EIGHTERS' YEARBOOK

SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR
Lai Wan Jun
rather you do something you regret than you regret
not doing anything.” This was what my roomie
“I
told me when I was contemplating whether I should
take the leap of faith and run for Hall Council. I was the
typical enthusiastic freshie who was on the post-orientation
high, and felt so strongly for this Hall and the
clan spirit. I was at a loss, whether to be the clan CGL
or to run for Hall Council. Eventually, what my roomie
said struck me, and I decided to run as the Special
Projects Director.
Honestly, there isn’t a single part of this journey that
is easy. Be it the (almost) weekly meetings that end at
ungodly hours (we even ordered McBreakfast after our
very first meeting), the pressure on us to revive the
Hall culture, or the struggle to come up with an event
that caters to this unique batch of residents. This is
truly a test of my time management skills. At the start
of sem 2, I had to juggle Hall Council commitments,
the academic rigour, Srethgie dance practice, and taking
care of my health. I would not say that I did a great job
at it, but at least I managed to pull through the toughest
time in my university life thus far.
A huge shoutout to Kendrick, my fellow SPD partner
who would lend me a helping hand anytime. I couldn’t
have done it without you. Thank you for being so understanding
of my commitments and covering for me
during the 8 to 8 Supper Hop planning phase. Our
working style is complementary. He would take the
lead for the planning phase and I would take charge
during the execution phase. Despite certain disagreements
along the way, our working dynamics were really
amicable.
Thank you to my Subcommers for being so receptive
to our idea of revamping the Supper Hop. You guys
were so responsive when we assign work for you to
do. You took the initiative to step up when you felt like
something has to be done. We could not have done it
without each and every one of you. To my unoff, thank
you for your invaluable advice and guidance throughout
the whole planning phase. When helped us to when
our way when we were lost and you gave us the encouragement
we needed when we were feeling demoralised.
Thank you to this team for making my first ever
event (or as I call it my love child) a success.
Next, to my lovely roomie, Claudia. Thank you for supporting
me since day 1. I always feel so bad when I
switch on the light in the wee hours when I came back
into the room after meeting, but never for once have
you ever complained about the noise I make nor the
blinding lights. I loved all the post its you left for me on
my table when you know that I am stressed and I really
appreciate all the times you offered to buy dinner for
me when you are coming back Hall. Thank you for being
a listening ear and giving me advice when I needed
it. You are such a blessing and I can’t wait to spend
more roomie time with you love.
They say to leave the best for the last, so here goes. To
26th. This journey would not be half as fruitful without
all of you. We were a little awkward at first, but as soon
as we got comfortable with each other’s presence, the
meeting room was filled with so much fun and laughter.
Even though the meeting agenda might be short, but
we would still take hours to end the meeting because
we kept digressing. Not that I am complaining though.
The 14 of us have vastly different personalities, but despite
our differences, we managed to flourish and grow
closer to each other. Maybe opposites attract? Who
knows. All the silly moments we had in the meeting
room, whether it was during meetings or when we
were studying together during finals, they are all kept
close to my heart. You all are my biggest takeaway from
this journey.
It was undeniably a wild ride, full of ups and downs,
where we celebrate successful events and pick each
other up when we are at our lowest. It took up so
much of my time (sorry mum and dad for always going
back Hall early) and energy, but the experience made
it all worthwhile. This is a marathon and not a sprint.
The finish line is just a stone’s throw away. Let’s make
whatever time we have left with each other as fulfilling
as possible!