This is somewhat belated since NUS exam results were released on 31st May, but hurray nonetheless! NWQ and I achieved decent grades (ask if you want to know) for both our projects, concluding our UROPS adventure on a happy note. Our heartfelt thanks to our supervisor, mentor and friends!
Us at Dalat, Vietnam, enjoying the breeze.
It was a mad rush to meet the UROPS deadlines and then exams, but NWQ and I have survived. Now that our projects are behind us, we can finally look back, laugh about the funny moments and cringe when we remember our silly mistakes. UROPS was a frustrating, overwhelming and nerve-wrecking affair. But it was also an invaluable, unforgettable and meaningful experience that I am glad to have. I’d definitely encourage students to take up the challenge.
NWQ – “Concentrate, concentrate”.
Me – “We won’t give up!”
The days leading up to the submission deadline saw us frantically hunched over our laptops, stringing sentences together like our lives depended on it. Then suddenly writing was over, and we hurried to rehearse our presentations, polishing and re-polishing after getting mutual feedback. Before we knew it, the storm had passed and we could finally breathe a tremendous sigh of relief as UROPS became part of our past.
Now that holidays are in full swing, with NWQ and I busy pursuing our own activities, UROPS has been at the back of our minds for some time. Until yesterday, that is. I was extremely surprised but also delighted that SingPost chose our study plants (how coincidental is that!) – Simpoh Air (Dillenia suffruticosa) and Singapore Rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum) – for their latest and just-released first day cover. Thanks NWQ for the heads-up! She was taken by surprise too when she chanced upon it. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on it, but also groaned jokingly about the choice of flora and the coincidence of it all.
Have a look!
Clockwise from top left: presentation set, first day cover insert, first day cover.
A peek inside the presentation set.
Close-up of the stamps and the ink chop of a Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis).
Cheers! 😀
Black Dillenia 