Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road.

Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go.

So make the best of this test and don’t ask why

It’s not a question, but a lesson learnt in time.

It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right

I hope you had the time of your life.

So take the photographs and still frames in your mind,

Hang it on a shelf of good health and good times,

Tattoos of memories and dead skin on trial,

For what it was worth, it was worth all the while.

It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right

I hope you had the time of your life.

It’s something unpredictable but in the end is right,

I hope you had the time of your life.

--Greenday, ‘Good Riddance.’

So, another school year has ended. The classrooms are empty, the desks cleared out, the bins emptied for the last time, the notice board taken down. The whiteboard is white once more, and the cupboards are swept out. The French windows of the classroom close on last time, the lights fade out, the fans stop their humming, and the lock is turned. And 2 COURAGE of 2003 turn and go their separate ways.

Our combination results have been returned to us; little white slips of paper with results scrawled in brilliant blue ink and hideous handwriting that will decide the course of our lives for the next two years. Students crowing with happiness and those leaning against available walls and sobbing are spotted around school.

We are at the crossroads, my friends.

It is time for us to hit our separate roads in life, and go our separate ways.

This year, like most years, was filled with tests, tears, hardships, and just as much fun and laughter. The only difference being that this year flew by in the blink of an eye, with scarcely enough time for us to wish it the best of luck or go through it one last time. New friendships formed, old bonds strengthened, old ties renewed, and others leaving. Looking around, at each of my classmates, is like flipping through the pages of a much-loved book. The leaves crackle and groan with age as one flips through them, memories of sitting by a fireplace, curled up on one’s side, come flooding back.

I remember when I first stepped into COURAGE. Didn’t know a single person. I was feeling completely left out, and all the smiling faces around me just made me feel worse. But by and by, I got to know some people. Life became better. Then there was adventure camp, and all the other class activities..and now? I’m going to miss that class and the people in it. One simply cannot spend one entire year with the same people and not remember them in some fond way or another. This class has grown on me; this class and its friendly people, with their wacky ideas and silliness. They’re like a second family to me now, and to think that at the beginning of the year, they were complete strangers to me! Even the classroom seems like an old friend, and all the memories contained within its four walls. Of running frantically to the P Block (on the other side of school) and back, breathless, all within the space of five minutes. Of late afternoons in school. Of strolling to the science laboratories and dear Mrs. Cha who never really scolded us. Then the Prefectorial Board; of Teacher’s Day Meetings and meeting deadlines, of even later afternoons, of mad scribbles on paper and plastic coloured coasters. Of violins and guitars, of dominoes and failed plans……so many memories, thoughts, emotions and sensations. So many hugs, tests, exams and companionship that I’m scared I’ll forget. I would like to capture them all and seal them in a little glass bottle for my slow enjoyment, like aged wine.

And next year, COURAGE will be split. Heading to different classes, different circles. New friendships forged, (and the inevitable) old friendships broken. Angst-filled teenagers moved up a level, one year older.

But I won’t forget. I’ll make sure I won’t forget. And I can’t, even if I wanted to. Who can forget people one has spent a year with? Been through so much with? No one, I’m sure.

This year was a beautiful year, a colourful year, like the night sky splashed with the colours of sunset, a painting worth more than all the treasures of the world. And one that I will keep close to my heart.

One chapter has closed, has come to an end. The leaves rustle faintly in agreement.

We have come to the crossroads, my friends. I won’t forget you, and wish you the best of luck.

The travelers, having said their last farewells, set forth, carrying lanterns and wrapped in cloaks.

Dedicated to 2 COURAGE, PB’03, and those dear, odd people in my life-you know who you are.

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