Another Cold Christmas and The Lazy Song

Merry Christmas everyone! It has been a long time since I last posted an entry. After a busy month of exercises and tests, finally, there is some time to unwind and loosen up. For some, Christmas may be a golden opportunity to rest and relax. To me, however, Christmas (and all other holidays) is a chimera. As much as I dream to lie in bed and do nothing, there are loads of important tasks that I have to deal with in reality.

I must not lose the fight against our biggest enemy: inertia. It is sheer human nature to be lazy, especially under the holiday mood. But apart from relaxing, I have got to pull myself together and study for the open exams in March, which is barely three months from now. No, I can hardly afford to waste any minute not preparing for my exams; yet frankly speaking, it seems an utmost killjoy to work in such a festive atmosphere.

Seeing everyone else holding their hands up high and celebrating on the streets makes me feel envious. But sitting cozily by the study desk and holding a mug of hot tea is, somehow, another way to live the holiday spirit. After all, working during Christmas isn’t that bad. In order to comfort myself, I am making myself take all the work as Christmas presents: the more, the better. That’s certainly making me feel better.

So, checking my Christmas wish list, I’ve got: piles of homework to do, stacks of textbooks to revise, and class after class of tutorials to attend. Even on Christmas day I must forbid myself from being too lazy. My goal for the day is to thoroughly go through my History text books, all three of them, then join a family gathering, and after that, probably a couple of math questions before going to bed.

Well, okay, I’m just hoping to accomplish all these by the end of the day. I might very well turn out finishing hardly half of the work I’ve planned. But a plan is a plan. Even though there’s a chance that I’m not going to complete everything on the list, planning is still essential in the sense that it gives me motivation to work, and most of all, a direction to follow. Of course, it is also important to try my best to finish my planned work of the day, or else why would I need a list?

Having fun, on the other hand, is important for Christmas too. Everyone can recite ‘Work hard, play hard’ backwards. Other than work, adding a fun activity or two to my plan is definitely crucial. This Christmas, I’ll be hanging out with some friends, which I’m excitingly anticipating since it has been a very long time since I last visited a friend’s home. I’ll probably watch some movies too. There are many hits for the holiday. Movies are always great fun.

The holiday has just started, and there is so much to expect. What will you be doing this Christmas? Putting your noses in your textbooks or spending quality time with family and friends? No matter what, remember to have an enjoyable and fruitful Christmas holiday!

Autumn, a Season of Interviews

My friend was grinning from ear to ear, ‘I’ve got an interview this Thursday! The university said that they’d send someone from the UK to meet me and I’m so excited!’ Overjoyed, I patted him on his back and congratulated him. I was really excited too. This means that I might be getting my interview in no time as well!
Indeed. Autumn is a season of interviews. Everyone at school is discussing this. People are sharing interview skills, exchanging interview experiences, and even trying to create a list of interview do-and-don’ts. ‘Casual attire is definitely a no-no.’ ‘Speak with confidence.’ ‘Make eye-contact with the interviewer.’

Interview preparation is vital. It is very important to be always completely prepared. As a Chinese proverb goes, “Opportunities are only for the prepared minds.” In high spirits, I sat on my bed and pondered what I can do to prepare for my upcoming interview.

Read the prospectus, that’s a must. Prepare answers for common questions, of course. Practice in front of a mirror? That might work as well. I’ve even been googling ‘university interview skills’ and asking my friends who’ve been to university interviews for advice. Here is a list of do-and-don’ts I’ve summarized from all the research I’ve done:

Before the interview:

DO read the prospectus and find out recent news and information about the university

DO prepare and print out a copy of your CV

DO think of a brief introduction of yourself and make a list of your skills and abilities

DO ask your parents, teachers and friends for advice

DO check the Internet for interview tips and experience sharing

DO find out in what form the interview is going to be

DO go on a pre-trip to the venue

DON'T lack preparation or seriousness

DON'T sleep late on the interview day

On the day:

DO bring a copy of your CV

DO arrive at least 15 minutes early

DO make eye-contact with the interviewer(s)

DO look confident (even if you are not) and be enthusiastic

DO give full and elaborated answers

DO ask questions to show your interest in the subject and the university

DO turn off your mobile phone

DON'T be late!
DON'T be distracted by anything. Stay focused at all times
DON'T panic. Just try to be yourself and relax
DON'T try to bluff any questions


Glancing through the list I’ve created, I somehow feel more secure and have some sense of self-fulfillment. I truly hope that the above list is going to further equip me well for my upcoming interview, and hopefully for yours too!