It has been more than four decades since I last stepped into the secondary school I once attended.
I drove past Jurong Secondary School (JSS) unintentionally, thanks to me missing a turn to my intended destination to Jurong Lake Gardens. I was so thrilled to stop and have a quick photo, after all, this is one place that is filled with so many fond memories of my teenage student life.
JSS is just diagonally opposite Jurong Lake Gardens. As I was walking towards the lake this morning, I could not help but smile to myself as I recalled how naughty and fearless I was during those teenage student years.
Cheating During PE (Physical Education) Lessons
The school PE lesson was a weekly cross-country run training around the huge lake in the gardens and I can so vividly remember how I cheated during a few of those runs by taking shortcuts. To escape the PE teacher’s suspicion, I would literally pour water on myself, making it look like I was drenched in sweat from the torturous run 😬.
I obviously was not that gutsy to be doing this alone. There were a few of us and we drew upon each other’s strength, promising to be in this together.
We got caught eventually and were severely punished to run another fresh round. By the time we were done, we were literally crawling in complete darkness.
This one experience and lesson has been so deeply ingrained in my subconsciousness that the flash back was almost instantaneous. I am grateful for the many valuable lessons learnt early in my life that I could even laugh over them now.
Never cheat and never take shortcuts in life, it will always catch up upon us.
Champions Of Mind and Leaders With Heart
I absolutely love this vision stated on the Open House Banner posted right in front of the school gate.
I do not recall having such a school vision during my time and I found the following quotes from the school website which I can absolutely resonate with :
“JSS students possess mental grit, are cognitively flexible and confident, and persevere in the face of adversity.
JSS students are concerned citizens who take initiative and show genuine interest to actively contribute to the community, possessing the moral courage to be an advocate for society.”
I strongly believe that a conducive environment and a strong foundation building our youth character is so critically important. Being disciplined and resilient, with self-confident and a good heart will certainly set them up to be more successful and happier in their journey in life.
One Of The Best Nature Park – Jurong Lake Gardens
I am grateful for the beautiful and peaceful walk this morning with fond memories. Unlike the cross-country run, I was not in a hurry. Glad to capture some new photo memories of the park, including a group of cyclists who happily posted for my photoshoot.
Jurong Lake Gardens has been transformed and it is now a huge park with an array of community spaces and activities amidst greenery and nature for all. They even have an information counter to guide tourists and visitors.
So happy to be back finally, after such a long time ! Some things may have changed but good old memories remain. So keep building happy memories !
Lyn 🌻😊
Thank you Lyn … I enjoyed very much reading this article …. and of course I always look forward to your posts. Hope you always have happy memories because they make us happy ..,
Thank you Leanne… so happy you enjoyed the article ! Wishing you tons of happy memories too !
Some things may change, good old memories remain. I can totally resonate with you Lyn! Thanks for sharing. The first part of your article reminds me of my own student days! Great memories….
Yeah, those were the days.. happy you can resonate with it, thank you for sharing for your thoughts!
Great memories. Thank you Shalyn
Thank you Ramesh !
Lyn,
Not only recalling your naughtinesses, you got to see and take so many colourful and beautiful images. A patch of dirt water under your feet has turned into a gold nugget of knowledge. No experience goes wasted if one sees the beauty within the action. Ever think of returning to tell the the current students about your experience. Life continues to be fun, fills with twists and turns in faith, hope and love. Love is the greatest. May be a book of your life is in the pipe line. I will support a copy or 2. Thanks for sharing. Springxx
Dear Spring, thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, I appreciate your insights as always. Indeed, love is the greatest and may I wish you much love ! Awe nice thoughts on a potential book, grateful for your support ahead, thank you !
Indeed people and things change but memories last forever. Lyn your sweet memories pix of your secondary days also reminded me of those good times in my Newtown sec days. These memories become a treasure and will continue to cherish it. Thank u Lyn for photogenic nature spots of jurong lake garden. U remind me can take a stroll by jurong lake and enjoy the beautiful sights together with my family.
Yes it’s amazing how those aged memories could still be so fresh in our mind isn’t it !
Your article brought back some of my school times memories too
Once upon a time when we were young and crazy. haha
Especially cheating on the PE time —I could feel a group of innocent youths doing funny things together ! ♂️♂️♂️
It is so real and funny
Tks for sharing ❤️
Yeah those were the innocent fun days…
Visiting good old school campus is always nice and bring back all the memories from wonderful days. The fun part is …you can really feel young and energetic when you sit your favourite place and soak into the past school days. 🙂
Indeed, love those memories! Thanks bp for sharing your thoughts.