Hello (: As you may have realized, I quite like doing these things! So when I am not busy spamming all of you with emails, I am spamming blogs with posts (: Alright. I have uploaded the application forms that the elects have submitted two weeks ago, on the eleventh of April. This may seem a little unorthodox and may gain some of your disapproval. However, with the sudden addition of two weeks to the schedule, we are trying to prevent the campaigning process from drying and, dying. Heh. So, with these application forms, perhaps you will be better equipped in making a wise vote! (: For example, you can have a preview of what the elects are going to say on election day as well as whether they have managed to accomplish anything during this month of campaigning. By the way, please see this "month" of campaigning as two separate "fortnights" to be fair to the elects.

Here's the master list of applications for your convenience!

President

• Anh
• Jeremy
• Nazira

Vice-President

• Gwen
• Yanshan

Secretary

• Tabitha
• Yuen Teng
  

Student Instructor

• Chai Lin

Alright. Hope that you will find it useful! Speaking of usefulness, thank you Elaine for your incredibly insightful and direct post! I won't say more since she has expressed some of the recent concerns among the club members more than adequately. However, I would like to encourage all of you to share your opinions and concerns if you have any! It would definitely aid the club to improve and become better! So please do not be shy (:

On a side note, thank you to Joshua, Viona, Tri, Jeremy and Sam who came down for CIP today! Had a really good time (: And I hope that none of you guys are daunted or anything. Please try to come for the next session as well! As for Gwen, Yanshan and Tabitha, Yew Chong asked about you guys! Haha. Hoped that your Bio spa went well, Yuen Teng and Tab! And I think that Yanshan probably got bored to death. Haha (: The next session is on the 24th of May, Saturday! Sam will be in charge for that session! Please try to make it too (:

Oh well. Good night! And by the way, if you have read these notifications, please try to leave a "message received" (Han Dong's trademark) or something so that I know that the majority of you guys have read it! Or I will have to start spamming you guys with emails again. Haha. Please. Thank you (:

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections, CIP

Name: Khoo Chai Lin
Class: 08ip05
Exco Application: Student Instructor

External Involvements:
Chinese orchestra

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position.
I have a great passion for Aikido and I hope that I can spread this great passion that I have for Aikido to everyone when I am in Exco. I have more experience then most students and I hope that I can share my experiences with them and make them enjoy Aikido not only as a CCA but also their hobby and passion. Being a Quartermaster or Student Instructor will be the best platform for me to share my experiences to everyone.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
I will be at the linkway as early as I can after my lessons to help set up the mats. When more students come, I will organize them, so that so can set up the mats, while some change (for example girls who wear hakamas), so that after that the latter can mop the mat to ensure that the mats are clean. I realize that we often waste a lot of time as everyone is involved in setting up the mats and after that we will take quite a long time to change. So I hope that we can save some time this way, and this will allow us to have a good proper warm up before lessons starts. If the instructor is not here yet, I can demonstrate some interesting techniques that I learnt and share it with everyone.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
I have been training Aikido since I was in Primary 4 and transferred under Aikido Shinju-kai when I was in Sec 1. In total, I have been learning Aikido for 4 plus years. This gives me an advantage over fellow classmates in Aikido Club, as they learnt Aikido for a shorter period of time. I want to share my experiences with my fellow Aikido Club members.

Also, being a 2nd kyu means that I am the highest belt around, so I really want to help the others in their path of learning Aikido. I feel that I am capable of teaching them even though they are older then me. I have experiences with teaching others when I was helping my instructor in Bukit Timah Community Club, so I am confident that I will be able to help the others.

Also, a part of the Quartermaster’s job is to be a Student Instructor and lead the class for warm up when our instructor has not arrive. I am very confident of leading the warm up and I hop that I will be given a chance to prove myself.

As I always go for extra trainings outside school, I will be able to share my experience with them and can also teach them some techniques that I find useful and interesting. I can help the President in contacting the HQ if they ever need help, for I often go there for trainings.

