March 2022

09/04/22 11:49 p.m.

To round up March 2022,

What I learnt?

1. Being very precise and clear with communications and being careful about how I should say certain things because they might easily be misinterpreted by others. And worse off, it might burn some bridges.

2. There are some things that are more than what meets the eye and it is extremely important to keep an open mind when deep-diving into the intricacies of things. It is so easy to judge quickly and take the easiest way out by just putting it aside and just stopping at problem identification. Being a rather emotional human being, I came into the internship wanting to be solutions-oriented and I have to always consciously remind myself to be attentive and active in finding the solutions, rather than being devastating at the state of things. Even though time is required to process and take it all in, I figured that the most effective approach is to settle everything first and then, deal with the tangled feelings.

3. I should never apologise for striving to do my best and going above and beyond as much as I can. 

4. I can be selfish at times when it comes to personal growth and I think it is important to prioritise my own learnings at times. To become a better individual, there needs to be support and space within and around. 

5. Though it takes time and it will be a process, it is important to evaluate and assess quickly and accurately from the stakeholders' perspectives when problems surface. And then, seeing through a short-term and long-term lens will help to cover any nother grounds.

6. Having a more structured approach for projects and problems is one thing, but sticking to the implementation timeline and schedule is a whole different ball game on its own. Especially for self-driven projects, they take and require a whole lot more mental strength and resilience to ensure that there will be progress.

7. To trust the process. When a door closes, another will open. Though it is really not me to take the chance and leave it up to fate, it is true that miracles do happen or that things do work out at the end of the day. So being hopeful and understanding that there are always ups and downs, or to have ups, we will need to have downs, will keep everything in check and sane. 

8. Being a bit more intentional with the projects I want to work on. Finally, I developed an impact measurement to assess my current and incoming projects. I think this will be able to help me to prioritise and to filter out what would be best for me to work on and divert my energy and strength towards.

Key Highlights of March:

1. Deep, poignant talks with M

Always, always blessed to have her with me through my journey from the start to the end. The support she has given me is real and genuine and I cannot thank her enough for it. And likewise, for her, she will have my support, I promise, wherever she goes, wherever she is at. Her legacy will only inspire and her work ethic will only be emulated. 

2. Learning from IN

The positivity, guidance, and support she has provided me thus far are immaculate and I am ever so thankful to be able to have crossed paths with her as well. I am deeply in awe of her leadership and how adaptable and versatile she is. And beyond that, I am thankful that she is all-in for the work that I am doing and is always pushing me to think further. Knowledge is power and I am grateful that she is patient and always willing to share with me stories, learnings, and episodes that happened to her for me to learn and understand better.

3. Football 

This day was hard to forget. It has been a while since I got back to football, but to say the least, I missed this so much my bones hurt. Met new people, played hard, and screamed my hearts out at the sidelines for the team as well. I miss the vibes, the atmosphere, and everything in between. I know I need to make time for this but I have been really tired of trying to make fit things into my schedule and I really just want to survive on auto-pilot and have more time to do whatever, rather than being bound by the need to be at certain places at certain timings. I will figure this out when the time comes for this, but for now, I am good at where I am. But I truly do miss these girls.

4. Dinner with Jintao

Was pretty stressed for the week, I remember. But this boy was up in my alley. Had a good dinner and dessert with him and we really talked about everything under the moon and stars. Always appreciative of the time, effort, love, care, and concern that he gives me unconditionally (okay maybe at the expense of my notes - haha jokes, eh don't sensi when you see this haha!). Talking to him made me feel better and clearer. I can always be myself, with zero filters whenever I am with him. Can't wait to start the next semester together with him and the rest. Much love to you, my dude <3 

5. Beach Clean-Up

Another super interesting beach clean-up this month. Interesting finds include: COVID ART test kit, spectacles, strapping bands, labels, cable ties and security tags - really reminded me how important it is to push for certain initiatives and projects at work. Raising awareness is important and I am more than happy to be able to play a small part in this. More can be done, of course, and indeed, but let's take it step-by-step. 

6. CW

This month's been tough on all of us, but I am thankful for her. I usually do things alone because I know it is hard to find people who are interested in the same things as myself. But she is adventurous and matches my energy, frequency, and risk appetite. Though we didn't manage to catch the bioluminescent dinoflagellates (which I still have no idea how to pronounce), it was still a fun and peaceful night with her. She is still pretty cool (maybe because she was inspired by me). And as always, please don't stop taking care of me, you! :)

A challenging month with many ups and downs, but the people make it better, and the projects are all worth it. To a more memorable next month. Heart strong, mind stronger!

Rookie for life,

Hui