This Is My Alma Mater.

I was supposed to join a group of friends in Saint Xavier's Institution this morning for a game of basketball, but thanks to a certain friend who changed my cell phone's theme late last night; I couldn't recognize my phone ring tone, even after Yuen Chern called me for the 10th time. I woke one hour late for the appointment :(

After briefly finishing up my house chores, I rushed there, not in time to join them for the game, but thankfully still in time to fetch some of them home. When I arrived at the basketball court, they were just about the round up the game. So, I decided to sit down and wait for them.

I was sitting carelessly at the corridor, waiting patiently for them to call it a day. Suddenly, a thought came and it suddenly dawned upon me that the spot that I was sitting was the exact same spot I used to sit 10 years ago, when I was still studying in this school. My mind raced back through time, bringing back many happy and sweet memories of this beloved school, where I spent 5 years of my life with it.

The basketball court itself has many stories to tell. I remember how I used to march in the hot and scorching sun in my early days in Red Crescent Society. The court was also the place where we practiced every day for many months for RC's Step dance, which SXI was crowned champion for two consecutives years.

I remember my first encounter with Bro Paul, where he scolded me for not willing to help him. Boy, I can never forget that! I still remember exactly what he said. I was just in Form 1 then. Imagine how scared I was that time.

I also remember how I was punished after the assembly for not bringing my school tie and was asked to collect rubbish at the court. I always wondered why they asked us to do that, as the basketball court was never dirty. However, most of us back then were rather contented and did exactly what was told, fearing that the discipline master would finally come to his senses and ask us to clean toilets instead.

When I was in upper secondary school, the little RC room next to the court was the hiding place for many of us to escape the weekly assembly. We would lock ourselves in it and wait quietly for the assembly to dismiss before sneaking back to class.

I also remember how Bro Charles will never fail to nag us whenever we accidentally [or purposely] stepped on the grass in his garden next to the basketball court. I wonder whether he is still in the school.

Suddenly, I felt a sense of closeness and camaraderie with this school. I realized how I miss this school. Times were definitely much happier then. This is the place where I spent 5 years of education, preparing me to face the world. This is the place where I made a lot of friends, both good and bad. This is the place where I went through a lot of fun times and ocasionally not so fun times. This is the place where I grew up.

This is my Alma Mater.

As they finally finished the game and was ready to leave, I quickly took a quick glance of the surroundings. Time flies. The last time I sat on that spot was 10 years ago. Many things had change since then, including myself. 10 years ago, I never thought that I would become who I am today. Never will I know what will happen in 10 years time. Only the Lord knows.

As I was walking out from the basketball court, I turned to Simon who was walking next to me and uttered something which I know I will not say 10 years ago - "I am a XAVIERIAN and I am proud to be called one".

Forward her children dear,

Ever with hearts sincere,

Render with joy to your mater her due,

All that is vile reject,

Heaven will e'er protect,

Sons of St Xavier's valiant and true.

Colorblind

I was browsing through Matteus' blog the other day and came across one entry on Tan Hong Ming's interview. It was hilarious and he was really cute. But besides these, Hong Ming also taught us something valuable, that we should perceive people above their races, status and colors.

Sometimes, when I talked to my friends who are still in school, I find out that many of them only mix with the people of the same race. They will often joke and make fun if somebody chooses to do otherwise. C'mon. There is nothing wrong to be friends, or even best friends with people from other ethnics groups.

I was at Dewan Sri a few weeks ago, for SGGS's musical presentation. Though I may not be able to remember any of the songs or lyrics sung that night, there is one thing that really impressed me and will served as a reminder for me forever.

It was the unity among the crew, Chinese, Malays, Indians and etc. The love for one another. The love for everyone. The genuine love. After the drama, they were seen snapping pictures with one another and hugging each other, exchanging words of encouragement and praise for one another. They enjoy being with one another. They didn’t pretend. It was real. How very touching. I personally think that it is the best scenes compared to all the scenes I watched that night.

And the funny thing was they weren't acting at all.

Lord, when it comes to people and friendships, help me to be colorblind, that I will be able to see beyond colors, races and backgrounds, just like how You see them.