Its MARCH!

Oh my gosh. Time do fly when one’s calendar is filled up with so many different datelines to keep. Just started my second module of the graduate diploma program, and will be left with 4 more modules… Fingers crossed, as I am also half way through my 400 hour practicum program.

At times, I really wonder at the purpose of the x number of reports that I have to write, and wrecking my brains to think of the theories that I have used in my course of work. Challenging, but enriches my learning experience.

And getting a decent grade for Human Lifespan module is an added bonus!

If I thought 2013 would bring about a quiet and peaceful start, I am proven wrong pretty quickly. Before January would end, quite a number of things has been happening, and yes, I am thankful, but at the same time, trying not to be too overwhelmed by it.

Trying to take stock of what is happening kinda works… albeit blowing my brains off by the sheer amount of information. In the end, I decided to just “go with the flow”, and ride this wave, while it lasts.

Elaborating it here would be as good as writing a duper lengthy blog post… which I am not very sure if anyone would want to read it. Perhaps a better way is for the pictures to do the talking in due time.

So pardon me if I tend to be a little more quiet on the Internet, for I treasure for more “me-time” moments, which I need to re-charge, as well as ensuring my own well-being is taken care of. Because studying + working at the same time takes a huge toil on me – health wise – physically and mentally. It is a challenge, and yet, through the ups and downs in due course, it taught me to appreciate, and not take it for granted.

I’m fortunate to have opportunities to switch my career, and I do hope the third time will be the last time I am doing this. (Not very fun to keep switching from time to time).

Also, I am blessed to have an understanding, caring, loving and supportive family and boyfriend, friends who are supportive, encouraging (you know who you are), to help me through in difficult times.

Praise be to God.

PS: As of now, I have started my Graduate Diploma program proper, having gone through the bridging modules last year. I can’t wait till the program ends by the end of 2013. So near yet seems so far!

Well, just another silly post on this blog… And it’s off to a rumbling start for year 2013. My, I could hardly catch my breadth already.

For starters, the graduate diploma degree goes into full swing. My, the bridging program is over and done with, except the practicum… which will soon be another 3 months of craziness that I will enjoy… (hopefully). Also, I can’t believe that in 3 months, I will cross the 1 year mark of being in social service sector. That’s really fast!

Apart from that, I am quite thankful for everything else in my life.

While most people are partying or feasting the last night of 2012 away, I went to bed early instead. I know, like no life right? Rather, I made the choice to get a good night’s rest instead, and wake up to a brand new year…

I’ve no new year resolutions to make, for I know I will break them as soon as its been made.

I’m looking forward to what this year may bring, and hoping for the best possible year yet.

May your 2013 be awesome, and God bless!

2012 is almost over.

To say that this year is filled with roller-coaster moments, is an understatement.

No amount of writing here now can possibly relate to you what I went through.

Let’s just say that its full of ups and downs, and I am very glad and thankful for all that has happened.

God Bless, stay safe, and have a pleasant 2013 ahead. May 2013 usher in more happiness.

Nicole

“I see the light at the end of the tunnel”

The arrival of December heralds the last month of year 2012. It is also the month of joy and festivities, as Christmas is around the corner, besides, it also signals the arrival of year 2013, in a matter of 30 days. Double joy? Perhaps so, depending on one’s view and perspectives.

Personally, December is a month for me to wind down, and reflect of what took place in my life for the current year. Somehow, this month feels different, as there are still much to do. One of it, with no prizes awarded for the correct guess would be school. Exam date falls on 29th December. Geez, nothing much I could do about it, except bemoaning the fact that its 4 days after Christmas. Then again, I would much prefer to get it over and done with, and end the year on a good note.

Sometimes, I wonder what is it like… if I had not joined the Social Service sector…

There is a sense of satisfaction upon completion of each module, and not to mention, anticipating the over all grade consisting of marks from 2 assignments and an examination.

For those who still have no clue to as what I am doing these days… I’m pursuing a Grad. Dip (Social Work) on a part-time basis with UniSIM, as well as working in the Social Service sector in a local Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO).

I remembered the days where I contemplated joining social service when I chanced upon the MCYS series of advertisements, as well as reading up on the WDA website, that offers a chance for professionals looking for a career switch. Thus I decided to take the plunge and here I am!

It has been 7 months and counting since I first entered this industry in April 2012. To me, the time passed has been extremely fruitful and eye-opening, not just to the know-hows in the sector, but it has also significantly impacted personal outlook towards life as well as a shift in paradigms and perspectives in handling issues.

I’m looking forward to what’s coming ahead, and I hope to be able to overcome each challenge and do my best.

Am thankful to be surrounded by supportive family, boyfriend, and friends as I continue to press on with social work. It definitely is not an easy area to be in, due to the sheer complexities that could possibly arise when handling issues that these clients may be facing.

Alrighty, I shall have to return to indulge in activities that I yearn to do, as well as spending quality time with the people that matters.

Till the next update.

God Bless.

Nicole

Dusting the cob webs!

And by now, as friends would know, I am almost at the end of the 2nd bridging module. End of module date would be 10th November, where it’s also know as… examination. I remembered just a few days back, where I was on the verge of frustration over my second and final assignment. Yet, I am thankful to have friends who guided me alongside the assignment and the encouragement to carry on.

Each time I feel like giving up, I’m reminded why I choose this path, be it through my work or otherwise, and I thank God that I am led into this for a reason and purpose. I may not understand it now, but I trust that it will all turn out to be for the best.

And thus, with renewed energy, I shall continue in my quest to start revision for the paper ahead.

Gambette!

Well, as the title suggest, it sure sounds like hacking the a jar of blackberry jam. :p Okay, it has nothing to do with food… but a lot to do with BlackBerry RIM. Got your attention? Good.

Let’s see… the ingredients that go into a BlackBerry JamHack 2012 would include a 40 hour coding marathon. It runs in 10 cities, over 2 weekends (5 cities simultaneously each weekend)

So.. what is the BlackBerry JamHack all about?

more…

I’m halfway into my second module of my bridging course on route to my graduate diploma in Social Work for Jan 2013. Needless to say, my first module left me gasping for breadth like a fish out of water, for things were happening too fast too furious. Okay, blame it on the lack of improper time management. That really jolt me up as I didn’t wish to pack any of my modules.

Looking at it, it’s also my first attempt juggling both work and studies at the same time. It’s actually quite draining, as classes, although held on the weekends, it still is a struggle having to drag your feet to the classroom. I’m too used to sleeping in on the weekends! (That’s something I will have to adjust)

I kinda look forward to studying after work each day (as often as I like), though I still am striving to strike a delicate balance between studying and socializing. I do miss my friends, and all the fun times I used to have.

I’ve been in the Social Service Industry for 6 months and counting. Each day never fail to teach me to be even more self aware of myself, and that it has also helped me to deal with past issues that I ran away from. I’m only human, and everyone of us have issues to work with. Don’t worry, I am in a better shape now, and my walk with God is on-going.

Have a blessed day!

Till the next post.

Nicole