hey guys! Here are your thoughts and feelings about the HK trip!

From the very first day before we even boarded the plane to the very last day when we bade goodbye at the airport, I could feel this very special bond within all of us; this very special friendship we had fostered. Through thick and thin, we worked together as a family, caring for one another. This extraordinary relationship could never be comparable for it was special in each and every one of our hearts.

Nobody would agree that any highland is easy to climb though there is this saying that “There ain’t a mountain too high”. Trekking upwards was no easy job for a fit-enough person like me and I was usually at the back if the slope got really steep. Most people would think that going downwards would be effortless. However, the impact on the knees could be extremely straining. On the first night of the trek, I felt the worst pain I had ever experienced on both my knees. Despite the fear that my knees would fail me for the subsequent days, I continued trekking, holding my faith and staying optimistic. Peers around were concerned about my aches more than I was and I once again felt the guardianship from them. Physically challenging it might be, it was more of testing me mentally. The only thing that spurred me on was to keep in mind that every step I took brought me one step closer to the top or the end.

We appreciated one another’s presence and what they had done for us. We opened up as individuals. These were very important for the day of our exchange programme to the Chinese YMCA Secondary School and the friendly volleyball match with L.W.L Secondary School.
This trip has definitely been enriching not only for me as a leader, but also as a person.

Chiaw Min

Being able to participate in this year's student leaders expedition to Hong Kong was a once in a lifetime experience and a decision made, that I’ll never regret.

To the four 'nannies' who have been with us and watched over all of us in the 7 days we've been in Hong Kong and even the days of preparation before the trip, namely Ms Chen, Mr Singh, Mr Rizal and Gracie, a BIG thank you to you guys.
In this trip, we practiced much on pair and team work, which in turn emphasized on the importance of being vigilant at all times and to keep in mind the safety of our partners, offering them in times of need.

Looking out and showing care and concern for every other person on the trip, forged stronger bonds between all of us. I believe this bond will carry us to further heights we never dreamt to achieve.

Lastly, I would like to thank all who made this trip possible. Love you guys :)

Clarissa

The Hong Kong trip really made me a stronger person both physically and mentally. I am really glad to know my friends better in this trip. I really enjoyed it. I want to thank the fellow TKsians who made it through with me, Mr Singh, Mr Rizal, Ms Chen, Gracie and the people from Hong Kong who made this trip a very successful one. It would never be the same without anyone of you.

Estee

For starters, I really enjoyed this trip. Not only because I had many friends along with me, and it was an adventure to behold, but also because I have learned a lot from it, that I can use in my leadership position in my CCA.

On the first day, we started our learning journey. Josephine had dropped her passport before the flight; as a result, we had to use critical thinking to solve the issue on hand. We worked swiftly together and managed to get a replacement in the nick of time. Next, through the course of the few days of hiking, I’ve learnt some very useful things, that will, indubitably come in handy. First of all, during the hike, we had to constantly affirm and motivate each other. This gives each other a sense of satisfaction, and enables the other person to know that he or she is appreciated and needed. Continuous encouragement will build one’s self esteem and confidence, and enable one to scale greater heights. It will also motivate one to do his or her very best.

Moving on, I also learnt the importance of teamwork when we had to prepare our meals in groups, and come up with solutions to solve problems we encountered during the hikes. An example would be the unfavourable terrain that we had to cover, to work on this, we had the guys stand in between the girls to support and help them along the way, increasing our speed of movement.

Following this, I learnt the importance of time management.

“Time management takes perseverance and self-discipline, but no other investment pays higher dividends.” – An experienced teacher

This is entirely so true, when you can manage your time properly, you can get more things done in the same amount of time, this increases efficiency and enables events that you have planned to run smoothly as you go on with the schedule, ensuring that everything is going according to plan. Some good ways would be to delegate the work out evenly, for example, when cooking meals, one person can be managing the stove, and the other opening and mixing ingredients, this halves the time taken to do these two jobs as instead of one person doing all of it, the work is shared by two.

The next thing I have learned from this trip is focus.

“If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” - Chinese Proverb

If you put your time and energy into trying to fulfil two goals at the same time, you won't succeed in either one. When we are gathered to do a specific thing, we have to be focused and concentrate on that one thing, rather than hover around from one point to another, which will only lead to time being wasted.

