What words move you? Do you seek wisdom or do wish to be moved
with the beauty of artfully crafted works of art? Do you want advice or do you
want inspiration. If you said yes to any of these, then you need to read Nora’s
interview.
***********************************************************************
Can you give
us a bit of background about your family and what it's like growing up in Singapore?
Well, I have the most amazing parents in the world & I love
them very much. I’m an only child, but I spent my childhood with four other
cousins so it wasn’t too lonely. It’s funny; Singapore is such a concrete
jungle, but the house I grew up in was tucked away in an undeveloped corner, a
jungle five minutes away from the sea. My cousins and I used to catch ladybugs
and spiders in the jungle, and then cycle to sea – stuff you wouldn’t typically
associate with a Singaporean childhood. The older I got the more time I spent
in the city though, and I love the city life. There’s something about its
bustle that gets me excited!
 |
| Nora with her Mum way back when |
You attended
the secondary school the Wall Street Journal has called the best in the world:
Raffles Junior College (note: in Singapore a Junior College is a secondary school.
Is it the best? Why or why not? How high is the stress level?
Hmm, I don’t know. I haven’t been to any other high school so I
don’t have anything to compare it to. It is definitely a very, very good school
though. It gave me a great foundation for college, like pretty solid academic
writing skills. While I do think the stress level tends to the high side, ultimately
it really is a matter of managing expectations.
Did you push
yourself to get accepted to this school or was it also with the help and
encouragement of your parents? How would you describe your parents’ approach to
learning for you?
My parents are amazing. I’ve already said this, but they truly
are. Their approach towards my learning is to let me do whatever I want, as
long as I commit to doing it well. I think my mother initially wanted me to be
a doctor, but as soon as she saw that my interests tended towards the
humanities (I am hopeless at science) she was fully supportive of me pursuing
that field. I really appreciate that, especially since I know they get put in a
spot when their friends ask them what I’m going to do after I graduate. Even
when I have doubts about what I’m doing, they never doubt me. They’re so
excited that I get to do what I love… I seriously couldn’t be more blessed.
 |
| Nora at Raffles JC |
Can you
describe the humanities option you were enrolled in? Did you find that the student
love to learn? Were the teachers great?
It was basically the best thing about high school. The teachers
were awesome; they really took the time to get to know us. They’ve also been
teaching for decades, so they had as an aggregate hundreds of years of
experience and wisdom. We did tons of cultural things, like going to plays, the
ballet, opera… Probably the most cultured two years of my life haha! The
students did love to learn; the questions raised in class were often thought
provoking.
Your school
is known for giving low grades to students who often earn great results on the
H level exams (note: H level exams in Singapore are roughly equivalent to the A
Level exams given in the UK. In addition, there are also H3 courses offered
only to students in Singapore which involve independent research; they are far
more challenging than any AP or IB course). Do you think other countries should
follow this model of pushing strong students this way?
O god I don’t think I ever got a single A on my report card in
my two years at RJC… I don’t know. On one hand I do think it pushes students to
work harder; on the other hand, it gets pretty demoralizing. I don’t think
there’s anything wrong with holding students to a high standard and grading
them based on that, but I don’t believe in deflating grades on purpose. I
didn’t have an issue with my grades because I saw people around who had truly
spectacular essays getting As, so I felt that the grades were fair.
There are a
lot of misconceptions about students, teaching and lots of others things when
it comes to Singapore. An article this summer made it sound odd that
Shakespeare’s occasionally bawdy texts could be taught there. What things would
you want to highlight about the way you were taught and the things you were
encouraged to read?
To be honest, being in the humanities program probably meant
that I had a somewhat different education from the rest. My teachers were
mostly expats, so they were very open-minded and not at all shy. We did the
Renaissance period for A-level Literature, so we had to confront our fair share
of sex and violence. I don’t think we approached the texts any differently from
how it would have been approached in the US, honestly.
Why did you
decide to pursue university in the US as opposed to the UK Singapore or
Australia?
