Reading Habits

Reading used to be such a simple activity. I put commuting time to effective use through reading. However, it is increasingly difficult to do my reading on the bus/train.

Not because SMRT has reduced the number of train runs during peak hours, but rather because of the nature of the books I read are largely non-fiction. I tend to run into a lot of theories, concepts and personalities which are interesting enough to find more information on them.

Reading takes place in front of a computer now, where I can easily google for the required information. Of course, this is not a valid reason for not reading the targeted number of books for the month of February.

On a side note, ordering books from Amazon.com is pretty fun. I guess that is unavoidable because some books I've read simply resonates so much with me that I have to have a copy. I derive something new with every read. It's not that the books have changed. It's how life experiences have altered me. That's a good thing since it means I'm still capable of learning. No?

Commencement 2007

Finally, the day which my parents have been waiting for. I was a forced participant in this whole ceremony. But since I was there, I have to make the best out of it. Graduation from the university seemed pretty eventual to me.

On a separate note, Time does seem to fly by us on hindsight. I am thankful to be in the company of good friends (you know who you are) throughout the 4 years of study. I haven't taken every opportunity to get to know a number of you on a personal basis. But to those who know me, I hope we would have accumulated enough shared memories to carry on the friendship.

I was one of the last few to clear the area on the day. I only managed to say "bye" once. Though I do not know where all my ex-classmates went, and what other plans they have (be it in the near term or the future), I'm pretty sure they're leading their own meaningfully busy lives.

Leaving the University

I wrote my last paper on Thursday. It effectively marks the end of the 4 years of my university life, the end of my formal education. There was no feelings of elation or being lost after the paper, which I had expected.

I cannot say with certainty that I will never go back to any path of formal education in my life. It's part of the requirement by the society sometimes.

But learning never stops. I will be continuing with my own informal learning. To date, I have already finished 7 books on various topics since the start of the year. I expect to be able to complete another 2 books by the end of next week. Yes, I do have a bit of time before I start the next phase of life.

As a commitment to learning, I will be starting a book fund for myself. A portion of my monthly pay will be filtered into this fund. It will be used to acquire useful books of interest over time.

Meanwhile, I foresee that my favourite haunt in the near future will be the library.