TASK: Write an essay describing yourself, in a third person point of view.
The sounds of laborious panting sliced through the otherwise silent room, rapidly increasing in shortness, ending in a scream, a testimony to the burst of strength released from the slight frame of the woman lying on the narrow bed. Breaths were held, until the mewling cry of a newborn was heard, and the taut tension in the room snapped, as would a tightly wound string. It was then that the air blossomed into one of pure joy and bliss, for the insistent squalling of the child signaled a safe delivery, and a healthy, robust baby. ‘My first-born shall be known as Raphael!’ exclaimed an overjoyed father, whom went by the name of Robert. Thus, on that rather auspicious Wednesday of the 4th of December 1991, the young infant, draped in a cloth and safely cuddled in gentle hands of a relieved mother, embarked on life’s journey.
Raphael is a typical lively boy, whose traits are somewhat balanced; active and sporting material with a touch of diligence and assiduousness, owing to paternal and maternal genes respectively. For him, friends are easy to come by, but he wasn’t socially adept. Notorious for his loquaciousness and being mischievous at times, misbehavior was – and still is, I daresay – a concern and he often got into a series of troubles. In view of this, perhaps he had a blend of wits and charm, for he got out of any mess almost as fast as he got into it. Over the years, he did learn, however, never to cross the line and behaved more appropriately; though one should never rule out of the sporadic tomfoolery from time to time. Besides that, he is recognized by his friends for being bold and, to some extent, brash; more often than not being used and handled like an errand boy. Lastly, although he gives the impression of being tough, he isn't afraid to admit that he was once prone to crying, as he is a rather soft-hearted person by nature, especially when it had to do with losing and bad relationships.
He started off at a kindergarten at the age of 4, which specialized in abacus-mental arithmetic and the Chinese medium was used. Two years later, he was enrolled at SRK Chung Hwa No.4, where he spent 6 years studying the prerequisite syllabus aside from brushing up his command of the Chinese language. Upon ending his term there, he made a rather crucial decision by deciding not to further his studies of the Chinese language, which he regretted few years later. Moving on nonetheless, he decided upon registering at the prestigious SMB St. Joseph Kuching School – renowned for the school’s predecessors, the Missionary Brothers from Ireland. This particular decision was significantly influenced by the fact that his father was an ex-Josephian. A total of 5 years were spent there, with him excelling in studies and achieving admirable results in official examinations. Apart from being a prefect, he was also moderately active in co-curriculum activities, ranging from the occasional scout meetings to the fully-operational Lasallian society. Beginning of the year 2009, he relocated himself to the capital of his country and began his college life in Taylors University College. Six months later, luck was shining down upon him as he was selected by the government to receive a full scholarship. Currently, he is undergoing the Australian Matriculation course.
Sports and exercise is, undoubtedly, a fundamental aspect in Raphael’s life. This resulted from many factors, mainly due to his father. Frankly speaking, his father was more of an athlete than a studious person, and as the saying goes ‘a chip off the old block’, inheritance played its role. Therefore he jogs, plays badminton, table-tennis or basketball during sport hours. As for the selection of a suitable main sport, his father had experience a traumatizing encounter with near-death during childhood when he was out swimming with his brothers. This fueled his resolve in teaching his son the art of swimming, as stated by him. Therefore, at the age of 6, swimming was duly inaugurated into Raphael’s daily schedule – average 4 hours of training a day, 6 days a week – and lasted until he was 18. Downright committed and unrelenting, he vowed to represent his country at least once in his lifetime. The dream came true and at the peak of performance he qualified in an international competition known as BIMP EAGA, involving Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. He also fittingly qualified for SUKMA XI 2006. In 2008, his glory days in sport were over; a younger and stronger generation was emerging. As a result, he willingly decided to ‘call it a day’ and ‘retire’ from the competitive life of swimming.
Behind every successful child, stands a supportive family – closely knitted and constantly caring for one another. In my perspective, Raphael is fortunate: with a stalwart and supportive father at the helm, alongside a caring and steadfast mother plus an equally mischievous little brother (following his footsteps), in his mindset his family is the best ever – priceless and irreplaceable, and he has all the right to believe so. I was once told that a lot of his life is based on numerous fundamental principles and philosophies passed down from his father, namely “Never do things in halves” and “Put your heart and soul into doing something”. With these in hand, his father had prepared him to walk on the road of success and it was up to him to stay in track. His mother, on the hand, nourished him with motherly care, love and (last but not least) food! Finally, his little brother was equally important; provided him companionship, brotherly love and unfortunately – or fortunately – a medium to vent frustration on.
With things all said and done, Raphael has yet to face his greatest challenge of life – becoming a successful engineer. This is an ultimate test of mettle, will and resolve in a world where only the strong will survive. Life is riddled with obstacles and impediments, and he will have to endure these hard times to emerge victorious in life’s journey. William Goldman, an American novelist, playwright, and two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter, once cited ‘Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all.’
