Write about what you have observed about the lifestyle of the Chinese in Shanghai. What is the difference between Shanghai and Singapore

I guess I would very much end of my last post with three feelings, namely the 3As.

Astounded. I am very astounded by the vast progress that as been made in Shanghai over the past couple of decades. Having been to numerous places that depicts both Shanghai in the laid back and modern society, I have realised how capable and competent Shanghai is. They have transformed into a society that was once rural into that of high calibre and advanced, yet still preserving their roots.

Amazed. I am also very amazed by the developments China have made and how she is still growing. One of which is the Olympics that would be held in Beijing come 2008, this would greatly boost China's popularity having a major event held in China. Speaking of Shanghai itself, The World Expo 2010 would be held at Shanghai. At such a cost, Shanghai would be undergoing numerous advancement way beyond what it already is now. Even though it is already the leading city in China.

Awakened. As such, I am greatly awakened by how China is progressing so fast. China's economy and status is not only boosting, but would also pose as a threat to other countries, even myself. In the near future, people from such places would ultimately be competing for jobs with me. As such, I must constantly improve myself to keep up with the times.

What have you learnt about being a leader and independence? What is your greatest lesson from these 4 days of exchange? Write about a CCA/society that have made an impression on you

Throughout the course of events during the last week, I have learnt new valuable lessons. One of which is the art of sacrificing as a leader. Many a time as leaders, I've realised we've got to sacrifice certain things when the need arises, even if it means the things we want or need badly. But these few days have made me realised that ultimately, it's the bigger things that we've acheived that matters more.

I have also learnt that as a leader, one must be independent and stand strong on his own feet. He must be able to make decisions on his on and not be faltered as there are many others who look up to him, only then would he get his due respect. In addition, if a leader is independent, he would then be able to influence others positively. However, a leader must also learn to take things in his stride at times, and accept help from his peers when the need arises.

Frankly speaking, I haven't really learnt much from one particular CCA. However I am in awe of how they have very independently run their own CCAs, and for that I salute their efforts. This of which is something very much for me to learn from.

Write about your buddy and 3 qualities of a leader you see in him. What have you learnt from him? Write about the student leadership structure in their school and what are some of the changes you would like to make to the leadership structure in Fairfield.

Today would be a short post as I'm lacking of inspiration. Anyways, I'm pretty impressed by the leadership structure adopted here. Students are allowed to form their own CCA as long as 8 or more students are keen on a certain activity. In this sense, they are giving total ownership over their own CCAs, in that way they can learn to be independent. If they're CCAs required them to acquire certain fundings, they would proposed to the school leadership and it will be further approved.

On top of that, a student leader would be in charge of all the CCAs. This means that they would carry out routine checks to see if they CCAs are running well, and provide assistance if needed. Personally, I feel that this system is quite lucrative as it gives students the freedom and capacity to do what they want to, at the same time, enjoy it.

One such leader is my very own buddy. She is in charge of ensuring that all the CCAs are running well by carrying routine checks. Today I embarked on a routine with her and it was an eye opener to see the ways of how the various CCAs were run.

Differences between The Second Secondary School Attached to the China Eastern Normal Unicersity and Fairfield


Today was a blast. We kicked start the day with a light warm up with the students here. It was breath taking and the morning wind was just great. After which, we joined the students for a day of lesson. Honestly speaking, it was quite a challenge to understand what they were learning as all their lessons were taught in Chinese, including English. In addition, the classes we were assigned to were of higher level of education as compared to us.

And the weather here is still so cold. There was once i wished that my whole school was air conditioned, but looking at the way things are here now, I'm really starting to have my doubts.

One commendable difference from the way both schools operate was the way in which the school operates in. I felt that the system which they implemented, that is the Ten Minutes Interval in between classes was quite feasible. This allowed students to have short breaks in between as well as make them not feel so restless.

In addition, although they are giving freedom to do certain things, they do not abuse it. One instance is the use of their time. They are able to balance it with much discipline, so much so that they won't be late for classes as well as able to complate their tasks assigned. In this sense, they have also gained the trusts of the teachers.

First Impression of The Second Secondary School Attached to the China Eastern Normal University and my Chinese Buddy

It has been one whole arduous night and day since I arrived at Shanghai, pretty cold at first I must admit, but I'm adapting. (Lesson 1- Being adaptable to my environment) When i first stepped foot into the school, I was captivated by the vast building structure that I had seen. It was a far cry from what I had imagined it to be, and different from what I had experienced in Singapore. I was enthrilled to be here, as it was also my first time altogether.

I was captivated by the ways of operation in the school, and the many various programmes. One of which, the Broadcast Programme the school had. It was amazing how they conducted and successfully ran their various CCAs on their own. (Lesson 2- To becoming an independent leader)

Their facilities were also way off the limits and of high calibre. It had their very own sets to conduct live broadcasts, as well as numerous facilities fundamental in facilitating the various programmes run. The tour on the school gave me greater insights on how the school was run, and frankly speaking I was pretty impressed.

Not forgetting the students who were studying in the school, they were friendly and inviting in making me feel welcomed to the school. Ignoring the fact we had slight difficulty communicating, it was good being able to understand and get to know abit about them.

What can I take along for this trip?

To begin with, I believe I should begin this trip with an open mind. I should be prepared to see and encounter different experiences in another foreign country. As this is my first time going there, I am pretty excited to embark on this journey with the rest of my peers. It would be quite a fruitful journey if I am able to exchange pointers with the students in Shanghai.

I would be delighted to know the various cultures and practices of the other country, at the same time exchange with my buddy what is practised here in my country.

In addition, I understand that the values and lessons I have learnt and inculcated in school would be useful for my trip in Shanghai. Especially this being a Student Leader Exchange programme, it would be experiential to learn from the other Student Leaders in Shanghai.