Thursday, 1 November 2012
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Day 4 - The Witches' Cottage
Today, we went to the Witches' Cottage to make up for the fact that we did not yesterday as planned. This is my favourite stop - I certainly do not remember being so happy after being scared nearly to death. I sat in front of the stage where it extends out. I guess that is why I enjoyed myself. After this stop, I am able to visualise the Crucible more vividly. I definitely want to go to a stop like this again.
~Sheryl Lim, 3/8
(Edited)
I feel very happy that we were able to visit the Witches' Cottage. The play that we watched really made me feel as if I was a part of the witch-hunt that took place in Massachusetts in 1692. We were all able to feel involved in the witch trial, especially when students were invited to be part of a mini dramatization after the actual performance. A student pretended to be the accused and three others would come up with reasons to explain to the judge why they think the accused is guilty of practising witchcraft. Many of us found the dramatization hilarious. However, it was also effective in helping us to understand how easy it was for the innocent to be put on trial.
~Farzanah Akhbar, 3/8
(Edited)
~Sheryl Lim, 3/8
(Edited)
I feel very happy that we were able to visit the Witches' Cottage. The play that we watched really made me feel as if I was a part of the witch-hunt that took place in Massachusetts in 1692. We were all able to feel involved in the witch trial, especially when students were invited to be part of a mini dramatization after the actual performance. A student pretended to be the accused and three others would come up with reasons to explain to the judge why they think the accused is guilty of practising witchcraft. Many of us found the dramatization hilarious. However, it was also effective in helping us to understand how easy it was for the innocent to be put on trial.
~Farzanah Akhbar, 3/8
(Edited)
Day 4 - Observations of the two universities
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| The entrance of MIT |
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| Crestians leaving their mark in the hallway of MIT |
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| An alumni of MIT cum tour guide for the day, Charlie giving us insights of the campus |
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| A senior, Jem, from Harvard as our tour guide |
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| Harvard's motto |
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| Statue of John Harvard? |
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| The dorms at Harvard University |
Compared to MIT, Harvard has a longer history, as a result, achieving more academically and traditionally. Harvard has strict rules such as only allowing freshmen to dine in a specific hall where seniors are not allowed whereas MIT has its own set of "tradition". Details like these contribute to its respectability and elitism. The guides who led us on our tour of the universities are both students, past and present, of the universities. This shows that students who study or have studied in the universities have a strong sense of belonging to the school and are proud to be part of it.
My deepest impression that day was the Harvard Irony: the word "Veritas" which means "Truth" in Latin is in Harvard's motto. Yet, due to the fact that no one ever knew how John Harvard really looked like, it was really a random student's face on the statue of John Harvard. So much for "Veritas"!
Zhe Wei, 3/8
(Edited)
(Edited)
Day 4 - A Day in the life of a Harvard student (creative piece)
I woke up late again. It was my freshman year and I have been in Harvard for three months now. It was the ninth time I was was running late. I was still adapting to the room mates, the new bed and the difference in time from Singapore. Therefore, I could not sleep and when I did, it was late and hence I had great difficulties waking up on time. I felt tired and lethargic from the stress from school. I jumped out of bed, my thoughts were in a whirl and the thought of being late constantly played on my mind.
It was 9 am. My breath was foul-smelling. I got a quick shower and brushed my teeth furiously. Six minutes left. I put on my clothes and socks, grabbed my bag and ran out of the room holding my shoes in my hand. As I ran down the corridor, I would hop on one foot to put on my shoe, continue running down the stairs and then putting on the other. Five minutes left. Did I just hear my stomach rumble? I dashed to the canteen. Four minutes left. I got some coffee and a doughnut. Three minutes left. I sped to the campus, running past everyone. Along the way, I knocked into an attractive-looking girl but had no time to talk to her. Two minutes left. I was waiting for the elevator and in the campus, wolfed down the doughnut I grabbed earlier. I had a few sips of hot coffee. There was only one minute left! Up I went, finishing my coffee as I reached the fourth floor. 9.07 am. I was in time for class! How I love the seven minutes rule! How I love Harvard!
