05/03/22 09:27 p.m.
To round up February 2022,What I learnt?
1. Being resourceful. Even though it is always faster to ask someone, this will unconsciously lead to an over-reliance on others for answers, which might not make sense sometimes. To rely on yourself for answers and figuring things out will put me in a better position no matter what, before asking someone else.
2. Being more systemic in decision-making in my personal life - listing down the pros and cons before committing to projects, even if they were to interest me at the very start. I need to draw lines for myself and know whether I will be able to pull through or not. Being interested is one thing, but sustaining the interest is another thing.
3. Being positive. I did not know how much joy I am able to bring to people around me and I really want to ensure that this keeps on going for me. The people around me deserve so much more and I want to let them know that too - be it my friends, teammates, colleagues, or family.
4. Expectations and client management. "Don't think about how much is enough for them, think about how much you can manage instead - need to balance showing them what we are working on versus telling them too many things." This might lead to an imbalance of expectations and an unequal partnership.
5. The importance of relationship building. Opening my heart up to trust and to lean on others.
6. Having confidence in myself and the work that I am able to produce. I should not ever shortchange myself and undermine my own value. I should not be afraid to want to learn and want to explore certain things. Taking calculated risks will be required.
7. Taking things easy and being balanced. To work hard is not being busy, but being efficient. There is a multitude of problems that we will face, but knowing what to prioritise and strategically picking the battles is of importance.
8. The importance of making valid assumptions. What Mrs Raeburn said stuck with me for a long time. She said, "assuming is making an ass out of you and me". But in the world that we are living in right now, we need to be alright with uncertainties. Assumptions are required for us to make decisions and move projects forward, but it will be on us to make accurate and valid assumptions given the situation that we are in.
Small Joys of February at Work:
- "M" asking me how I am
- Reviews with "M"
- "B" 's fatherly smile and nod
- People I teams/work with together before saying hi to me when I see them
- Making the 26 y/o "D" laugh
- "D" taking the time to share/teach me new things
- When "WB" is in the office
- When big boy, "F" in the office
- Mr Choo saying that my voice is bursting with LIFE
- "I" being a mum
- Having meetings with "I" because her perspective is always so interesting
- "C" smiling when she knows we did well
- Seeing my girl "CL"
- Working together with "CL" - warehouse, workshops, meetings, interviews
- Talking to "DM"
- After-work reviews with "CW"
- Connecting and working with "KZ"
Key Highlights of February:
1. Meeting up with my girls after a long time
Our Aussie girl, Shahaf, is back in town with Moshe. It is super exciting to see her and her family all together again. It was a brilliant night of watching her wedding video, debating about climate change, and just catching up with life. I just know I miss her and her family so much and seeing them again is like taking a shot of espresso. Shahaf's dad is someone I really look up to and respect a lot, not only in terms of the work that he does, but his character, mindset, and thinking process. "Stay smart," he said.
Sad that Syirah couldn't join us that night, but this is truly one of those days that I will remember always. Will always be looking forward to the next time the couple will be back.
2. Going to Repair Kopitiam with Kenny and seeing my team after a long time
Missed him so much and I am glad that we will be meeting monthly from now onwards, and perhaps more. Proud of him, always, and excited to see where we will both be at together in the next decade to come.
Missed the vibes of Repair Kopitiam and managed to have a long conversation with one of the residents about the importance of having the younger generation be more aware and involved in sustainability. It was interesting and well, I just felt very validated.
3. Movie night with cw
This movie really kept me on my toes. I cried, laughed, squealed, and panicked. Can't believe cw really dealt with me and my nonsense haha. This girl is in a different league, for real.
4. Meeting up with the EB Impact team, together with Nicole
Was super fun finally meeting up with the girls and with our mentor, Nicole! Lots of work to do, but I think we can manage it! Learnt so much from her and the realities of the sustainability space. Loved that everyone was just vibing together and it was really just a safe space for all of us. Another night of laughter, learning, and sharing - hopefully, many more to come.
5. Dinner with dora the explorer finally and many more to come
It was a small table tucked away at the side of the entrance to the restaurant. Talked about everything and anything under the moon, it is always a fun time with her. Always grateful for the patience she has for me and how focused and intentional she is with my growth. I always feel taken care of and these days I just really count my blessings.
6. Climate Fresk Workshop
Another day of knowing what I don't know and wanting to know so much more after it. There is so much to climate change that it meets the eye and it will take a while to know all, but I am ready for it.
7. Meeting up with the SMU kids
Supposedly to make up for our last semester's failed meet-up. But I didn't know how much more I missed them until I met them. Always going to be my people and my safe space in school and in life. Much appreciation and gratitude to them. Happy to do life with them. Shoutout to the kitchen for giving me 2 extra bowls of curry for my vegetarian murtabak.
8. Dinner at M's place
TEAM DINNER - it was such a home-ly (simple and cosy) pot-luck in the living room. We were all sitting around the table and just listening to stories and past experiences. It was interesting to see the off-work sides of my colleagues and managers, but I honestly think there is not much of a difference. In fact, I feel that I understand their drive and motivation even better now. It was a night of getting to know everyone on a deeper level. But, one thing I know for sure - I am blessed to have met all of them and to be part of this team.
9. Morning Stroll with my younger brother
It was a peaceful morning at Coney Island - a very much needed getaway for him. But little did he know, it was what I needed as well.
Rookie for life,
Hui
