This is a “OBS-like” subject. Where you’ll start by hating it, then slowly getting used to it and finally can’t part with it. The people, the teachings, the learnings, the atmosphere, the talkings, the scoldings, the sarcasm, everything is missed.
It is a subject where you have Service Instructors instead of Tutors & Lecturers, with the Head Service Instructors being a guy with suspender +bow tie fetish and you have to look him in the face while he shouts at you if you make any mistakes. But throughout the semester, you’ll find that he scolds you without you having the ability to shoot back; meaning you’re in the wrong. His sarcasm level is extremely high too. Language power.
A subject where you’re in Polytechnic but guys have to have hair shorter than Secondary School students, girls with hair neater than the average Air Stewardess. Reporting to school before 7.30am to change into their uniform which you can’t even wear it outside. What ridiculous rules. Grooming check with fingernails, hair, shirts, apron(!), socks, shoes. Everything have to meet their standards. One tiny fingernail with the white part being seen, FAIL . One strand of hair coming out from your hair, FAIL . One folding line across your shirt/ apron, FAIL . Sock not black enough, FAIL . Thus, I failed half of the time and passed the other half. Lol.
Throughout the weeks, you’ll find many sarcasm power players, teaching you in a way that you are totally not used to it. “They are suppose to teach us, how could they shoot us down so much ?” is what usually goes through people’s mind. Yet, you have no authority to complain, no place to voice out your displeasure, your disappointment and sadness. It is like some reform camp, the usage of phone is not even allowed. Experiencing the different attitudes and behaviours of the Service Instructor and having to listen to at least 2 of them at the same time.
It is a place where you really get strengthen, both mentally and physically. Bond with your groupmates of 15-17 people, experiencing the different hardship of a F&B outlet and having your marks in proportion to your sales.
A joy and pain of being a HTM / LRM / CCM student.
With the power to take something heavy up, one needs to have to put it down gently too.
Alvin's Style 