Educational Institute Exposed
After the recent release of examination results, I find it a shame to be associated with such a political, despicable, inefficient institution. What is perceived to be one of the "best" universities in Asia, this educational institute is relevant (by teaching the students that you don't have to know anything except politicking), rewarding (for those who excel at kissing asses), and rigorous (by making students do the work for the lecturers). Apart from course modules where your grades are dished out based on your standing among the cohort taking it, there is also a thesis to complete (for Honours students). Ranking of your Honours class (1st, 2nd upper, 2nd lower, or 3rd) hinges upon the CAP and the thesis grade. Often (I just realized how often that is), many students are affected by politics among the faculty. Enmities, differences in writing styles, defensiveness of minority groups are all factors that affect a thesis grade. It is unfair, but it is life. Life is never fair. Looks like the advice for the next batch of Honours students is to choose a supervisor who is the most senior in the faculty (preferably the one who gives the final grade), or who has a strong influence over the one giving the final grade. I see people who deserve good grades get bad grades, and some who do not deserve good grades getting the good ones. Unfortunately, all that matters in Singapore (particularly the civil service and GLCs) is a phrase that sounds like "1st class" or "2nd upper". Singaporeans preoccupation with such definite ways of classifying people are horrifying and eventually results in a vicious cycle. No Singaporean will be happy in the Singaporean way of life because everything and everyone is judged and controlled. Life goes on, I guess. Life is never fair. Life is never fair. But God is.