Dear readers, Issue #50 of SUSScribe features Light – within the community, here at SUSS. Of staff, students and alumni, all tiding through and against these seemingly dark times. Enjoy this unique collection of anecdotes from our SUSS community; perhaps in reading one of these submissions, you’ll find one that you identify with. I hope that sharing in our experiences will bring you joy, and perhaps even a measure of peace.
April The Seventh, Year Two Thousand and Twenty
The Supermoon in Jiangsu, huge and bright, induces sentiment on how Covid-19 affects my return to my homeland.
If I may be pardoned, by sage of yore,
in the stillness and luminance of the orb,
The distance between me and them
Is measured
as in thoughts and care that can be shared
If I may miss and be missed by loved ones, miles away
in quietness and brightness of the refracted light,
The proximity between me and they
Is present
as in mind and hearts that can be felt
If I may be, should be, in and among,
Those who matter most,
Be there!
Is there!
Am there!
Submitted By:
Kong Gaik Suan, BA English Language and Literature (OUUK), Class of 1997
Fact Versus Fiction
My work-from-home station faces the park opposite my living room. The aroma of my Colombian coffee fills the air and after a homemade breakfast of eggs, ham and pancakes, I sit at my desk with my cat curled up at my feet, ready to take the day by storm.
That’s what I thought.
In reality, I had to first identify a suitable space, a process that highlights my disorganised room. Then, to jostle things off to set up my laptop and files. Lastly, to hope that nothing awkward happens during those face-to-face work calls. Let’s not forget having to fill out daily logs for a fellow micromanager.
Submitted By:
Lim Wei Siong Holden, BSc Psychology, Class of 2018
Through it all, it is my ‘heart-most’ (read: utmost) desire for you to be safe, and as we journey along these rocky roads, remember to hold on to the ones who mean most to you. Pick up that phone, talk to them, give them a call – just like the good ole’ times!
Heartfully penned,
Brigitte
Travel Photos
I took this shot of maple leaves at Eikando Temple in Kyoto on 21 November 2019. I’d hoped to return to Japan in late March this year to see the sakura, but, alas, the pandemic has put paid to that. However, looking at my travel photos during this circuit breaker period helps keep my spirits up. Here’s hoping everyone is keeping safe and healthy!
Submitted By:
Associate Professor Ludwig Tan, Dean of SHBS
About Time
The empty streets
The glistening tarmac
unmarred by footprints
The strange silence that fills the air
Things I’d probably not ever see in my lifetime again after this Fourth of May.
Livelihoods disrupted
Work plans shelved
School re-modelled
Yes, there are plenty of inconveniences.
And yet, it is also a time for healing
A time for families to re-bond
A time for mother earth to regenerate
Regenerate its natural resources
A time for it to regrow from the pollution.
And perhaps, when all these end,
we will emerge wiser, humbled and more appreciative of the things around us, things that we’ve often overlooked and dismissed as part of our daily routine, always there, never changing, always available.
And may we learn to love.
Submitted By:
Teng Zhi Yun Gillian Marie, Bachelor of Communication, Class of 2016
