Out of the Boiling Pot and Into the Fire

Once again another semester has come to a close. The flurry of school activity is interspersed haphazardly with the rush leading up to projects submission deadlines, before finally culminating in the finals. And ohhh I've never liked examinations, for I believe they only test a myopic range of skill sets. These skill sets are often not even relevant in the working world. After having been chided on several occasions over my lack of applicable knowledge, I only know too well. I've always wondered if book smart has any direct correlation with street smart. Is it a case of either or, or can a person harness both powers? 

What hurts the most is that despite examinations being a poor representation of a person's entirety, because of the high weightage accorded, they pretty much dictate the eventual grade, and by extension, the person's entire career ahead of him. The consequences of falling over the wrong side of the bell curve only really hits when you embark on the perilous task of job hunting. In a faceless world where self-interests comes first, without the right connections, you are left to fend for yourself.

Seeing scoundrels who leave their poor group mates to bear the brunt of the projects, but utilizing their exam smarts to secure their eventual desired grades, riles up a sense of injustice. You want to stand up and scream about the unfairness of it all. You scream till your voice goes hoarse and your lungs collapse, but there is no one out there to hear you, much less save you. It's a harsh, harsh world. Thankfully, you are offered a lifeline. Against the raging currents of scheming and plotting and conniving and ill-gotten gains, you remain sane in the knowledge that you've not only picked up additional technical skill sets, you've also had the opportunity to witness a person's true character. When push comes to shove, is he someone you can count on?

As seen from a friend's FB status: Fate usually has an unexpected way of rewarding or punishing individuals but I can only pray and hope for the very best. But one thing for sure, I know I have tried my best. And isn't that the most important thing in life?

Aww come on. Don't be a grouch. Now that examinations are over, you've got the good life to look forward to. Ehhh wait a minute... NO?! You mean your dissertation professor is breathing down your neck regarding your slow progress? He wants you to further expand your scope?? Oh wait, there's more?!! There's also a compulsory "holiday" at Seletar chalet to attend? That's it.. Kick him more when he's down! 

I can only laugh at myself, and think what a quaint story it would make on 9gag or fmylife.