Because I had no idea what I wanted to do. But honestly, I loved
the US system because of its flexibility. In the UK & Australia, you apply
directly for the course you want to pursue (History, Economics etc.), and you
don’t really get to try classes outside your course. I didn’t want to stay in
Singapore because I felt that learning in a new environment would really
broaden my perspectives. In that sense, the US was the best fit for me. I knew
I wanted to do something related to the humanities, but I didn’t know what
exactly. My politics and poetry writing classes stuck out to me in my first
year, and that’s why I chose to pursue those two. I definitely wasn’t expecting
to major in those fields when I first went into college.
How was your
initial adjustment to university? Were the classes easier or harder than you
thought? How easy was it to fit in or is that something you worried much about?
I kind of refer to my first year as a black hole. Classes were easier
than I thought, but I was so homesick. It was the first winter I had to live
through, and the never-ending cold was depressing. Thankfully, everything went
uphill from there. I realized the trick to choosing classes – seminars all the
way! You learn a great deal more, and the direct interactions with professors
are so much more valuable. I’m taking political theory as my first core seminar
for the Politics Honors Program this semester, and this class is killing me.
From Plato to Hobbes to Foucault (every week is a different philosopher), I’ve
struggled with comprehending their theories, but it’s great because I’m forced
to push myself harder.
About fitting in, I definitely worried a lot about that. It
wasn’t very easy because I did feel some sort of disconnect, perhaps because of
the culture I grew up in and the worldviews that I possessed. Now I just try to
stick true to who I am, instead of molding myself to fit in. In a sense I do
like being the one who spells and pronounces words slightly differently. My friends
and I laugh about it all the time.
 |
| Nora and friends atop Old Rag Mountain |
********************************************************************************
Nora T.
On Being (a Body in Time)
(i) “they caught them”
Lilac sky deepens into
nightfall
as we sit talking about pronouns
–
tension between you and I, instant
mystery. Salty lover, you
smell like
french fries from a 4am
drive-thru.
(ii) Seven bodies around a table discussing Nietzsche,
still no resolution on
whether humans did in fact
invent God to assure
themselves no suffering
would ever go unnoticed.
(iii) in this part of the world, we call it Autumn
Of the view from the
Amtrak window
between Manhattan and New
Haven,
he notes – leaves browning like burnt sugar.
(iv) 1143 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut
Standing in the corner,
an old lady: down jacket,
mid-calves. Uncovered
ankles. Dirty grey hair,
the color of roadside
slush. Not quite sure
how she found herself in
a cookie store.
When we leave she is
still there, fingers
gripping onto a delivery
menu. Wild eyes,
trembling posture. There
is something about
the thought of growing
old that drives me crazy.
(v) “花落的那一天”*
Somebody must mourn the
petals
that fall in the dark,
unseen
but not unfelt
*translation: that one day,
when the flowers fell.
*********************************************************************************************
Have you
changed since coming to study in the US?
Definitely, I’ve grown in every possible way. My life in
Singapore was sheltered, to say the least, so having to look out for myself
here has definitely taught me a thing or two. I’m more aware of my
surroundings, more self-reliant, and more responsible. The way I approach
learning is different too – there is so much more excitement because of the
interaction with amazing faculty, who are truly passionate about what they do.
It inspires me.
You are a
part of an elite program for students with talent in poetry. When did you start
writing and would you be willing to share a poem or two you like? Can you
describe the workshop method for those who might not be familiar with it?
I’ve always scribbled lines here and there, but I would say I only
started writing poetry proper when I took my Introduction to Poetry Writing
class in my first semester. That’s what started it all; that’s when my love for
poems moved into a desire to write poems.
I have a long list of poets/poems I love: ‘A Brief for the Defense’ by Jack
Gilbert, “The Diameter of the Bomb’ by Yehuda Amichai, ‘Famous’ by Naomi Shihab
Nye… so many!!!! So hard to choose.
