If We Hold On Together

This is a song I must say is most beautifully written and composed.

I had to embed this video because I couldn't find a better version that can be shared :(. It is originally from The Land Before Time, but I like it sung by Diana Ross more... I can really feel the song when she sings, if you know what I mean. It is so, so, so full of hope! Every sentence, every line brims with warm, beautiful hope. And a very apt song for our RH Orientation every year.

Don't lose your way

With each passing day
You've come so far
Don't throw it away
Live believing
Dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story
Faith, hope & glory
Hold to the truth in your heart

Chorus:

If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by
For you and I

Souls in the wind
Must learn how to bend
Seek out a star
Hold on to the end
Valley, mountain
There is a fountain
Washes our tears all away
Words are swaying
Someone is praying
Please let us come home to stay

*Chorus

Bridge:

When we are out there in the dark
We'll dream about the sun
In the dark we'll feel the light
Warm our hearts, everyone

*Chorus

I didn't really notice this song when I watched Land Before Time. So all my memories with regards to this are connected to RH, and to NUS as a whole. It makes me miss hall now I'm listening to it. The first time when it was played, we saw all our seniors with lighted candles behind us. It made me feel so hopeful with regards to my university life. (Yes, I'm spamming the word 'hope' now.) It reminds me: Don't give up what you're here for. Although every day can be very mundane, although the big picture can become smaller, don't lose your way.

It reminds me, most of all, of all the love, care, and hospitality given to me by my hall seniors, and my Malaysian MSL seniors in helping me settle down. I don't think I've really given back to hall and school this way, but this is something that deep down in my heart, I'll always appreciate and remember. And this has always given me a very good perception towards Singapore: That no matter where you are at, there are people who are there who would help you out, without asking for things in return. I don't say I take them for granted, but I appreciate the help when they are there.

The first week I've arrived, my luggage was carried, my room checked in for me, was taken out and around. Was guided through hall systems, was involved in block suppers, was asked about what I was good at and how I could fit into the hall system. Was shown love and care in so many ways that it is impossible for me to give back the same way.

Somehow this feeling is here all over again at work. I think where I work is awesome in a sense that no matter which lab I work in, be it when I was an intern, or as a new staff like now; there are people who unconditionally help me settle down, put me at ease and assure me they would be around. When I was placed in this new 4-person team, I knew nothing about my colleagues. I seldom communicated with them (except ask where things were put) before I started my shift work. I didn't get the chance to lunch with them due to my training timings. I was apprehensive with regards to working with them, because they were already familiar with each other but not with me.

But thank God they are really awesome people. Frankly speaking I think compared to them I am relatively boring (someone who only surfs the net, reads books and goes window shopping - not even watch movies!! when she's free), and I don't talk a lot about gadgets and recent news and stuff. But they've showed me in loads of ways that they care. Like when I couldn't get through my hand punch. Like checking on me tonnes of times (despite being very busy) how my solution prep was going on without me asking them for help. Telling me about each other. Helping me sort my lunch box out amidst 30 over boxes, and unpacking my utensils for me. Taking me home and insisting that the bus driver send me home first to ensure I'm home safely. Emailing the transport IC for me when the bus driver said his bus was too big to turn in to where I stay. And above all, telling me off when I thank them. :p

It is very humbling to have senior colleagues to do all these small things to me. I seriously don't deserve to work with such nice people. And it frustrates me, sometimes, to burden them and to rely on them so much. But on the other hand, it feels nice warm and fuzzy. They say I am too formal with the thank-you's but I know there are things that I can't thank them enough. Even though it has just been 5 days into shift work. And oh, how can I thank God enough for blessing me with all of them. And how can I love them enough the way He does...

I just pray that this most important lesson I've learned from my lab will stay with me forever. To love, to give unconditionally. Not just because I've been treated thus, but this is what I should always always do. It is not easy for me. But I don't think it's that easy for others too. I've been living in too many small comfort zones that I should move out of and I know I need to. I pray and hope that I will and always will.