*warning: Some images below may disclose how short Matthew really is. Readers are, by hook or by crook, strictly NOT allowed to burst out of laugher.*

I did not intend to go for the Prefects’ Appreciation Night which was held on Friday at the Lakeview club. But because I did not want to disappoint Joanna and Zhui Mun and I had nothing to do at home anyways… I changed my mind.

Prefects’ Appreciation Night is a night where the juniors and seniors gather round and enjoy ourselves together for the very last time. It’s organized by the 10th grade prefects to appreciate and thank the graduating seniors for everything they’d taught and done for us.

Met up with Gok Heng, Joanna and Zhui Mun beside the pool. Disappointingly and rather shockingly, the four of us were the only four 9th grade prefects who were there. As what Joanna puts it, we’re the “faithful four”. Haha.

Zhui Mun, Matthew (me) and Joanna

The food was satisfactory… pretty good for a $30 meal. And everything else was great. But with the majority of the turnouts came from 10th and 11th graders, I easily felt like a humble square peg in a round hole. I wasn’t close to any of the seniors. It’s just odd.. to be the youngest one there.

But as the night was about to end, I started to realize that I was there for a reason and that reason is to thank those who assisted and supported me throughout my probation period. And to be able to attend the appreciation night itself is a blessing.

Izzat
He was my very first mentor… a great one. I lucidly remember the very first day I went for duty. I was placed in the canteen. He told me to be bolder and audacious and not to be afraid to face up to the students. Even though the groups reshuffled a few months later and we were in separate groups, I knew he always believed in me that I would do great regardless of who my senior is. If it hadn’t been for him, I might not be able to wear the green blazer I’ve always yearned for since the start of the year. And because of that, thanks Izzat.

Chen Liang

He was the one who taught me how to march adroitly and proficiently. He believed that the amateurs, like me, have an equal shot to be in the marching squad. His perseverance and diligence to help and guide the tyros truly inspires me. On account of his determination and dedication, I eventually managed to make the cut in the prefect’s marching squad. And because of that, thanks Chen Liang.

Hun Yin

One of the very few friendly seniors who made me feel comfortable and at ease on my first day of duty/morning session, when the people, duty system and the environment as a whole, appeared to be new and completely different to me. And because of that, thanks Hun Yin.

Rizwan

He is one of the all-time prefects whom I respect and look up to. As the Assistant Head Prefect, he is known for his modesty and compassion. And even though he plays an important role in the Prefectorial board with major responsibilities on his shoulders to come along with it, he is also an intellectual student and has always done well academically. He’s certainly a role model to me and many others as well.

Also, many thanks to Hui Ning and Reduan for being such great and friendly seniors to me… as well as everyone else in the prefects clan for your sacrifice.

The faithful four
(You do not have to tell me that I have glamorous-looking female friends.. because I already know that =P)

The whole bumpy experience I’ve had being a prefect absolutely daunted me at the end of the day and I just felt passionless to sustain my obligation as a school prefect. A simple “keep up your good work” from the seniors was already enough to motivate me to get back on the right path where I’ve skidded off.

My conclusion, I am very thankful to be at the appreciation night last Friday.

Once again, thanks seniors!
Pictures courtesy of Gok Heng.