Not that I studied in RJC, or have anything much to do with RJC, but recently I stumbled upon RJC’s College Day Book, which I must say… is quite interesting…
According to Mrs Lim Lai Cheng, Principal, Raffles Junior College,
A Rafflesian is inherently busy.
A Rafflesian is deeply interested in pursuing academic depth and maintains a rigorous regime of lectures, tutorials, electives, talks, symposiums and forums. These include Taking Sides, the Raffles Asia Programme Symposium, Raffles Mock UN Conference, lectures by university dons and visiting professors from renowned research labs such as Professor Brian Ford from Cambridge University. A snapshot of students around the college pouring over their assignments before assembly attests to that single-minded focus on theorems and principles of science and mathematics, econometrics, the consequences of historical events, analyses of humankind and whatever intrigues them.
Explanation: Rafflesian does about everything and anything that is required of him for the sake of pursuing academic dept. Like a slave, they have no choice but to maintain a rigorous regime of lectures, tutorials, electives, talks, symposiums and forums, as well as what nots held by supposedly educated beings in an attempt to rub off some intellect for his own use. If a ghost can float freely through RJC compound, the ghost would see tonnes of eyeballs stuck firmly to books and worksheets. The single-minded focus on writings on pieces of paper removes all sense of self and worldy desires from a Rafflesian and replaced them with theorems, principles of science, mathematics, econometrics, the consequences of histrorical events, analyses of humankind. Rafflesians does have an inherent flaw with the inability to understand the sentence “I think, therefore I am.”
A Rafflesian is indefatigably involved.
A Rafflesian spends endless hours a term working on projects that seek to raise funds for or contribute to the well-being of those in need. The range of CCA or group-initiated charitable concerts, drives and events such as the Humanities Initiative, Youth Got Heart, the R-Project, CLIMB and Step Up for Down are evidence of the compassion and public spiritedness of Rafflesians.
Explanation: A Rafflesian is like a slave in terms of working hours and resting hours. Regardless of whether it is for projects, raising funds, or to contribute to other people who are in need, Rafflesians happily disregard their need for sleep and spend endless hours working and working. It can be said that all Rafflesians are selfish as they are unable to help one another. This is because all Rafflesians desperately need sleep but one Rafflesian can’t help another Rafflesian sleep. Some Rafflesians of different gender experimented sleeping with one another to a very mixed result.
A Rafflesian is soulful.
A Rafflesian practises hard in various music, dance, visual arts, drama, cultural and performing arts groups to regale audiences comprising staff, students, alumni and parents at their own concerts and productions. They share their creation, their passion and commitment to their craft and give their all to bring that special touch to our lives.
Explanation: A Rafflesian has a soul, but only in the context of various elite activities that RJC has imposed on them to be passionate about. Doing what is required of them regardless of whether they like it or not is what a Rafflesian’s soul is all about, if the word “soul” could be used in their context.
A Rafflesian is highly-spirited.
A Rafflesian puts in hours of training to garner the championship titles for the respective sports events. Success is achieved through hours of sheer hard work, mental and physical endurance as well as bonding among teams that believe in working together as one.
Explanation: Having just “soul” is not enough. It is important to have backup. Rafflesians have “spirit” too! Spirit to work hard!
A Rafflesian is fiercely proud.
A Rafflesian belongs in an educational institution that embodies the pioneering spirit of the founder of Singapore. Each is inspired to give of his best because of the proud tradition he has to maintain – one that requires every Rafflesian to discover his strength, pursue his passion relentlessly and contribute unsparingly to the success of his college, community and nation.
Explanation: Proud, and being fiercely so, is what defines a Rafflesian. While the counterparts from lesser schools experience something called “pride”, a rafflesian will settle for nothing but fierce proudness.
And there you have it… what being an Rafflesian is all about, as defined by its principal and me.
This is a light hearted article that gives a rare insight on life of our very elites, and tomorrow’s leaders. This entry is in no way written to insult RJC, but to joke about the amount of incomprehensible effort that they are able to put into study that none of us commoners can match. Like it or not, it is with hardcore commitment like those in RJC that can bring the country to a greater height.
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Indeed, but the situation is the same or less true at all top JCs. I was from HC and I was ‘forced’ to do millions of things I dont like each day. I wish I could look back and say they have helped me in some ways or others, and maybe they have, but I wish I could have spent all those time on doing something I like
1. Lose yourself to the system and disregard your identity to conform to their expectations.
2. Or fire the system, create your own and do what interest you most.
I did precisely the second option by quitting college and entering an Australian university, i never been happier doing all the things i like .