-past- how much past exists for a simple me?
    primary school: fuchun primary school - excelled academically. active participant in all kinds of competitions. learnt Chinese dance, joined the choir, played badminton. friendship problems created self-esteem problem despite excellence in studies. stayed in malaysia and commuted to school in singapore daily until 1990. graduated in 1992 with surprisingly excellent results.
    secondary school: rgs - enrolled in the gep despite own wishes. struggled miserably in the first year. esteem problem aggravated. eventually found niche in chinese creative writing. dabbled in journalism for a while; and track and field by running for house. more outgoing by end of personality-moulding 4 years. best friends found from initial times of mutual support. increased confidence in self. graduated in 1996.
    junior college: hcjc - enrolled in triple science faculty. participated actively in class activities. and college drama production. found good friends from class, become extremely extroverted. continue to do well in examinations. sweet innocent romance with fellow classmate. taught private tuition to supplement allowance. Graduated in 1998. received job in 1999 back in college as temporary chemistry tutor.

-present- when does the present get archived into the past?
    university: uiuc - double major in electrical engineering and political science. discover interest in astrophysics and performing arts. rooming with 7 other singaporeans after first year of unhappiness in the dorm. active in SSA and volunteer ushering. realise interest in foreign language. dabbled in french. and japanese. discover beauty of dancing. working in physics library due to financial difficulties. suffer setbacks in academic studies due to negligience. discover both loneliness and freedom.

-future- if i knew my future, then what is the present?
    i am reluctant to look too far into my future. the least i know is that i will be a civil servant until i'm about 30. i don't hold any expections for my future, except for things more likely within my control and ability. i expect to have a career, either with the civil service or not. i expect to have children, even though i am not as confident that i will get married. i expect to remain close to my closest friends and my family.
    i just hope to be happy.