JOSEPHIANS | LUMEN
23 as Secondary 1 , he was exposed to journalistic writing and many other creative writing projects . In upper secondary too , the TDP in English made situational writing and essay writing more exciting by introducing the students to the application of language in films and in blogs . He attributes the development of himself as a competent and fluent writer to his English teachers . In particular , he recalls fondly how Mrs Janet Kwok patiently helped him reconstruct every sentence of his first essay in Secondary 1 . That was the essay he had passed by the skin of his teeth . Subsequently , every essay marked by her would be peppered with comments , suggestions and encouragement .
However his journey to follow his heart and pursue his passion has not been smooth sailing . Strong opposition came in the form of his father whose dream for his elder son was to pursue medicine . Initially he disapproved of Agung ’ s decision to opt for TDP English . This conflict between them intensified with Agung ’ s choice of stream in junior college . While Agung was certain he was best suited for the Humanities where he can learn about world history , analyse and critique The Great Gatsby , and engage in discourses on epistemology , his father was unconvinced he was truly passionate about these subjects ; much less be able to put food on the table should he take this route .
Unfortunately the turn of events in college seem to prove his father right . Struggling with the demands of academic work and responsibilities of student leadership ( Agung was the Vice-
President of the Victoria Junior College Student Council ), his grades suffered . Agung did not only disappoint himself but felt he had let others namely his father and teachers down . That was when Agung was confronted with another setback – the onset of depression .
Self-doubts plagued him so much so that he was overwhelmed with pessimism . Every time a suicidal thought crossed his mind , he reminded himself , “ I ’ m a Josephian , and Josephians have faith . Faith in God , in ourselves , and in others .” These very words held him back from doing anything drastic . Having hit rock bottom and feeling there was nothing he was proud of , Agung clung on to his Josephian identity : “ At least , I ’ m a Josephian . And that mattered greatly to me . It still does .”
Thankfully , with the encouragement of his hostel roommate , he went for counselling despite being initially worried about what people might say if they knew about it . Managing his own expectations and rebuilding his self-esteem through small steps , he found ways to cope with failures and disappointment . He learnt how to venture on a path that lay beyond that of good grades and scholarship offers . Most of all , he learnt to accept himself with all his weaknesses and insecurities , and not ‘ Agung the Head Prefect ’ or ‘ Agung the Council ’ s Vice- President ’. Ultimately , it was by
Facing page : Enjoying his student exhange days in Switzerland
This page ( top ): With his university mates in Switzerland
This page ( left ): Agung ( centre ) flanked by the 2006 Prefect Executive Committee
fully embracing those weaknesses and insecurities that he emerged out of depression stronger and more assured of himself .
This arduous and sometimes painful journey of self discovery was fundamental in his decision to read Communication Studies , a relatively new , non-traditional discipline , in NTU . To him it was an ideal option as the discipline brings together his love of writing , of visual design , and language . The stamp of approval from his father couldn ’ t have come at a better time too . Now he understood Agung ’ s underlying passion for language and writing and even encouraged him to write a book !
It was in university that Agung took the opportunity to explore other areas like journalistic writing . One thing led to another and Agung found himself being recommended for the role of News Editor with the Nanyang Chronicle . Despite his inexperience and apprehension , Agung was observed by the Teacher Advisor of the Nanyang Chronicle during a news conference to have a helicopter view of the newspaper production process . Thus he was offered the position of Chief Editor . The faith the teacher had in him boosted his confidence and led him to rally the whole editorial team to rejuvenate the newspaper with a number of new features , and also a bolder visual language . Since then the Chronicle has been gaining more attention .
What words of advice would Agung then have for young Josephians in following their heart ? In his typical unassuming manner , he said , “ I ’ m not sure if I ’ m already qualified to give words of wisdom , really . But what I can share now , with the benefit of some hindsight , is that the values of faith , service , and community you are learning now in SJI are very much alive and true . They are not just formula or theories to be used in books and speeches . They are powerful principles that can really take you far . For one , they gave me the courage to chart my own path , and persist against all odds . So no matter what happens , don ’ t ever forget that you are , and always will be , a Josephian .”