Friday, April 2, 2010
The first highlight of the day really came after my Organic Chem lesson. Now, I have to admit that I have truly been LEARNING real stuff here in RPI. Back in Singapore, I just knew the knowledge, but here I truly truly learn! I really dread Organic Chem when I was back in Singapore, but here, I am not dreading it as much and I am sort of enjoying it. The professor teaching it is a good one as well. Fantastico! After trying out some organic chem questions on Aromatic Synthesis, I had a few questions to ask Professor Alan Cutler. So after class, I went up to him and patiently waited for him to answer other peoples' questions before I asked. Although he was very lor sor, I got answers to my questions.
Then, as I was about to turn around, he asked where I was from and my name. So I got started on me being here for exchange, one semester, sort of learned the stuff he's been teaching before, etc. etc. And the conversation went on between us for about 25 minutes. However, it was really interesting talking to him. He was talking about how Singapore is actually very 'controlled' but advanced at the same time, how USA wasn't democratic, and how he supported Obama, and how the conservative Americans were shocked that Obama was elected. Then, we spun off into Singapore's education system. I told him about how we Singaporean students are like a sponge, and he told me about the British education system being more advanced. One thing that I did observe here was that the Americans would aim to go to grad school to get PhDs, and I commented that we Singaporeans didn't really look into that. Sure, some do, but how many Science Singaporean professors do you have? In NTU's chemistry, I could count them all with just two hands. Probably less than 8.... He then said he was amazed that a country who's so technology advanced and aims to be even more technologically advanced can have such a lack of PhD students.... He kept mentioning that China, India and Japan used to produce 'garbage' journal articles years ago, but they are so so much better now, and there's a vast vast improvement in their thirst for advancement, producing more and more PhD holders. It sort of made me wonder whether one day, Singapore would lose the battle.....
There was much more that we talked about. Religion, chem classes, culture shock, about how university teaches about application and mindset, about WHY WHY WHY Singaporeans don't really look to PhDs (he seriously emphasized a lot on this, but I didn't have a clear answer for him as well), Asia powerhouses, careers and jobs so on and so forth. He was indeed very curious about Singapore. He said that he would like to try teaching in Singapore one day. The day he does, those Singaporeans who attend it would GAIN A LOT and LEARN A LOT!
It was real cool to talk to a professor (an american one at that) at such great lengths. I have never really talked to any NTU professor for more than 10 minutes, and even so, most of it is about work.... But Prof Cutler really got me thinking about 'further-ing' my studies. Something for me to truly consider.... I walked away with a lot of thoughts and new discoveries.
And after the 25 minutes conversation, I was officially late for Mass in church. I half ran, half walked to church (about 15 minutes from where I was). Was about 5-10 minutes late... Everyone was already well-seated at their tables and Mass had already started, people singing the opening hymn. It was a great experience to be at this Agape Meal. Agape-The love of God or Christ for Humankind. The entire Mass was just beautiful. After the first and second readings, we were served our dinner- salad, rolls and pasta.
Although back in Singapore, I did attend a Seder Meal Service (or maybe it was Mass) in CJC on Holy Thursday as well, but that was a more sombre event. This Agape meal was more of a community and sharing event, and it was to allow everyone to fully participate from beginning to end. 
Priest (Fr Ed, affectionately known as Fred) addressing the congregation. Note the wine and bread on the table and the picture hanging above
The washing of the feet was done by the priest and conducted on the servers ('waiters' for each table who came from the church's pastoral council or the Newman Catholic Fellowship, the catholic society in RPI).
Priest washing the feet of the servers
The bread and wine used was real bread and wine, not just wafers we usually have at Mass.
I met new friends at my table. Two of them, husband and wife, came from Colombia, and were very friendly. We spoke about everything under the sun. Spanish, Singapore, Colombia, jobs, etc. They also said that this Agape Meal is special to this church. I feel very fortunate that I was able to partake in it. Then on the other side of the table sat a family, mother, father, daughter (the daughter was about 40, so the parents are about 60-70). The Father thought once again that Singapore is in China. Haha, now I just laugh it off when I hear that.
The family sitting opposite me
Other church-goers whom I have been talking too were there in church as well, and I got a hug from one of them, Christie. It really feels warm and nice. =)
Oh, and the palms which was used on Palm Sunday was really just a leaf.
I am really looking forward to the Service tomorrow on Good Friday, Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday and of course, Easter Mass on Sunday. Praise the Lord for he is about to die and later on, risen into new life!!!!! =)
- Of professors and the Agape Holy Thursday Meal
by snoopy_lim @ 8:59 AM