The sounds of laborious panting sliced through the otherwise silent room, rapidly increasing in shortness, ending in a scream, a testimony to the burst of strength released from the slight frame of the woman lying on the narrow bed. Breaths were held, until the mewling cry of a newborn was heard, and the taut tension in the room snapped, as would a tightly wound string. It was then that the air blossomed into one of pure joy and bliss, for the insistent squalling of the child signaled a safe delivery, and a healthy, robust baby. ‘My first-born shall be known as Raphael!’ exclaimed an overjoyed father, whom went by the name of Robert. Thus, on that rather auspicious Wednesday of the 4th of December 1991, the young infant, draped in a cloth and safely cuddled in gentle hands of a relieved mother, embarked on life’s journey.
Raphael is a typical lively boy, whose traits are somewhat balanced; active and sporting material with a touch of diligence and assiduousness, owing to paternal and maternal genes respectively. For him, friends are easy to come by, but he wasn’t socially adept. Notorious for his loquaciousness and being mischievous at times, misbehavior was – and still is, I daresay – a concern and he often got into a series of troubles. In view of this, perhaps he had a blend of wits and charm, for he got out of any mess almost as fast as he got into it. Over the years, he did learn, however, never to cross the line and behaved more appropriately; though one should never rule out of the sporadic tomfoolery from time to time. Besides that, he is recognized by his friends for being bold and, to some extent, brash; more often than not being used and handled like an errand boy. Lastly, although he gives the impression of being tough, he isn't afraid to admit that he was once prone to crying, as he is a rather soft-hearted person by nature, especially when it had to do with losing and bad relationships.
He started off at a kindergarten at the age of 4, which specialized in abacus-mental arithmetic and the Chinese medium was used. Two years later, he was enrolled at SRK Chung Hwa No.4, where he spent 6 years studying the prerequisite syllabus aside from brushing up his command of the Chinese language. Upon ending his term there, he made a rather crucial decision by deciding not to further his studies of the Chinese language, which he regretted few years later. Moving on nonetheless, he decided upon registering at the prestigious SMB St. Joseph Kuching School – renowned for the school’s predecessors, the Missionary Brothers from Ireland. This particular decision was significantly influenced by the fact that his father was an ex-Josephian. A total of 5 years were spent there, with him excelling in studies and achieving admirable results in official examinations. Apart from being a prefect, he was also moderately active in co-curriculum activities, ranging from the occasional scout meetings to the fully-operational Lasallian society. Beginning of the year 2009, he relocated himself to the capital of his country and began his college life in Taylors University College. Six months later, luck was shining down upon him as he was selected by the government to receive a full scholarship. Currently, he is undergoing the Australian Matriculation course.
Sports and exercise is, undoubtedly, a fundamental aspect in Raphael’s life. This resulted from many factors, mainly due to his father. Frankly speaking, his father was more of an athlete than a studious person, and as the saying goes ‘a chip off the old block’, inheritance played its role. Therefore he jogs, plays badminton, table-tennis or basketball during sport hours. As for the selection of a suitable main sport, his father had experience a traumatizing encounter with near-death during childhood when he was out swimming with his brothers. This fueled his resolve in teaching his son the art of swimming, as stated by him. Therefore, at the age of 6, swimming was duly inaugurated into Raphael’s daily schedule – average 4 hours of training a day, 6 days a week – and lasted until he was 18. Downright committed and unrelenting, he vowed to represent his country at least once in his lifetime. The dream came true and at the peak of performance he qualified in an international competition known as BIMP EAGA, involving Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. He also fittingly qualified for SUKMA XI 2006. In 2008, his glory days in sport were over; a younger and stronger generation was emerging. As a result, he willingly decided to ‘call it a day’ and ‘retire’ from the competitive life of swimming.
Behind every successful child, stands a supportive family – closely knitted and constantly caring for one another. In my perspective, Raphael is fortunate: with a stalwart and supportive father at the helm, alongside a caring and steadfast mother plus an equally mischievous little brother (following his footsteps), in his mindset his family is the best ever – priceless and irreplaceable, and he has all the right to believe so. I was once told that a lot of his life is based on numerous fundamental principles and philosophies passed down from his father, namely “Never do things in halves” and “Put your heart and soul into doing something”. With these in hand, his father had prepared him to walk on the road of success and it was up to him to stay in track. His mother, on the hand, nourished him with motherly care, love and (last but not least) food! Finally, his little brother was equally important; provided him companionship, brotherly love and unfortunately – or fortunately – a medium to vent frustration on.
With things all said and done, Raphael has yet to face his greatest challenge of life – becoming a successful engineer. This is an ultimate test of mettle, will and resolve in a world where only the strong will survive. Life is riddled with obstacles and impediments, and he will have to endure these hard times to emerge victorious in life’s journey. William Goldman, an American novelist, playwright, and two-time Academy Award-winning screenwriter, once cited ‘Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all.’
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