~Koh Zhi Sheng, 3/8
My temples hurt when I woke up. I had been studying at the library the whole night for the upcoming Chemistry exam. Unfortunately, I fell asleep and woke up late. With no time to go back to my dorm, I rushed to my class over at the opposite block.
It was autumn and the sun shone throughout the campus and I soaked in the ambience. The falling of the yellow and red maple leaves still leaves me in awe, even though its my second year here.
I entered the class and greeted the lecturer then I sat at my favourite spot with my friends. We agreed to try out the new ice-cream flavour in the cafeteria during lunch.
The bell rang as the hour passed and after lunch, I changed into my sportswear because my team had a match with the other houses.
We got our mascot ready and we stepped out of the room with pride and cheers for all to hear.
This is an average day in Harvard with discipline to learn and being able to spend time and work together with friends. There's no place I'd rather be.
As I passed by the John Harvard statue, I shook my head at the reminder of the unspoken lie: the face of the statue that bore the name of John Harvard did not belong him as no one knew his actual countenance. As I continued down the path back to my dorm, I pondered upon our school motto: Veritas- Truth. Indeed, the irony is not lost on me.
~Kylie Chia, 3/8
"This is the day," I told myself as I walked through the famous gates of Harvard. It was my life-long dream to study in such a prestigious school such as Harvard, and I still could not believe I was accepted. Maybe, it was the long sleepless nights preparing for the exams or something else. Maybe, luck was on my side. However, I could feel a weight on my shoulders. Was it the bags full of books over my shoulder, or something more serious?
Deep within me, I knew what I wanted; at least what they told me. But I wanted something more. I wanted the warmth of family. Being so far away from home, it only seemed like yesterday when I had my farewell party. The laughing and talking all seemed like distant, fond memorie to me. I even started to doubt why I was here. It was then I remembered I was here--to bring pride to my family and happiness to my parents. Sometimes, it is not all about ourselves; sometimes, we spend our whole lives living for others.
With the tightening of my bag strap, I took my beginning straps on my journey as I clung on to my fond memories, scared to let them go.
~Malcom Teh, 3/4
New Beginnings
New student. Streaming students.
Unfamiliar faces. Hopeful faces.
Long, never-ending corridors. Classrooms
going on. Increased heartbeat. Different
clouded visions of my future. Will they remain
as illusions of something?
I would constantly pinch myself to make sure
it is not a dream.
Walking to class. Enter class.
My new friends---or opponents?
They smile but some of them would do
anything to be at the top.
I smile, but beneath my veneer, I hope
there is still a trace of sincerity and naivete.
I wait for my learning years to pass
as I grow and nurture with Harvard.
They say one of the students here may be
the people who change your world.
Will I be that one?
~Hafizah Khalid, 3/4
I was stuck in the underground library, trying to complete my paper that was due the next day. What a stressful life! As the final phrase of my two-thousand word essay bled from my pen, I could sense Freedom right around the corner. It's so stressful but it was also worth it. Upon graduation, the prestige of having studied in one of the best universities in the world would have set me for life. I could become one of the most sought after psychologists.
As I walked past John Harvard's statue on the campus, strains of my mother's advice came back to me like the familiar brush of a stranger. "Never forget your roots." How could I? For one, I miss my mother's cooking. While I enjoy American cuisine, I stand firmly in my opinion that nothing beats my mother's culinary speciality: "Lemak chilli padi ayam". I also love the local delight, "Laksa", the way my mother prepares it.
As far as I am concerned, I'll never stop being, or forget how to be an Asian. The Asian values and way of life that I grew up with are still too ingrained in me. Forgetting my roots- that is simply not possible.
Home
The sound of my sisters bickering
The smell of burnt food
Especially when my father is cooking,
The sight of sunny green Singapore
And the warmth of family.
Harvard, on the other hand,
My other family
Facing cold winds together.
I'm here on a mission,
To do really well in my concentration,
Get my degree,
Pack my bags and return
To my island, my home.
