Some after-thoughts

Finally, Dream On came to an end.

I am glad to have taken on the role of stage manager. I do admit that there are times which I could have handled the situation better. I also didn't build a good enough rapport with the bands, and i do feel bad for having to cut short their perfomances. All these people are such dedicated musicians.. I understand how it feels to be on stage; I know they would want that feeling to last longer and yet I have to be the one to cut them. Oh wells.. Nonetheless I'm still very grateful that they cooperated with me.. =) I am amazed by their professionalism and the support they gave to other bands. The local music community may be small, yet I believe it is a close one. These bands all have a common interest, and they can understand each other's difficulties in the local music scene. Music really knows no boundaries... Although I'm not really into band music(more into contemporary and new age instrumental), its really great to work with people who have such passions for music! This is the first time I had to work with so many people I don't know personally. Fresh experience, but a very enriching one indeed!

Much thanks to my wonderful crew as well! I guess I didn't know how to express this well enough during our little debrief. There are many things which i can simply entrust upon them to handle well. We may be inexperienced, but I'm glad we all learned something together and from each other as well. To Suyin, Zaidi, Whale, Kevin, John, and Pefita, thanks so much again! =)

To the entire Dream On Committee, you guys rock! To Carmen and Marsha, I salute your commitment and drive in pulling this whole project together. Rachel, Evonne, Man Yan, Xin Hui, Andrea, Sharlyn, Yanying, Jia Ying(volunteer of the day!) and Casper, I'm glad we're in this together! Not forgetting some new friends like Kin Wai, Augustine, Clement, Charles, etc etc.. =)

Hmm.. now, some thoughts of the entire project...

Along the way, there are some good times, as well as not so good ones too. There are times when I felt disheartened, probably disillusioned or disappointed. But there are also times of immense gratefulness and euphoria. I am also very touched by the support shown by my friends and teachers towards this project. A few names definitely have to be mentioned.

Sock Hoon, whom really has no stake in this but still helping me wholeheartedly, from helping me to persuade teachers to buy the CDs, to putting up posters around the school etc.

Friends whom supported Dream On like Yuan Yuan(who came down to volunteer too), Weekeat(for listening to my speech countless times before i decided to change everything. lol), Kim Wei(for coming down purposely to YMCA to get the CD), Eunice(who bought the CD because u were so inspired by the motto - Cos dreams don't need reasons to live), Cai Jing(for sharing with Eunice that CD..haha), Bee Choo (for that Lian He Zao Bao article too!), Emily(i was really touched when u said u're buying the CD because u saw my passion), Eric(for being my first buyer and for being so generous!), Junru, Fly Monica Xin Yi and Jamie (who've came for the concert), Shu Ting, Vincent, Jianfu sir etc.. (sorry if i miss out any!).

Mr Lincoln Mao for giving me unconditional support in this project. Seriously, I thought it would be hard to sell the CD in school cos of all the fund raising events we had already, so imagine my suprise when Mr Mao said, "Should be no problem". haha. Other teachers worth mentioning are Mr Tan Chee Peng, Mr Ng(Huang Lao Shi), Mr Toh, Mr Teo Lye Heng, Ms Poh, Wu Lao Shi, Lin Lao Shi, Mr Victor Tan, Mrs Lee Yan Yan, Mr Lawrence, Mr Bernard Wong, Mr Lau, Mr Johnathan Ng, Mr Nathan, Ms Jeeva, Mrs Audrey Koh, Mrs Tay, Ms Yap, Zhang Lao Shi, Chen Lao Shi and Mr Haniss. All their support is really really encouraging. I'm very grateful for their generosity. Thanks!! =)

Special thanks to all other teachers and students who have given me their time to listen to our cause. Although not all bought the CD, but I guess it is more important that the message is communicated across. =)

I have gained much in terms of personal development through this experience too. Things like approaching strangers and selling to them the idea behind our project, public speaking in front of my whole school asking them to pursue their dreams, etc have increased my confidence tremendously. Not to mention the many many failed attempts, which allowed me to learn to take rejections with a light heart. Oh yes, and the power of smiles! People really look so much so much better with a smile on their face u noe? I feel happy being to make others look prettier, or more handsome, by smiling at them and letting them return with a smile too. I have also seen how hard I can push myself to the limits. I'm glad I managed to survive yesterday despite a fatigue and overheated body. Heh...

Halfway through my involvement, I did begin to question my purpose in this project. Personally, the reason for my deep involvement in this project is its cause. I've put in all that I can in the name of passion, because I so strongly believe in the pursuit of dreams. I hope that this project would inspire the people out there too. Yet, there are times of disillusionment. There are differing beliefs and principles, and I do admit that sometimes I feel quite torn between the two. Understanding both sides allowed me to learn more, but the tough part is reaffirming my own beliefs. The ends are the same, it is just the means which are conflicting. Neither is wrong, nor correct. It is just a matter of beliefs. You may say that I'm too idealistic in my beliefs, yet this idealism is the main reason for my involvement.

Nonetheless, I believe that all of us emerged from this project with much invaluable experience and lessons learnt.

Hmmm.. now that reflections are done, I just want to retire into Watanabe Yuichi music. Really soothing stuff...