I never liked orientations since secondary school. I always thought they were a waste of time, an authority-enforced social event with an objective to try and get people to mingle together so that they will stay in the school and not leave for another institution. Moreover, I always thought the people who actually participated in such events willingly have an ulterior motive of wanting to network or show off their spontaneity, eager to be the next “Mr/Miss Popular”. If you observe closely enough, you’d notice the kind of people who attend orientations all have the same characteristics and personalities.
I always thought orientations should have an opt-out option. I was so glad NUS’ had one. I had my own close clique of friends who grew up with me through secondary school and JC, and all of us were anti-orientations. We were happy being on our own. I was very much happy to be on my own even without them. I’m the kind who is OK taking modules all by myself.
And here I am today, part of the main committee organising Shining Lights, Arrow Ministry’s NUS freshman orientation. I only joined Arrow in Year 3 Sem 2, and I attended last year’s orientation when I was in Year 4. I was unwilling at first, but my CGL advised me to give it a shot. I had no intention of making new friends anyway as I had the mentality that I was going to graduate in a year’s time. I even joked that I actually attended a varsity orientation after all.
But something made all the difference. In my anti-social state, I observed one thing – the people involved this orientation truly cared. And the friends I made in this last year of varsity life are the ones who have impacted my life tremendously. I regretted not joining church earlier, and being able to start all over again as a freshman and attend an orientation organised by church. I could never fathom how much better would my life have turned out if I had met these friends when I was in Year 1.
And this is why when asked to help out with this orientation, I didn’t hesitate to take part- I believe and support the ministry’s heart for our freshmen. This is not some church-enforced event. This is not some cheesy event to matchmake people and take advantage of innocent girls. This is not an event for people to show-off their leadership and social skills while playing orientation games. This is an event where fellow believers gather together to fellowship and care for one another, and because Jesus is in the midst of it, that makes all the difference.
If you’re a freshman and you’re reading this, I encourage you to join us. Sign up for our orientation and see for yourself. I wish you all the best in your varsity endeavours.
God Bless,
Aaron Raphael Chin
Science (PR, CZ), Computing Caregroup
Marketing Committee In-Charge
Shining Lights Main Commitee
