Let's Brainstorm

Brainstorming is finding solutions or a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by it an individual or group members.

Brainstorming is a technique use to generate new ideas, new solutions to problems often done in small groups. It's better to have five brains thinking and coming out of a new idea and/or solution than one brain could. With the combined forces of all the five brainpower. Creativity and problem-solving skills are multiplied by five. We are able to harness the full creativity and wisdom each brain has to work on a specific problem. I think brainstorm in a group is effective when it's done correctly, when everyone is open-minded to share and no judgement is being passed.   

Our group is being tasked to think on 101 Ways on how to wear a shirt. Overtime, interesting ideas have surfaced up such as by cutting holes in the shirt, rolling a shirt into a bra, wearing it as a cape, using it as a neck scarf or even wearing it as a bandana or turban. Of course it's hard to come out with 101 ways, but if we put our heads in and all our mental energy in it, it then can be done. But then, due to the different female distraction on the screen and a hungry stomach, we weren't able to fully utilised all our mental energy and brainpower. We have came out with a mind map to list down all the possible ways in which we can wear a shirt. 

 Photo taken by author

An hour Journey

Destination NAFA

Home 8am
Writing this post in the midst of heading to school. Morning train crowds are the worse because it is when you realise you are being packed like sardines in a giant tin can.

Yishun 8:20am
Normally, I would wear my earpiece but for this journey  I've made it an exception to removed my earpiece. Doing this will somehow heightened my sense of awareness.

Yio Chu Kang 8:31am
Different range of exotic smells my nose have picked up and it cause me to turn away but there is no space to move. Stop pushing me dude. Nanyang Polytechnic students have alighted the train. More breathable space here.

Ang Mo Kio 08:33am
Everyone is either on a  earpiece, watching drama on the phone or just reading a book. I've writing this post down. Some are just staring at the blank space. I feel this is going to be a long journey ahead. Damn, how I hate the morning train crowds. How I wish I had a motorcycle to ride to school. It would be a breeze.

Bishan 8:36am
Staring out of the train window into the pitch black darkness of the tunnel. Oh, more people have left the train but even more is added. Staring into the darkness has cause me to reflect as I see my own reflection on the glass panel. How's my hair? Is my shirt straight?


Braddell 8:39am
Reflection questions I ponder.
Why did I choose NAFA as my school of choice? I guess it would be a mystery I would have to find out. Fast. I need to find my purpose here in NAFA. I CAN'T SCREW IT UP. I JUST CAN'T. I CAN'T AFFORD TO.

Toa Payoh 8:42am
Sudden Realisation, if you have been following me closely. You would realise that I AM LATE FOR MY 9AM CLASS! It's non excusable that I should be late for class due to me missing multiple trains. Reminder to self, try to leave house earlier next time. I have few stops left ahead of me.

Newton 8:46am
One of my biggest fears is going to school on a crowded train with a completely done up 3D artwork. I scared people will squashed my model with their clumsy bodies breaking it or breaking the form of the sculpture. Or my 3D artwork is so huge that it become a annoyances in the crowded train. That's why I try to make my models small enough to be portable. I don't have the luxury of putting in a car and have my dad driving me down.

Somerset 8:50am
10mins to class start.
It's so hot in the train. The air is being so stale and my stomach is feeling funny.

Dhoby Ghaut 8:53am
Finally my stop, able to get a breather now. Hopping that the circle line train towards Bras Basah is waiting for me as well. Just nice. Train reach when I reach too. I'm liking this feeling.

Closing thoughts
I find this activity has cause me to be more aware of my surrounding and not towards my phone or listening to my songs. We need to look around, not stare at other people phones. Don't be so kaypo. Have cause me think more and process my thoughts. Using all this senses, looking around at people or outside the train and, smelling the sweat of another pits, accidentally brushing my arm against someone else. Hearing the conversation of my fellow commuters is able to cause me to think creatively.

Destination reached 8:59am

One day, One Picture

Photo taken by author

This is a scene set in the busy street in Bugis. Many people crossed this road everyday, be it students of NAFA, the vendor workers at Bugis Streets, Singaporean finding the cheapest deals here or tourist that have come here to sightsee. Put simply, people from all walks of life have treaded on this path. Busy as some pesdestrian may be, or some as carefree as the birds who fly in the sky. At this period of time, where people are rushing. They fail to see the beauty of surrondings, the beauty of life. It has to slow down. Stop and look around you. Do something different. Walk a different route to your destination. Talk to strangers. They just need to chill out, relax and take a break from this busy and hectic life we all live in. Take a little simple pleasure or maybe a cheap thrill some would say.

One day, One Picture.

Photo taken by Desmond Chew

Everyone have a different experience when they go through Basic Military Training(BMT). Well, this is my story to tell. BMT has it tough moment and also moments of rejoicing. BMT is designed in such a way that they will break you, remove all sense of individuality and incalcate a sense of uniformity. And once broken with nothing left, they will build you. They will transform you from a mere civilian enjoying the carefree life to a warfighter soldier in a matter of weeks.

Indeed, I have learnt a lot through the different trainings that BMT that has catered for their recruits. I also learnt more about how different people response to different situations. But most importantly, I learnt about myself. While there are some areas in my life I need to iron it out. Such as in high stress situation, I will began to panick. But over the months of tough and arduous trainings, the insane amount of pressure my sergeant have gave me. The relentless shouting and countless physical punishments I have to go through. I came out victorious. I'm able to better control my thoughts and emotions. I've successfully completed my BMT and officially passed out.

In the weeks ahead, it's going to be so much more tougher for I am called out to be a Guardsman. Who is unfailing in toughness and must be valiant in our actions.