I am also friendly and approachable, so the others will feel comfortable asking me for help or advice when they need it. There are a lot of girls learning Aikido at NJC, and they may not dare to approach our instructor for help, so they can always look for me. I will always be ready to give them some tips on how they can further improve themselves.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Choo Yuen Teng
Class: 08S03
Exco Application: Secretary

External Involvements
H3 Star programme

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
I am applying for the exco as I wish to do my part for the CCA. Even though I have only joined the CCA for a very short period of time, I believe that time is not a determining factor for the desire to do my best. I chose the position of secretary especially, as I believe it to be within my capabilities and hence I will be able to put in my utmost effort in handling the responsibilities of the position. As such, I chose the position of secretary.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
The position of the secretary will be to handle all the administrative and financial matters of the club. As such, I will ensure that I handle all these matters efficiently so that the CCA will be able to run smoothly without unnecessary problems surfacing. Besides the basic responsibilities of the secretary, assisting the other members of the exco would be essential too, as good teamwork within the exco will ensure that the CCA runs smoothly. I believed that I will be able to deliver the sprit of aikido, as a secretary as well as a club member. I may not be able to be the best there is, but I will put in my best efforts in being the secretary of aikido.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
I believe that I have the will to commit to the CCA, as well as to the position of secretary and the responsibilities that comes with it. This means that I will always place aikido as one of my top priorities. I also feel that I have the passion to serve and to be able to handle my tasks well. I also believe that I have integrity, an important quality needed in the secretary, as the responsibility for financial matters within the CCA lies in the secretary’s hands. A trustworthy person whom others are willing to entrust their money with is needed for this job. Teamwork to me is another important factor of being in the committee, as being able to relate to others as well as work together is what teamwork is all about. Being part of the committee requires this more than anything else. No matter how busy I am, I believed I will be able to cope and managed my time well, being a secretary. Essential qualities like what I possess is needed and therefore I feel that I am suited to hold this post.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Tabitha Ng
Class: 06IP01
Exco Application: Secretary

External Involvements
Office Apprenticeship (Thursdays), Lion dance (unconfirmed), guitar lessons

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position.
After being in aikido for slightly over a year, I feel that it would be appropriate to seize this last opportunity to offer my services back to the CCA through the approach I am best at. I am running for secretary because I feel that managing funds plays an extremely important part in a CCA. There are nitty-gritty shortcomings that perhaps as a secretary, I would be in the position to address. In addition to that, having few leadership positions before, I thought this would be a good opportunity to seek a leadership position to attain much beneficial experience.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
There are no jarring problems with our current system, however, I feel that there are minor issues that can be addressed to benefit the club.

1. Proposal of an aikido fund - As Sam constantly has to remind us to return the money we collected from cookie sales, I believe that it would be simpler to collect a small fee from each member, perhaps every term. The money collected from everyone can be used to organize club gatherings, birthday parties etc. We will not have to fork out individual amounts of money if we plan to eat during a party and will keep things simpler. The money can also be used to refund people if they but stuff for the club, or perhaps a first aid kit with Counterpain if people ache badly from a training session.


2. Fundraising activities -As the aikido fees are generally expensive, I propose fundraising activities for the club. Our previous attempt to sell waffles failed unfortunately but I believe we should not be discouraged by that setback. Perhaps we could sell ready-to-eat food instead of those that require cooking to make things easier and less messy. Or a few members with a passion for cooking could come together and bake. This will lower costs and split up the workload. And instead of selling our stuff just to students in NJ, a wider group can be targeted e.g. families, friends, internet. An online shop to sell stuff would be ambitious but certainly a possibility. Truth be told, such fund-raising activities can only help to lighten the financial load of the fees by a small portion. Nevertheless, it does play a part. For those that are unable to pay (unlikely), we can liaise with the school for financial assistance.
   

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
This is going to start getting corny but I believe that I am quite responsible in the sense that I would follow through to my duties irregardless of circumstances. I admit that my commitment towards the CCA was rather poor especially during its ‘budding’ stage. However, after taking nearly a year to adapt, I began to develop a sense of dedication and responsibility towards it and I actually felt proud acknowledging it as my 1st CCA. As such, I can assure that irregardless of whether I attain this position, I will maintain my commitment towards the CCA. I am confident of my integrity and am willing to account for all transactions. I will also dutifully record down administrative matters.

Leadership is different from dictatorship and I am aware that my job is far from commanding the members. However, I believe that in order to bring the club to greater heights, it is essential for everyone to work together.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Er Yanshan
Class: 06IP02
Exco Application: Vice-President

External Involvements
STaR attachment, class CIP, tuition, guitar lessons, tennis (not the CCA), photog (unconfirmed).

