Right now, i am thinking of applying to UK Universities. I asked Mr Koh whether he was able to write a reference letter for me and i got ignored and its these little things that make me realise how important this year is and how hard i have to study this time. This year is no joke.
I am currently volunteering at Down Syndrome Association and today two students from SMU came down because they were organising some programme for the 'clients' there. And when i told them i havent started studying properly even though it is already June, they were REALLY shocked and told me to study right now. The girl said that she studied from January to October and she still didnt feel prepared, while the guy said that he started late, and that was why he didnt get desirable results.
Moreover, as i am currently thinking of career options, degree courses to take, and universities to go to, coupled with the stress of having to find teachers who are likely to recommend you, these things made me do a thorough reflection on myself, and whether i was working hard enough to have the liberty of choice to choose degrees/ careers/ universities.
I really hope that i play less and start to worry about my future. I want to be able to work hard and look back without any regrets, and confidently saying that "Yes, i have tried my best, and i wouldnt have done it any other way."
I shall now talk about my experience volunteering at DSA today. Today, was the holiday programme of Joy with Music- Senior and Junior classes. I was really excited and wanted a chance to be able to interact with them and since with them, but S had work to be done so i had to do them first. My job was to call the parents of some AEP adults and persuade them to go for a (pretty important talk if i may say so) talk on "What is a deputy and the responsibilities and duties of a deputy." Basically, under the Mental Capacity Act last revised in 2010, once an adult reaches the age of 21, the caregivers or parents are not able to make any decisions on his behalf, regardless of his mental ability or inability. So, this is especially worrisome for people with intellectual disability as no one is able to act on their behalf unless they become a deputy.
Well i was calling, and there were so many rude people.
There was one who started ranting about how we only call when there are few sign-ups.
And there was another one who started throwing her weight around and proclaiming "Oh, i am a Lawyer by profession" and thus she has the ability to know laws and etc. She got angry when i asked her for her I.C. Number (which was a required field for me to fill in as she stated her interest in the talk). She went on about how she has no legal obligation to give me her IC, and that i should think before asking people for their IC number.
I will have to agree with Mr Tan on this point. Except the thumbprint part because the thumbprint can be used to unlock certain high-tech equipments. Anyway, i only asked for her IC NUMBER. Not the card. See this IC Number can prove/ is a better way of proving that the person attending the talk is indeed the person who signed up. Say an email or phone number (which according to you is a better way of recognising people) can be easily memorised and many people can share a phone number or email. How am i supposed to know who is attending this talk at the end?
My organisation is an honest one, and we understand that you would like to keep your privacy (whatever privacy you can get from an ic number). But similar to SONY and in fact CANON's point of view, "Under no circumstances will your information be sold to any third-party." and "We understand the confidentiality of your information..."
Look, i am not trying to say that you cannot withhold your IC number. Sure legally you are able to, (and to be honest, you dont need to be a "Lawyer by profession" to figure that out. I had my handy google and from the screenshots below, could figure that out myself.
But the tone and attitude in which you so righteously threw your weight around and the condescending tone you spoke to me with was uncalled for. As a lawyer with capability and ability, you could have been nice and rejected my request for you to give me your IC number. (You actually provided me with your entire number before getting angry (presumably at yourself first) and then scolding me)
Anyway, unless we wanted to borrow books without your consent...
Indeed, by law you are not required to give me your IC. But as i gave my reasons earlier, the IC Number is one of the better and easier way to verify a person's identity.
At the end of the call, i wanted to be nice and just mention/ tell her (in case she didnt know) that the talk will be held at DSA Centre in B. And once again this woman started getting angry and saying " You may not know me but i have been to talks there before..." Hey there, i was only trying to be polite and trying to end off the call on a good note. Even if you already know where the place is, does it hurt for you to listen to this kind volunteer who was just trying to be nice and making sure you didnt get the place wrong. Is it that insulting for you to be told where to go?
On a side note, if i do indeed become a lawyer, or any profession, i will not scream for people to respect me. Respect has to be gained not demanded. I shall be someone who teaches, without judging, and who will not act all high and mighty. I will be someone who leads by example, and someone who teaches by example.
With that, this blog post comes to an end. For now.
