Going to polytechnic, was the best decision I've ever made.

I met amazing people, found myself, got a place in university and I discovered my love for writing. Although the experience was incredible, there are some things that I wish I have done differently.

1. Join a co-curricular activity (CCA)

For starters, I would have joined a CCA.

There were so many for me to choose from; in my alma mater (Ngee Ann Polytehnic), there were over 100 CCAs. If I have had the determination to join and stay in a club, I would be able to play the guitar or take beautiful photos by now.

However, I chose not to because I was worried I could not cope. But, I realised that it was just an excuse I gave myself to be lazy because there were many ad-hoc CCAs where you'd only have to commit to events you signed up for.

Also, if you join a CCA in poly, not only will you be able to pick up a skill, it is also a great way to meet many like-minded people. Honestly, meeting people with similar interests is not easy, especially if you have an acquired taste like a love for black-and-white movies or if you are a die-hard otaku.

No matter how eccentric your interests are, there's probably a club full of people like you.

2. Study smart

How I used to study for exams was through pure cramming; even for a mathematical module like Business Statistics, I studied for exams by memorising the steps to every formula.

What I should have done is to make friends with my seniors and pick their brains.

You see, each modules has its own set of conventions, unless it is new. The lecturers teaching also have their own style. Your seniors will be able to impart to you the secrets such as which modules you can score by doing past-year papers and who are the lecturers whom will give you accurate exam tips.

This way, you will be able to get a distinction with less effort.

3. Intern overseas

As the cliche goes: "Travel when you're young."

In polytechnic, you will get the opportunity to do this while clearing one semester worth of credits.

And for most courses, as long as the internship is relevant, the sky's the limit: you source for your own internship anywhere in the world no matter how far or exotic the place is. Personally, I have a friend who interned in Maldives and yes, it is as beautiful as you imagined.

Honestly, the best thing about interning overseas is that it is only six months. If you regret, all you have to do is to persevere for half a year and soon you'll be home. This is unlike being posted overseas for your job as you will be required to sign a contract of at least two years.  If you regret, you'll literally have to pay a heavy price to void the contract.

4. Wear whatever I want

Not having to wear uniform is one pro that is always brought up during a poly v.s. junior college debate.

Only after entering army and being forced to wear green everyday did I realise that I took for granted how liberating it was to have the freedom to express yourself through fashion.

In poly, you can literally wear whatever you want, be it a blazer, slippers, your secondary school uniform or even all three together, as long as you cover your privates.

In the future, many jobs will not require you to wear a uniform but you will be dictated by a dress code. And unless you're in Big Bang, I don't think your employees will be very happy with blue hair.

So wear whatever makes you (and not others) happy, when you still have the chance.

5. Be young

During my three years in Ngee Ann, I spent too time much worrying about the future.

For example, during the last year of poly, I became mildly obsessed with building my portfolio. Basically, I spent the whole year chasing deadlines, maintaining my GPA and participating in events that will look good on my resume. I even interned at a local news outlet.

Depressing, isn't it?

Sure, beefing up my portfolio scored me a scholarship to a good university but at the same time, no amount of money can make me 19 again.

So strike a balance. While not letting your academics slip, you must not forget to enjoy your youth. Because, you are not going to be younger than you are today.

Top photo from here.

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