How workshop works is everybody receives copies of the poems
being workshopped before class, and we each have to make notes on them – what
we like about the poem, what we feel can be edited, lines we would cross out,
what the poet should focus more on, what the poet did wonderfully etc. During
workshop itself, the poet and somebody else would read the poem out loud (so
it’d be read twice), and then the poet typically remains silent as the class
discusses the poem. At the end of the discussion, the poet is allowed to ask
questions. Then, everybody passes the poems with comments on them back to the
poet.
Do you have
a teacher or mentor who has affected your way of seeing yourself ad the world?
What makes a great teacher for you? What makes a great student?
Gosh, so many of them have. Every single professor in the
creative writing program is FANTASTIC. I love them dearly, and they continue to
inspire me endlessly. As I’ve mentioned earlier I’m in my first core seminar
for the pol honors, and Professor Klosko has been brilliant too. He’s really challenged
us with regards to essay writing, since we have to write one every week because
of class. He’s great because he will recognize that stylistically an essay can
be well written, but can be bad in terms of dealing with the question. He
encourages us to not just write good expositions, but to back that up with
solid analysis. He’s really pushed me to look at things more critically.
A great teacher is one who is passionate about what he\she is
teaching, and eager to share that passion with his\her students. Professor
Klosko is great because he transcends my immense dislike for political theory.
His excitement opens me up to embracing the subject. Michael Levenson and
Stephen Cushman are great as well, because even in a lecture size of what, 300
students, I can still feel their immense love for literature being transferred
onto me. Definitely cried after my last lecture in 3830 (which they teach
together)… no shame. And of course, there are my amazing professors in the
poetry program; they teach me the beauty of the world, and words. (Sorry this
is turning into like a shoutout… my brain just automatically equates great
teachers with the ones I’ve worked with.)
A great student is one who is keen to learn. He\she should be
seeking to have his\her perspectives shaken up, to be challenged, to embrace
knowledge.
Do you have
writers or other artistic types who you hold up as role models or heroes?
Not sure about role model because I don’t strive to be a
recluse, but Jack Gilbert is definitely my man. Everything this man writes has
some truth that resonates deep within me, and my dream would be to inspire
others with my words the way he has inspired me. His poems have offered me
comfort through many points of confusion in my life. I also think Lauren
Mayberry from Chvrches is the coolest. She has a law degree, a Masters in
journalism, and makes awesome dreamy electro synth music with her band.
Are you a
tough critic about your own work? If so, is this a good thing or
not?
This depends on what kind of work we’re talking about. If it’s
academic essays, I kind of know when I’ve written a good one, and I’ll be
satisfied. When it comes to poems I’ve written though… I always end up cringing
at old poems. Definitely a tough critic when it comes to that. Never, ever
satisfied. I guess it’s a good thing because it propels you to keep improving,
right?
Who do you
hang around with the most—other poets, international students, or all sorts?
Probably a mix of all sorts. In my first year I mostly hung out
with other Singaporeans, but I started branching out once I got into my second
year. I also hang out with myself a lot… hahaha. Only child problems: I like my
personal space.
Do you feel
that you get treated any differently because you are international?
Asian? Have you had to educate people in any way about your background?
Not exactly… I mean there’s the occasional ‘wow your English is
so good’, and then I have to tell them well English is the first language in
Singapore, but other than that it hasn’t really been an issue. A lot of people
don’t know where Singapore is, but honestly we are barely even on the map so I
can’t say I blame them.
What
activities have you been involved with at university that have been significant
to you?
Let’s see… dancing in Mahogany Dance Troupe has been super fun.
I’m also on the exec board for the Muslim Students Association so that takes up
a significant portion of my time. This semester I got involved with the
Virginia Literary Review, which is very cool. And I’m going to Puerto Rice for
Alternative Spring Break next year, which I’m pumped for!
Singapore is
known for having among the most eclectic and best food of anyplace in the
world. Is this true and what do you do for food here in the US?