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
Being in the exco would develop in me a strong sense of responsibility and discipline. I believe that attendance is important as it reflects on the club to the college so I would like to imbue a stronger sense of discipline amongst the members. I believe that CIP is really meaningful and should not be neglected. The VP is an integral role in the growth of the club and I hope to bring the club to greater heights.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
If I were the VP, I would bring up several proposals that I feel could be improved on from our (already good) current system, and new club stuff we could possibly do to discuss with the club:

1. Attendance - As of what we are doing now, I would like to maintain the current attendance system (card thing). However I feel it would be easier to refer and update the attendance list if it is compiled into a book (makes it easier for both the exco and the teachers to check). Also, I would consider punishments for people who go AWOL e.g. running around the track haha. But to ensure democracy this will only be implemented if the club is agreeable via voting.


2. CIP - Regarding CIP, as the YMCA guy said, it would be great to have more people joining in so perhaps an arrangement could be made to make the CIP days more flexible since most people are not free/unwilling to spend Saturdays doing CIP. And since the CIP is only once a month, we have ample time to get together to brainstorm activities to do with the old people as of what Jade did, so I suggest everyone sit together after training to discuss, instead of just the people who go for the CIP to discuss.


3. Bonding sessions - I would like to instill a stronger sense of family within the aikido club as we are now mostly ‘hi-bye’ friends who do not know much about each other. So perhaps once in a while we can organize study sessions to help each other with homework since we’re all from different levels and the seniors can help the juniors with their work. We can also get together for PT on say Thursday mornings to play team games like captain’s ball once in a while cos it’s fun, builds fitness and bonds the club.


4. Recruitment- I feel that the best way to increase membership would be during days like CCA Carnival and Open Day. So what I suggest is painting a huge banner (with the help of the artistically-inclined people) so that people are aware of our booth. And we can focus on poaching the sec 1/ip students so we don’t have to worry about membership too much.

Haha I hope all these aren’t too ambitious. Of course we will have to discuss everything with the club first before we get the go-ahead.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
I have faith in bringing the club to greater heights and I have gained invaluable experience and insight from observing how the 07-08 exco has run the club. My external commitments are pretty much flexible and I am willing to commit to the club. Having held leadership positions in my previous ip1/2 years have given me the experience of leading and I hope to apply this to the club. The rigorous group work in school life has also helped to groom my team-building skills. And to avoid sounding too narcissistic I shall stop here. Haha thanks.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Yang Ying En Gwen
Class: 07IP04
Exco Application: Vice President

External Involvements
I’m a member of Photographic Society, the class IC for NJC Food Fair, as well as the Biology IC for LEAP Science Enrichment Programme.

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
I am applying for exco Vice President as I enjoy NJC Aikido very much, and would like to take an active role in the club’s activities. I believe that in doing so, I will be able to further my enhance my abilities as a leader and at the same time use those leadership skills to run Aikido well. I feel that the experience of doing what you believe in is very special, which is why I wish to be Vice President of Aikido.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
As a vice president, I would guide and help the president within all my means possible. Other than that, I would first of all, lead the Aikido members with a caring heart, taking their welfare into serious concern.

I feel that as a club, all the members should know one another personally and be cohesive and together as one. To facilitate the getting to know one another better process, in my term in exco, I will organise club outings at a timing at which everyone is comfortable with and are able to go for. (These outings may not have to be Aikido or CIP related, just to have fun and interact with each other.) As such, I hope that Aikido members will look forward to going for Aikido sessions and that full attendance may be achieved most of the time.

Another problem that I find Aikido facing is the lack of members joining every year. Although the situation is currently improving, but I find that improvements can be made in the form of making advertisements during morning assembly to the whole NJC cohort to make Aikido more well-known as well as putting up posters to persuade students to join. Another alternative would be to put up a better booth for next year’s CCA fair where we can give live demonstrations to the masses. (With much practice and effort put in, these are not too difficult.) As well as a publicity stunt during this year’s National Day celebrations as Mr. Lim has once mentioned, I think that the intake for new Aikido members will definitely increase.

In terms of discipline, I think that each member should be given a chance or the benefit of the doubt. However, if the offender is recalcitrant in his or her actions in repeatedly coming late for training or skipping training altogether without reason, serious punishment should be meted out. For if that member is good in Aikido, but do not care to go for training regularly, he or she should not be in the club with other enthusiastic members who actually commit to their CCA.

I feel that although the previous attempt to sell cookies/waffles to raise funds for Aikido did not go as well as planned, it is a good idea since Aikido fees are rather steep at $60 for one term. As such, we can re-use the idea and allow it to go through successfully in the later part of this year, this time hopefully with the cooperation with every member.

