need. Will you be
helping those who burn down your house?
After hearing this, it gave me more passion in
helping the villagers in the relief camp.”
Hostility versus hospitality
Checkpoints were set up by the local
police and the Tamil Tigers along the journey.
The mood was stern and cold as they were
carrying AK47 (a type of rifle) around.
The team reached the village 2hrs late
but the villagers (who were dressed in their
best outfits to welcome the team) were still
very excited. The children actually started
waiting way beforehand and had been
standing for close to 2hr 30mins.
Start cracking
After settling down, the team wasted no
time and proceeded to familiarize
themselves with the landscape and start
work. Many however were worried about
the language barrier
but Jingyi revealed, “I
found out that I’m
able to communicate
with the locals better.
All it takes is a little
effort on our part.”
After 2 days, 33
holes were dug. Bonds
and relationships grew
stronger with the help of things like life
journey sharing and star gazing sessions.
Games – a universal language
One of the team’s service objectives is to
conduct a telematch for the children. They
had a translator to convey the rules to the
non-English speaking children however they
still could not follow. Sharing her thoughts on
this, Jingyi revealed, “In my group, many of
them don't understand English. Some of the
older kids who are able to understand simple
English helped me a lot. When I ask them to
line up, the older girls will help me to
translate it to Tamil to get everyone in line.”

When asked about how she felt about
the whole event, she commented, “If we let
Singapore children join this telematch, they
might not enjoy as much as the children here.
They might complain that it’s boring and turn
on their PSP or DS and start playing.”
Back to school
A visit to a local school was done for the
trippers to learn
more about the
education system
and also to interact
with the school
children.
Back to the relief camp and the trippers
prepared for the second day of the English
lesson. Colorful balloons were given to add
some fun while learning. Asked about some
difficulties encountered, Jingyi replied, “It
was very hard to do noise control because
the moment they see the balloons, they get
very excited and we need to shout to
communicate with them.”
The kids were also given color pencils,
crayons and a paper plate to draw anything
they like on the paper plate. At the end of
the lesson, they were asked to join the
trippers to complete an art project – palm
painting a tree. “When the painting is
completed, I felt really touched as this is
something that we
completed together
with the locals. Even
with the language
barrier between us,
we’re able to
complete it together.”
Jingyi shared.
Children’s day
1 October is when the locals celebrate
Children’s Day (same as Singapore) and the
team had the chance to distribute presents
such as sweets, pencils, biscuits, balloons,
puzzles and jellies. The Sri Lankan kids were
happy and contented in receiving those gifts.
Be inspired!
After coming back home, many trippers
felt refreshed and something in them is
different. “I opened up a little bit more after
the trip and get along with people better. I
also start to treat people around me in a
better way. I used to have the ‘princess
attitude’ as if the whole world revolves
around me.”
“Just one trip and it’s able to change
someone. Amazing isn’t it?” Jingyi reflected.
This trip out has indeed taught many young
people life lessons and is also an eye opener.
This serves to inspire the next generation of
leaders to take up the challenge and to
understand that it is a blessing to give.
PRIMERS AWARDS EXCO BARBEQUE NIGHT CYCLING

“ This star-studded event “ My mates still did not give

features our very own stars up on me and encouraged
from the Primers family. Not me to move on. This make
only does this event seek to me felt blessed and I’m
unveil the new executive thankful for what they did.
committee, its main purpose
is to appreciate the outgoing
EXCO who have served
relentlessly over the year. No FOOD JUNCTION AMAZING RACE
one is forgotten and no one
gets left behind. That’s
Primers for you.

CHILL OUT CHALET

“ I feel that our group

managed to get first position
not only because of our
teamwork, but also under the
great leadership of our GL! I
got to know my teammates
better, and I must really say
we enjoyed it!

For full stories and photos, visit our website at www.spprimers.com

 Outgoing. Vibrant.
Fun-loving.
Charismatic. These
are just some words
to describe our only
female officer.

For the month of

October, Ohana!
managed to get
Huishan to share a
little on her life and
thoughts.