Other smaller points I’ve picked up from this trip would be Open-mindedness, we have to be open minded to listen to each other’s ideas as their ideas might be better than what we ourselves have in mind. This ties in with respect. Respect is a two-way process, you respect me, and I’ll give you your due respect. It also has to be earned by proving that you are accountable and responsible. As mentioned earlier on, you also have to be accountable and reliable as a leader, if not, how are the people both under and above you, supposed to depend on you? Next, one must have initiative. The initiative to help even without being asking, to look out and care for one another. This is probably one of the most important assets a leader needs to have.

On the whole, it was a great trip and an experience that will remain indelibly etched in my mind. A big thank you to the teachers for organizing this and giving us the opportunity to go on the trip, and to my fellow S.L.C s for whatever they have done during the trip to make it more enjoyable. I think we have worked very well and every single one of us deserves to be affirmed and appreciated for that.

James

After this enjoyable yet unforgettable trip, I learnt many important lessons and at the same time made many more good friends. This group of us started out as smaller groups in this one whole big group. However, after the few days spent together in Hong Kong and the few months in preparation for it, we have now become one big group of SLCs. Other than making new friends in this group, we have also learnt important leadership qualities which will benefit us in our near and future life.

As the saying goes, Learning has no boundaries, and I found much truth in it. In everything that we do, there is definitely an important lesson behind for us to learn from it. From the other leaders, I saw many leadership qualities that are being portrayed during the hike. These are the leadership qualities that I hope that I can learn. As everybody is not perfect, we should absorb what others have in abundance to make up for the lack of it in ourselves.

Of all the leadership qualities which may require a whole day’s time to name all, I personally feel that a good leader needs to possess a great character and good behaviour, above all other leadership qualities. This may sound basic, but it is hard to achieve.

In ending, I feel that this trip has allowed each and every one of us to know each other better and helped us in becoming better leaders. If given this opportunity again, I would definitely grab it.

Joel

I am truly glad to be part of this enriching, memorable and amazing trip. I was so psyched when I discovered that I was one of the selected students to go for the trip, I thank the teachers for giving me the opportunity to experience the school trip of our lives. The trip had taught us to be more mature leaders, more understanding, more prepared and definitely more responsible. We have learnt so much from the teachers, the guides, lessons from life experiences there and from one another. We have successfully completed the challenges and the trekking obstacles from YMCA, and so i believe we are ready to face the challenges TK has for us! As Mr Singh said, 'This is a chance of a lifetime. This is an experience of a lifetime.', I simply couldn't agree more (:

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR MAKING THE TRIP AS AMAZING AS IT COULD GET!

Josephine

It was truly an experience of a lifetime to be able to attend this trip. I have learn so many things from this trip; ranging from practical trekking knowledge to managing relations with the team.
The unique part about this trip is not the place, not the activities and not the programmes arranged for us, it is actually the people in this trip. Without the wonderful guidance from our teachers or guides, we would never have been able to enjoy or learn as much from this trip. Therefore, i would like to thank them here for that.
Apart from them, there is also the team; the SLC. Without the forgiving and understanding attitude from one other i dont think this trip would be a success. Also, we learn to adapt under circumstances and that encouragement plays a very big role in terms of the team's potential. Every little contribution from each of us goes a long way into making a difference in one another's life.
This trip made an impact in my life, and i believe the others feel the same way. I have learn many things that will no doubt help me in future.

Kenny

Oh woah, i have no idea where to begin!
Though the ironical thing is i'm begining now, so this trip from the 8th to the 14th has been really awesome for me.

And hopefully, it has been for all of you that went for it including the teachers and intructors of course.

Despite its short span of only 7 days, i've learnt a great deal of leadership, what we can do to be a better leader whenever a leader is required to step up to his or her game. Haha and definitely the super bonded cohesiveness we had when worked as a team througout the trip, whether it was during the trek, shopping, eating, cooking, kayaking, etc!

Yes yes, more emphasis on the kayaking because i'm sincerely grateful
for all the help and concern i received when i was shivering like nuts! :D So thanks alot everyone!

Ah and i've also learnt the importance of caring and tolerance,
being concerned for one another and helping out in times of need and being tolerant of everyone as we might not be in our best of mood at all times.

From this superb trip, i'll keep with me life values like perservance, many treasured memories and friendship that i certainly hope that will last a lifetime!