In the future, I hope to allow Aikido members to gain more exposure to Aikido as well as performing Aikido techniques confidently. So, if the chance of attending talks on Aikido or if there is a chance for the members to showcase their talent, I will definitely put my best foot forward and do my best in allowing them to have that chance.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
I believe that to be a good vice president, one must be a caring and considerate leader. I feel that I do possess leadership qualities in that I am able to take an initiative to actually do things, but at the same time not steal someone’s thunder and allow those whom I am leading to shine at what they do best. I find that I am a good listener and will take constructive criticism well and make changes for the better, in a scheme to improve myself, and to lead my peers better.

I feel that to be a good leader, one should be righteous and be able to discern right from wrong. I think that I do have these qualities, and will not compromise the punishment to be given out when rules are broken and be fair in any judgements I may have to make.

Most of all, I find that leaders should be willing to make sacrifices to the things they commit to. I do find myself to be responsible in everything that I door undertake, and will put at least 90%, if not 100% into club activities.

(Sorry for this being so short. I find it very disgusting to ‘pimp’ myself for exco like this. I will be undertaking a joint project with Nazira to show everyone our worth and capabilities. :D)

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Nazira Binte Muhammad Fauzi
Class: 07IP02
Exco Application: President

External Involvements
I am in Angklung CCA.

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
As part of the exco, I would have the ability to do more in terms of planning of activities and carrying them out. I will also be able to work on my leadership skills and interact more with members and create a fun environment for training. I understand that the role of the President is as important as the other posts offered. Aikido is very important to me as a stress-reliever and is one of my many passions. As President, I will be able to put forward my commitment to Aikido and bring the club to greater heights. I would also be able to display a greater sense of responsibility for Aikido if I ran for President.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
The President is primarily in charge of all club activities. There are many obstacles that the Aikido club is facing.

1. The first important one would be recruitment. I would first initiate publicizing of the club through word-of-mouth to the school population (e.g. through advertisements during morning announcements). Next, we can do demonstrations like the upcoming one in August during next year’s CCA carnival to attract people to join and have posters around the school too.
2. Second, attendance for practice sessions is also very important. I would continue the cards system as it is very efficient in tracking every member’s attendance. I would also start a buddy system where each member is assigned a buddy to remind each other about the Aikido trainings. This is to allow everyone to feel a sense of responsibility in turning up for training.
3. Currently, messages are being sent out through emails and SMSes. These are not 100% reliable modes of communication as some may have their phones turned off and not check their emails. I propose to create a blog for the Aikido club where all schedules for training sessions and important announcements would be regularly updated and constant reminders to check the blog would also be made to the club’s members. This makes viewing it easier as I am sure all the members are able to gain access to the internet easily. In addition to this, a relay system will also be mapped out such that each member sends down the message at least once. Thus, not everyone has to reply back their acknowledgement and the exco need not send messages to every member.
4. Aikido is not a competitive sport and thus, we do not get much funding from the school. Fund-raising will be an important step for us to make money. We can continue the waffle-making and cookie sales during Valentine’s Day or take part in the food booths organized during the end of year party. The money that we make can be used to budget any activities that we plan during our CIP trips. For these projects, I would like the exco to just oversee the proceedings, giving the members a chance for these leadership roles as being part of the committee.
5. Aikido Shinju-kai has given us permission to join classes at the HQ during holidays to make up for our lessons missed. So, in addition to that, maybe we can liaise with them to have one practice session at the HQ once a month if time permits it. We will able to learn more as there will be more people and seniors to train with and especially, when it gives us the chance to practice with someone we do not know, similar to the situation during grading.
6. Last but not least, I would strengthen the bond between members to be more than just training partners but also friends that are able to help each other both academically and Aikido skills. I would initiate bonding sessions and games during orientation. And also, a farewell party for the seniors who will be leaving the school soon.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
A quality a leader needs is being responsible. I feel that I am responsible as I am able to cope and complete any tasks given to me. Resourcefulness being one of my redeeming qualities, I am able to work well under pressure. Being used to this during my previous terms in my secondary school’s student council where I was in the committee in charge of internal school celebrations (Teachers’ Day and National Day Celebration), I am able to adapt to a variety of environment and think on my feet. On top of this, I stand for the making of objective and fair decisions. A leader has to be able to look at any situations with an open mindset and thus, make fair decisions, something I feel I am capable of. Holding the position of Treasurer in my class, I feel that I am very organized and efficient in dealing with people, and can also work well dealing with money matters. As a team player, I understand that I must be able to interact and communicate well with my teammates and generate the best ideas possible (e.g. fundraising for the club if needed). This is especially important as the role of a President requires communication with various people including the members and the exco. A key quality all leaders and Aikidokas should have is perseverance. Not giving up is one of the many mottos I try to live up to. We constantly have obstacles in our life and having the spirit to never say die is imperative in overcoming these obstacles. The most important thing, I feel, is commitment. I would sincerely like to better demonstrate my commitment towards Aikido as President of the club. For one, I will really work towards recruiting new members. It would definitely be an honour to be given the chance to serve the Aikido club as President.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Yeo Rong Yao Jeremy
Class: 06IP04
Exco Application: President