Ohana!: Hi Huishan! Let’s start by telling us
briefly how you joined Primers.
Huishan: I came to know Primers even
before I was in SP by my seniors because I
was from the Girls’ Brigade. I was not really
considering Primers at that time but I wrote
down my name. I did not attend Welcome
Party and Primers Orientation Camp but
went straight to Annual General Meeting
(Primers’ Award) - which at that time should
be the most boring event of all. It was my
first event and I had come thus far in this
family. That’s why I always believe it’s not a
matter of WHEN but a matter of WILL.

Was the EXCO journey tough? How did you
go about conquering the obstacles you met?
It wasn’t easy when I first become a Year 2,
with so many things that I do not know.
However, I thank God for the people who
walk this journey with me, especially Sheng
Long, who coached me along the way, or
even doing it for me.
In all, I wouldn’t say it is tough. Rather, I
would say there were difficult choices I need
to make or people I need to forsake but I’ve
never regretted. I will weigh the importance
before making my choices, or even seeking
help from the officers and seniors. At the end
of the day despite all the difficulties, it is
important that I still find joy in the things I do.
I see. So how does it feel to be the only
female officer in Primers?
I feel very privileged to be the rose among
the thorns (laughs). I am still very new to this
role as officer, but the guys help me along
the way and also make me feel welcomed.
What I provide is the insight of general girls’
opinions. Girls might also find it easier to talk
to me and that’s when I come in handy.
The recent Sri Lanka trip was your second,
the first time being when you were a
freshman. What are the some differences or
similarities?
The two trips were totally different but
equally significant as it marks my journey
then as a freshman, and now as an officer. It
was definitely not easy to be away from
home without any communication but we
learnt to adapt and grow in it.
Our relationship was also stronger. Initially, I
was kind of worried that I am not the best
person to go for the trip but I learnt that it is
just by being there and filling in the gap, is
more than enough. This time round I also
took back with me that simple people, like
you and me, can actually bring great joy to
many if we choose to be that person, to be
there, to give our best, to shower love. It was
something that you have to experience
personally.
Wow, seems like you’ve been in Primers for
a long time. What is it that makes you want That’s great to hear so are there any specific
to continue staying on? thoughts to share with the Primers?
I never thought that I will be here for so long! Nothing beats your own experience. There
It is the people here that make me want to will be trials in this journey of Primers but it
continue in Primers. Initially, I stayed is the choices that we make that are more
because I enjoyed the company of my friends important. Even if you make the wrong
in Primers. It is just so fun hanging out with choice, don’t worry, just turn around, we will
them and my life in SP still be here.
would be so different
without them.
Overtime, they
become more than
just friends. They
become my family
members. They are
like brothers and
sisters to me. These
people really care for
my well-being. As I
see how they love the people (including
me), it just make me want to also share
this with others, and have more people
to experience the goodness I had went
through.

So what significance does this love from

Primers have in your life?
Primers have become my second family and
home. I feel weird when I don’t get to meet
them! It has become part of my life. They are
always there, to share not only joy, but also
tough time with me. I agree that it is a place
of refuge to me and whenever I am down,
somehow I will smile when I see Primers.

Editor’s Note:
We can see how Huishan values and holds this family close to her heart. Indeed, there will be times
where we have conflicts with one another but they are necessary to induce growth. We rebuke one
another not because we want to feel good but simply because we care.

Let’s continue to uphold this spirit and support her as she progresses into another dimension of
serving in this family.
 A different approach
3 days and 2 nights spent in Pulau Ubin allowed the
family to experience what it feels like to live in a different
living condition, somewhat similar to a third-world
country.

Engaging the mind

The camp name: Rough It Out camp, does not totally
mean roughing it out physically. Most of the time was
spent on reflecting and sharing to enable participants to
understand themselves better. For example during the
first night, they were asked to share their past
experiences, which got many to think back and reflect.
Not many youths have this habit of reflection.

Away from pampered lifestyle

“It was great to get to experience living in a different
living condition, where life still goes on without our
‘wants’, like the air-condition and the water-heater,” said
Weiting, “I was told that in order to save electricity,
people living there do not usually switch on the lights, and
yet they can still figure their way out through darkness!”

