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Monday, August 13, 2007

^Rag Day^

NUS Rag Day
11th Aug 07
SRC, Padang

For the clueless, Rag day is when NUS puts up a grand float parade with dances, one from each hall and faculty. The purpose of Rag day is to thank the public for its generous contributions during our Flag day which was held on the 7th of Aug.

This year, NUSSU is proud to announce a poignent moment in NUS's history as it's our first time having it at the Padang. Previously, we were confined to the lovely NUS stadium. The reason for shifting it to the Padang? If I did not recall wrongly, it was to bring it closer to the general population.

Did it succeed? In my most humble opinion, I think it was absolute rubbish. Ah...before NUSSU decides to drop me as a great non-contributing member, I shall explain.....

This year marks my fourth year participating in Rag day, whether as a flower-umbrella opening freshman or as a dancing senior. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences with no credit going to NUSSU but all to the hard work put in by my fellow hostelites. Every year, without fail, the hostels' floats will be the ones that stun and amaze the audience.

This year, there was a drastic drop in the standards of ALL hostel floats. I wonder why. Was there ever a consideration to all the logistics involved in transportation and welfare? Aid was promised but was it ever delivered? Free buses that only come at specific times like an ungodly 4am (when the event starts at 3pm) doesn't seem like a great help you know...

This year, we danced in front of a crowd that had the sun in their eyes. You needed to ballot for a ticket to enter although the NUSSU website did say that there were standing areas aplenty. They however, failed to mention that you would be standing BEHIND the performance area which meant you could only see the butt of the float and nothing of the dance. Hmm.....so much for thanking the public huh...all I saw in the audience were NUS students and the President.

Which got me thinking: was the proposal to bring Rag to the Padang for the public or for the university itself? Granted, it is a very good form of publicity. But, was it worth it? Ask any hostelite and I'm sure you'll get a resounding No. I do not speak for all, but has any relevant authority bothered to ask for our most humble opinons and feedback?

The many many months of hardwork put in - to raise OUR OWN funds, to find OUR OWN materials and people, to make OUR OWN float, to settle OUR OWN logistical problems, to meet NUSSU's many (new) rules and regulations...all to have it called "NUSSU's Rag Day" on the banners.

Without even starting on the ridiculous rules set (like cancelling your performance if your truck breaks down enroute to the Padang) and the anal hostelites sent to check on your rule-fulfilling capabilities, it's obvious I'm disappointed.

NUSSU could be caught in the middle of it all, between us grumbling students and the Higher Beings but as a Student Union nonetheless, shouldn't your priority be our welfare?

Great ideas can only be followed through by willing participants. If you want your Rag day to be successful, you need satisfied participants. Miracles are almost impossible but small aids would have been greatly appreciated. The tents for performers were wonderful but my hall's floaters were at the Padang since 10pm the previous day for what? To wait for your twice-a-night shouts of "touch up!!"?

I really really appreciate all the efforts my hall's floaters have put in. Without them, this year's experience could not have happened. Thank you for making my final year this wonderful. It was indeed memorable, not because it was held at the Padang but rather, because you all overcame all the odds against us and produced THE float that made it to the newspaper. :)
Labels: school

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