Phased out

So today my brother has finished his final exams, and has practically graduated. I feel like i am now left behind in the race of education, with still a distance more for me to go, while he has graduated from the life of a student, which has been our life all these years less 2 years of NS. He is now into the beginning of a whole new phase of life ~ a full fledged adult.
while i am not excited for my turn to come, knowing its a world full of uncertainties out there, i cant help but feel a tinge envious of him, with a mix of unexplainable feelings. These feelings were added onto by seeing him gather up a huge pile of paper consisting of all his notes, clearing it out of his shelf and dumping them all downstairs. just a week ago, we were both mugging away for exams, spending whole days studying in church and all. Its all over for him now, and he is freer than a bird, while i have started my next semester immediately, with much more still to come.

In this short, tightly-packed semester, a 4 credit module is squeezed into merely 3 weeks. So its not a surprise that on the very first day were we already told to start on our 4 projects. Plus, on just the 4th day will come the first test. Not a little pop quiz, but same weightage as the final one! For the first time, i feel the heat on the first day of a new start!

That being said, i am really thankful for being able to attend the OneChoice retreat at JB; its timing fitting nicely between the end and start of semesters. It was a great time of reflecting, sharing in groups, hearing testimonies, being inspired through the sessions, spending unhurried time with God, as well as making new connections with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, while building on the bonds with those we already know. A great refreshment of my soul (though drained physically) to give me a boost through the crazy semester ahead!