Olivia

The Hong Kong expedition was an overwhelming experience mentally, physically and emotionally. We had to trek up and down along the MacLehose Trail which spreads long and vast. Instructors never told us how long we were going to trek and it was the right decision not to; or else many of us would have given up before trying. It was tough for me personally because my left knee had not strengthened yet since it had fully recovered. Because of that, I had to put a lot of stress on my right leg.

I fell sick on the second day too. It might have been because of the cold. I was so sick that I couldn’t join the S.L.C. for debrief.

We were tricked a few times by the instructors on the last day of trekking. We would ask, “Eric, how long more?!”

He will go, “I don’t know, ask my master (who was far in front).” When we caught up with the master we asked him instead.

“Master Sifu! How much longer do we have to trek?”

And he replied, “15 minutes.”

ONE AND A HALF HOURS LATER, we asked again. “Master… Seriously, how long does it take to trek to wherever we are going so that we can stop trekking and call it a day and start preparing dinner and wash-up then finally go to bed?”

He said, “15 minutes.”

“Are you sure…? Do we have to multiply by 6…?”

He said, “I’m sure, but must be very fast.”

-_-“

But it was all in all in a fantastic experience.

The scenery: three words, A-MA-ZING!

The Sec 3 SLs and Councillors got along really well and combined to make the epic S.L.C. (Student Leader Council)

I recommend an expedition like this to the Sec 3 SLs and Councillors next year. I think it will boost ones determination and physical aptitude.

Rifat

The Hong Kong trip was very enjoyable! Something I do not get to experience often.
The trip further emphasized the importance of teamwork, and during the course of the trip we learnt to take care of one another, and by helping one another, we strengthened our bonds as friends as well as develop our attitudes as student leaders.

From the trip, we’d learnt to keep a lookout for one another, and because of this, I’ve known and understand my friends even more. I’m very grateful to my friends, for the fact that they took care and watched out for me throughout the trip. Thank you to the staff and teachers who had gladly aided and guided us throughout the trip, developing our physical endurance and our mental attitude, and thank you to all the SLCs for making this trip unforgettable! :D

Sharon

There were lots of things that happened during the trip and thus, we had to rely on each other and at the same time, be matured enough to look after ourselves. The 7-day trip was beneficial. We had learnt to plan, manage our time, be self-responsible, etc. Basically, we were there to learn how to be a good and efficient leader; and also, to train our perseverance, both mentally and physically. The 3 days of hiking and 1 day of kayaking were tough. However, Teamwork, Tolerance, Care and Concern for one another had made everything possible. The school cultural exchange and the friendly match (volley ball) were memorable. From interaction with them, we had learn many new things and be able to know what the students of another country will be doing during their school time.

Shi Min

This expedition in Hong Kong has been truly enriching, not only mentally but physically as well. Through this trip I have learnt that leadership does not revolve around two or three values only but countless values. To be a great leader, you'll need to be a great follower as well.

Si Yuan

Well what did I think of the trip?
I thought it was a great opportunity for us to showcase our leadership skills and learn more about each other. Throughout the trip we learned the importance of time-management, teamwork and co-operation. Moreover, though the trek was challenging, we motivated and pushed each other on. At this point , I would like to quote ‘ The glory of Success is not in never falling but in Rising every time we fall.’ So, indeed the SLC expedition had been success.

Siddharth

The trip was enjoyable. I would have regretted not going.

The trek was challenging, hence forcing me to push myself to my limits.

It was something that I would not get to experience anywhere else! Totally enjoyed it =)

Sin miao

“If you ask me what makes TK SLC? I'd say it is our spirit. Our enthusiasm.

Our passion to give & learn. Our forgiving attitude towards each other. And even our mistakes.

What keeps us together, in the past and presently, is the fact that we will always have each other to count on, someone to catch us when we fall."

Soo Han

Through this experience, I have been able to bond with the student leaders and student councillors in TK. This bond has helped strengthen the relations between the CCA Leaders and the Councillors, thereby helping us to understand each other’s CCA/Council better. During and while preparing for the trip, I’ve developed better leadership skills and have learnt to take initiative to be of service to others. I have also discovered that when faced with obstacles in our lives, being optimistic would enable us to overcome them easily. This trip has been fun, enriching and truly memorable! :D

Stefan

:)

Lots of love to the SLCs!