Deepening relationships
Ying Duan added, “The
camp had sharing sessions
which not many camps have.
During that period, many
personal matters were shared
among the circle and it stays
within it forever. No one else
gets to know and in this way,
we learnt to respect each
other by keeping secrets.”

Common values
“An important value in Primers which I experienced is
the, ‘nobody-gets-left-behind value’, also known as ‘we
will always wait’. On the first night, we waited till
everyone was there then we set of. It actually got me
irritated because I’m not a very patient person. It’s
through meals and activities that I realized the
importance of that value. Waiting one or two times might be seen as having no choice but it’s
the every single time of waiting that made me know that this is truly from the love that is in
Primers itself,” concluded Euvin.

Story by Weiting
Pictures by Yao Han
Poly 50 is a yearly
event organized by SP
where every CCA club
is invited to
participate in.

SP.Primers has always

wanted to take part
since we started a few
years back but due to
certain constraints,
the idea was dropped.

Ohana! looks back at

how this team of 10
fared in the buildup to
SP.Primers’ first ever
Poly 50.
New experience
The traditional Poly 50 event, which
started way back in the 60's in the old Prince
Edward Campus with students running along
corridors and subsequently on dirt track, is
now competed along a 600-metre route
flanked by the workshops and main
administration building. Participants are
required to complete 50 rounds of the circuit,
of which certain rounds must be completed
by lady runners.
Not prepared
Team Primers started their training just
one week before the event. The first training
was below par as everyone was tired out
after just running for the first 25 rounds. The
second and last training were considered
better and they managed to complete 50
laps in 1hr 45min.
D-Day
The team gathered at Primers room for
some preparations. Although it was not as
smooth sailing as they want it to be, they
managed to overcome the issues before
proceeding for warm up. The race was much
crowded than expected and the team found
it very hard to locate their teammates and
some were starting to feel tired in the middle
of the race. However they managed to push
on because of the encouragement given to
each other. “We kept on reminding each
other not to give up during the race.” Shijun
said.
Into Primers’ history books
The team completed the race in 1hr
41min, 4mins better than their best timing,
so let give a 3-cheers for Team Primers! Huey
Lee said, “Although we were really tired, the
sense of accomplishment makes each and
every one of us very delighted after the race.”
We’re all in this together
“Running for
this race, speed isn’t
the main factor that
we could complete
it. What’s more
important is the
sportsmanship and
teamwork among us
as one family.”
Shijun commented.
Since this batch has already started the ball
rolling for the race, we expect and hope to
see a well-prepared team for next year’s race!
Thanks for the effort
Last but not least, there’s a group of
people that deserves appreciation and they
are the Team Managers, Helpers and Medics
who supported the team throughout the
campaign. Also not forgetting the runners
too, Xiuli, Huey Lee, Juli, Nicolas, Jeffery,
Weiqiang, Sebastian, Junkai and Weihao. The
team has indeed put in a lot of effort in this
race and has done us proud!
Story by Shi Jun
Pictures by Yao Han
 Find a picture of yourself looking straight at the cam
and then go to YearbookYourself for a good laugh. The
site morphs your picture into a looks from 1950 - 2000.

Here is how it works. First you’ll need to find a picture of

yourself and upload it to the website, select the retro look
you want, adjust settings to your liking and once satisfied
save the image to your computer.

Check the website out at www.yearbookyourself.com.

What’s the question?

In this segment, instead of us asking questions and you
providing the answers, we’ll be giving you some ‘answers’
and you’ll have to give us the question. The answers given
are in relation to the 3 yearbookyourself portraits above.

 Born in the year 1987

 Served in the PO for two terms
 Stays in the west area of Singapore

It shouldn’t be too hard to figure if you know them

personally! So…

What’s the question?

Ans:

Contact Us
Website: www.spprimers.com
Email: spprimers@gmail.com
Location: PC127 (Above SP FC3)

Credits
This publication is brought to you by SP.Primers EXCO
Publicity Department, Print Section