~Both by Noor Ainie, 3/8
(Edited)
It was 9 am. My breath was foul-smelling. I got a quick shower and brushed my teeth furiously. Six minutes left. I put on my clothes and socks, grabbed my bag and ran out of the room holding my shoes in my hand. As I ran down the corridor, I would hop on one foot to put on my shoe, continue running down the stairs and then putting on the other. Five minutes left. Did I just hear my stomach rumble? I dashed to the canteen. Four minutes left. I got some coffee and a doughnut. Three minutes left. I sped to the campus, running past everyone. Along the way, I knocked into an attractive-looking girl but had no time to talk to her. Two minutes left. I was waiting for the elevator and in the campus, wolfed down the doughnut I grabbed earlier. I had a few sips of hot coffee. There was only one minute left! Up I went, finishing my coffee as I reached the fourth floor. 9.07 am. I was in time for class! How I love the seven minutes rule! How I love Harvard!
~Koh Zhi Sheng, 3/8
My temples hurt when I woke up. I had been studying at the library the whole night for the upcoming Chemistry exam. Unfortunately, I fell asleep and woke up late. With no time to go back to my dorm, I rushed to my class over at the opposite block.
It was autumn and the sun shone throughout the campus and I soaked in the ambience. The falling of the yellow and red maple leaves still leaves me in awe, even though its my second year here.
I entered the class and greeted the lecturer then I sat at my favourite spot with my friends. We agreed to try out the new ice-cream flavour in the cafeteria during lunch.
The bell rang as the hour passed and after lunch, I changed into my sportswear because my team had a match with the other houses.
We got our mascot ready and we stepped out of the room with pride and cheers for all to hear.
This is an average day in Harvard with discipline to learn and being able to spend time and work together with friends. There's no place I'd rather be.
As I passed by the John Harvard statue, I shook my head at the reminder of the unspoken lie: the face of the statue that bore the name of John Harvard did not belong him as no one knew his actual countenance. As I continued down the path back to my dorm, I pondered upon our school motto: Veritas- Truth. Indeed, the irony is not lost on me.
~Kylie Chia, 3/8
"This is the day," I told myself as I walked through the famous gates of Harvard. It was my life-long dream to study in such a prestigious school such as Harvard, and I still could not believe I was accepted. Maybe, it was the long sleepless nights preparing for the exams or something else. Maybe, luck was on my side. However, I could feel a weight on my shoulders. Was it the bags full of books over my shoulder, or something more serious?
Deep within me, I knew what I wanted; at least what they told me. But I wanted something more. I wanted the warmth of family. Being so far away from home, it only seemed like yesterday when I had my farewell party. The laughing and talking all seemed like distant, fond memorie to me. I even started to doubt why I was here. It was then I remembered I was here--to bring pride to my family and happiness to my parents. Sometimes, it is not all about ourselves; sometimes, we spend our whole lives living for others.
With the tightening of my bag strap, I took my beginning straps on my journey as I clung on to my fond memories, scared to let them go.
~Malcom Teh, 3/4
New Beginnings
New student. Streaming students.
Unfamiliar faces. Hopeful faces.
Long, never-ending corridors. Classrooms
going on. Increased heartbeat. Different
clouded visions of my future. Will they remain
as illusions of something?
I would constantly pinch myself to make sure
it is not a dream.
Walking to class. Enter class.
My new friends---or opponents?
They smile but some of them would do
anything to be at the top.
I smile, but beneath my veneer, I hope
there is still a trace of sincerity and naivete.
I wait for my learning years to pass
as I grow and nurture with Harvard.
They say one of the students here may be
the people who change your world.
Will I be that one?
~Hafizah Khalid, 3/4
I was stuck in the underground library, trying to complete my paper that was due the next day. What a stressful life! As the final phrase of my two-thousand word essay bled from my pen, I could sense Freedom right around the corner. It's so stressful but it was also worth it. Upon graduation, the prestige of having studied in one of the best universities in the world would have set me for life. I could become one of the most sought after psychologists.