External Involvements
Guitar (CCA), Lion Dance

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
Firstly, I feel that I have the ability to lead. And since I’m passionate about aikido, I can thus lead even more effectively.
I have other projects that will benefit the club. And this will be best implemented if I’m president. I believe that we can hold a seminar, just like the recent seminar, in NJC and aikidokas from other schools will be invited. This will be an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn more. And it will be a great way to showcase NJC.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
I believe that commitment is very important. So it is necessary for all members to come down for training. The problem now is that some members do not come down for training. I think that NJCians are responsible people so I propose that a plan be worked out for each member. For example, if one member cannot make it for the second training, then I will plan something out for him. Perhaps he can train with other members who cannot make it on a certain day. Or he can go to other Dojos for training. Possibilities are endless. This will solve the problem of the ‘lack of commitment’.

There are other ways in which we can ‘pull’ members to come for training regularly. I propose that we have an awards system. For example, we can have the most hardworking Aikidoka, the best Iriminage etc.

Next, I think the will to learn is important and this should not be hampered because one finds it difficult to follow the lessons. I propose that we make learning very fun and easy by introducing a few things. Firstly, posters of the more important techniques should be pinned on the wall. In addition, I think we should have a ‘matchmaking’ whiteboard. Everyone has his/her own strengths. I may be good in one technique while another person may be good in another technique. By pairing them up, it accelerates their learning. This can be used for the second training session.

We can also have a separate whiteboard where we can consolidate our learning. That is to say, each member has his/her own spot on the board. And he/she sets a target – perhaps learn the tenchinage technique by the end of the month. This is crucial as it’s been proven that one’s more spurred on to learn if the target’s visible and explicit.

Finally, the philosophical aspect of Aikido cannot be neglected. I propose that one member research on any one topic of his/her choice and share with the rest of the club the following week.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
Firstly, I am a responsible person. I will do what I have been given, and I will do it well. Next, I am also a hardworking person. I managed to pass two gradings in a yearJ and I’m currently working very hard so as to be able to go for my grading in June.

More importantly, I am an active member who takes the initiative to seek improvements. For example, I told Kai Sheng about my ideas on how the club can improve last year.

I have led several wide scale projects, including some under the SECDC. This shows that I am able to lead effectively and able to foster greater camaraderie. I believe I can do the same for Aikido Club.

On a lighter note, I am friendly and approachable. Also, I’m open to feedback and suggestions. This is important as this will improve the efficiency and quality of the club.

Last but not least, my commitment towards aikido is strong. And this matters the most.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications

Name: Vu Viet Anh
Class: 06IP06
Exco Application: President

External Involvements
Chess Club – weiqi section

Explain why you are applying for the exco as well as that particular position. (100 words)
First reason is that I want to make Aikido better. Second reason is that I want to train myself in different fields. Applying for an exco position serves both these purposes.

Illustrate how you will like to run the Aikido Club in the perspective of your applied exco position. (500 words)
I really want to make Aikido a fun CCA, at the same time a place for us to train our characters. Therefore I will run it as strict as possible when it comes to trainings, and run it as fun as possible when trainings are over. Though I don’t have any ideas of how I’m going to do what I want to, I will try my best if I ever get accepted. Ideas are best generated when I face the problem itself; thinking before the problem even appears is just counting chickens before they hatch.

Describe the qualities that you possess that make you worth of being elected for your applied position. (500 words)
I do not like giving opinions about myself because they would be subjective; therefore, qualities I bear or bear not are best described by others. I do not know what people say behind my back for all those years, though I myself believe that I have never mistreated people and have never strayed from the values I believe in. Either people think I’m worthy of the position or not, they are right; I do not beg them to see my qualities if they don’t want to and I do not beg for a position. I join Aikido to train myself, and as long as I still believe in this, positions do not matter.

Labels: Aikido Exco Elections: Applications