OH MY GOD don’t even get me started on Singaporean food… it IS
the best food in the world. Sorry America but your food does not even come
close. I either eat out or cook! Thank god for Asian markets.
You have
recently become a part of new website of bloggers and others, deadcurious.com. Can you describe your experience with it so far? What do
like about it? Does this shape in any way what you think about the potential of
social media?
It’s been great! I work with awesome people, who are crazily
talented in so many ways. I’ve had a lot of fun writing posts, as well as
looking for blogs to add to our database. It’s definitely made me more aware of
the immense power of social media, something I hadn’t necessarily realized in
the past.
Critics of
social media say all the options and quick blinks at sites have ruined our
ability to read slowly and savor great words. Is there any truth to this?
Hmm, tough question. I love the printed word – I can’t do
kindles, I’d rather have the physical copy of the book. But on the other hand,
I read a lot of poems online, and I don’t think that necessarily ruins the
experience. I guess I wouldn’t go so far as to say “ruined.”
******************************************************************************
Nora T.
Careless
“I must be someone/ with very short arms to have
lost you” – Brenda Shaughnessy
Those with nothing dream
the same
dreams as the rich, and
the happy
have no claim over the
wretched.
When summer ended and I
left
you I wanted to sleep
fitfully,
bare knuckles and unkempt
hair –
not a punishment for the
blessed
who let their blessings
go but
the sense of discomfort
that could happen to any
person,
any good person.
*******************************************************************************************
Have you
given much thought about what you want to do after graduation?
This questions scares me to death… I think I’ll try to find a
job, but there’s a very high chance that I’ll go to grad school.
You seem to
pursuing your passions in education. Do you have advice for others who have
passions about things but might be hesitant to fight for them because they
might not be deemed ‘marketable’ in the way some others things might be?
I don’t know if I’m in the position to say anything, since I haven’t
gotten a job haha! I guess I’ll just pass on what my dad always told me – do
what you love, do it well, and things will work themselves out. That’s
something I truly believe in – if you’re passionate about something, there will
be a place for you in this world. Maybe I’m being an idealist, but hey, success
for me is being happy.
Is there
anything else you want to add?
Wow, this really made me examine myself in ways I wouldn’t
otherwise have thought about. Thanks Parke!
 |
| Nora in NYC |
Nora’s passion for learning makes me want to spend the day
reading Gilbert or discussing Foucault, or reading over her poems. Her voice in
the interview conveys what you get when you speak to her in person: genuine,
positive, and insightful.
But she’s also a little modest. Entry into too of the most
selective academic programs at her University underscores her abilities to
think, write, and participate.
She’s lucky to have attended Raffles JC. For those who think
that it might now be one of the best schools in the world, here are a few data
points (courtesy of Wikipedia):
Each year, about 345 places
in top UK universities and 140 places in top US colleges are offered to
Rafflesians. In 2013, 53 students have been offered places at Cambridge
University, and 39 at Oxford University. This is one of the highest, if not the
highest, number of students from a single institution offered places at Oxford
and Cambridge in the world. 49 students have also received early admission
offers from top US universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton and
Stanford. 70
a year on average gain admission to the 8 Ivy League Colleges plus Stanford and
MIT. 50%
of places in the NUS Medical and Law faculties also go to Raffles Institution
graduates.
But Nora’s tone does not try
to intimidate. She’s too smart for that. Her parents’ willingness to let her
develop her talents has set the stage for a person who will be heard from by
many in the years to come. I am grateful to her for taking the time to answer
my questions and to encourage others to find the passion that will lead to new
places and new ways of communicating with a voice that transcends time zones
and borders of all sorts.
Here is a link to one of her
blog entries on deadcurious.com
*****************************************************************************
Update:
Nora will be headed to Colombia for a PHD in political science.
*****************************************************************************
Update:
Nora will be headed to Colombia for a PHD in political science.
 |
| Nora with friends in Guatemala |
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