As I walked past John Harvard's statue on the campus, strains of my mother's advice came back to me like the familiar brush of a stranger. "Never forget your roots." How could I? For one, I miss my mother's cooking. While I enjoy American cuisine, I stand firmly in my opinion that nothing beats my mother's culinary speciality: "Lemak chilli padi ayam". I also love the local delight, "Laksa", the way my mother prepares it.
As far as I am concerned, I'll never stop being, or forget how to be an Asian. The Asian values and way of life that I grew up with are still too ingrained in me. Forgetting my roots- that is simply not possible.
Home
The sound of my sisters bickering
The smell of burnt food
Especially when my father is cooking,
The sight of sunny green Singapore
And the warmth of family.
Harvard, on the other hand,
My other family
Facing cold winds together.
I'm here on a mission,
To do really well in my concentration,
Get my degree,
Pack my bags and return
To my island, my home.
~Both by Noor Ainie, 3/8
(Edited)
Day 4 - Harvard vs MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Reflection Questions:
What are the differences between MIT & Harvard?
What makes a respectable institution?
What symbols are related to Harvard & MIT?
How far do you agree with Harvard's motto?
Harvard and MIT are two of the most popular universities in the world. We stood on their campuses today.
MIT was fun to explore. There wasn't a prison-like sense to it like in our secondary schools. In our schools, we have to adhere very strictly to school rules and there are fences in our schools. I felt more free at MIT and Harvard. If I were in MIT, I would really be able to get up and go to school every day with a fair amount of enthusiasm.
Harvard appears to be more old-fashioned whereas modern sculptures are seen at MIT. However, the Harvard system felt more appealing to me because of the fact that Harvard allows the students have a year and a half to choose the course of study ( interestingly referred to as a "concentration" rather than a major- could this be an attempt to project an exclusivity) in which they wish to embark on. This is appealing to me because personally, I am still not sure what I want to study in the future. Harvard gives students the option to play around with the subjects , find out what they are interested in and what they are good at.
This trip to the two universities have indeed inspired me and I hope to be able to earn the privilege of attending either of the universities as a student.
What are the differences between MIT & Harvard?
What makes a respectable institution?
What symbols are related to Harvard & MIT?
How far do you agree with Harvard's motto?
Harvard and MIT are two of the most popular universities in the world. We stood on their campuses today.
MIT was fun to explore. There wasn't a prison-like sense to it like in our secondary schools. In our schools, we have to adhere very strictly to school rules and there are fences in our schools. I felt more free at MIT and Harvard. If I were in MIT, I would really be able to get up and go to school every day with a fair amount of enthusiasm.
Harvard appears to be more old-fashioned whereas modern sculptures are seen at MIT. However, the Harvard system felt more appealing to me because of the fact that Harvard allows the students have a year and a half to choose the course of study ( interestingly referred to as a "concentration" rather than a major- could this be an attempt to project an exclusivity) in which they wish to embark on. This is appealing to me because personally, I am still not sure what I want to study in the future. Harvard gives students the option to play around with the subjects , find out what they are interested in and what they are good at.
This trip to the two universities have indeed inspired me and I hope to be able to earn the privilege of attending either of the universities as a student.
Natalie Khoo, 3/4
(edited)
(edited)
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Day 4 - Higlights of the Day (30/10)
 |
| Experiencing being in a lecture theatre in MIT |
 |
| Students listening to our guide, Charlie, with rapt attention |
 |
| A walk down the streets of Boston |
 Visiting the Witches' Cottage  |
| Students taking part in a theatre production at Witches' Cottage |
Monday, 29 October 2012
Day 3 - A Sensorial Experience (28th Oct 2012)
 |
| Fallen leaves on the streets of Salem |
 |
| Reflecting under a tree What adjectives would you use to describe the wind? Chilly, cold, crisp, wet, nippy How would you describe the rain falling on your face, the colours of the leaves, the movement of the leaves? Beautiful light drizzle, a light spray A poem inspired by the setting and mood: Beautiful light drizzle, a light spray on the face, gentle kiss of rain I can sit here on the road of yellow fallen leaves all day. I feel nothing A nice nothing. ~Hafizah Khalid, 3/4 |
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