Hwa Chong Open House 2009

This year, my school, Hwa Chong Institution, held its inaugural annual Open House on Saturday, 16th of May lasting from 8am to 1pm. On that day, me and my other counillors-in-training were sent out to be Ushers during the Open House for the General Manpower Team. Every Usher was assigned to individual posts in an area. The night before, I was preparing to go to sleep when suddenly the phone rang with a shrill. "Hello?" I picked up the phone and answered.

"Um, is this Seong Jin?" An unfamiliar voice answered my prompt reply.

I said Yes and he sighed a relieved sigh. Then, he proceeded to explain himself. After a while, I finally understood. He was my area IC for tomorrow's ushering and instructions were given by him to me. I thanked him went to bed. 

The next morning, I waked up as early as I could using my "Body Clock" as I had to be there by 730am and soon I was in Hwa Chong in no time due to my punctuality. Upon getting there, I realised I was too early and sat down on the nearest bench whil playing my handphone game. My handphone game soon killed time and by the time I looked up, the place was crowded with Ushers. A teacher-in-charge briefed us briefly and we were off.

My first two hours of ushering at a place called Block B was quite relaxing as there were not too many visitors in the morning. I made a few mistakes though, like saying "Good morning Ma'am where would you like me to escort you?" to a teacher. Otherwise, I did fairly fine.

However, luck liked to play tricks and I was soon overwhelmed by visitors rushing though the enrance I was posted to and I was talking, escorting, and ushering. My legs were starting to get strainous as there was nowhere to sit but thankfully, it was soon lunch time for the ushers.

After lunch, I headed straight for my block IC and requested a change of posts. He agreed and shifted posts with me. At there, there was not many visitors requiring assistance and people who did asked easy questions, like "Where is the female toilet?" and "Is this boy's school?". Nevertheless, after the ushering period was over, I still felt that I have done something for the school.

Frankly speaking, I wished the Open House could have lasted longer. I started to enjoy helping people after a while of ushering. I guess this is the true meaning of "Happiness from providing help" However, I guess there is still a limit to the duration of an activity, even if it will benefit the society and us.