Author: Raphael Niu (23A01A)

Commentary

If: Singapore Writers Festival Preview 2022
Reading Time: 5 minutes

By Anamika Ragu (23A01A) and Raphael Niu (23A01A)

Cover image credits to Arts House Limited.

We have all at least once pondered the question: “What if?” What if you’d done things differently? What if you went back to that crossroad and chose the other path, if you’d said something else, if you knew then what you know now?

Or, to put things differently, what if we’d all had greater foresight during those first few months of 2020 — would we have been able to mitigate the pandemic’s effects? Even more emphatically for those of us mourning the loss of overseas trips, what if we were able to plan for the lifted restrictions in 2022 last year?

The theme for this year’s Singapore Writer’s Festival (SWF), celebrating its 25th anniversary, is one replete with regret and possibility: “If”. It is aptly named, as we are all standing at the intersection between our past decisions and our uncertain future.

Continue reading “If: Singapore Writers Festival Preview 2022“ →
Commentary, School Life

Guiding Lights: A Look into the Raffles Guidance Centre
Reading Time: 4 minutes

By Claire Jow (23A01B), Raphael Niu (23A01A) and Tay Yu Ning (23S06E)

As much as we might prefer to coast through life brushing mental health struggles under the carpet, it has become increasingly apparent that mental health struggles are a pressing issue, particularly in a stressful environment such as RI. For some of us, even tasks deemed as “simple” such as going to class or finishing a homework assignment can be considered to be a huge victory. 

This is where the Raffles Guidance Centre (RGC) comes in, helping students who struggle  with problems from device issues to family relationships survive and thrive in life. 

Continue reading “Guiding Lights: A Look into the Raffles Guidance Centre“ →
Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset, School Life

Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset: Compatibility Concerns
Reading Time: 5 minutes

By Raphael Niu (23A01A)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/riadvice and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month. 

I feel like my girlfriend and I are not very compatible, and I’m not sure if a breakup is right: she hasn’t done anything wrong, we haven’t fought, and I don’t want to break her heart…

Brooding Boyfriend

Dear Brooding Boyfriend,

We all enter relationships hoping for a happily-ever-after, but the unfortunate reality is that few relationships, if any, are that smooth sailing. For many lovers, there will come a time—after days of banal conversation or an explosive fight—when the prospect of leaving flashes across their minds. 

Continue reading “Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset: Compatibility Concerns” →
Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset, School Life

Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset: Investigating Infatuation
Reading Time: 6 minutes

By Raphael Niu (23A01A) and Sabrina Tong (23S03Q, Peer Helper)

Cover Image by Johnathan Lim (23S03M)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/riadvice and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month. 

how do I curb infatuations?

Love-struck Lad

Dear Love-struck Lad,

Perhaps you have fallen victim to one yourself, or are asking on behalf of a friend (who has fallen in ‘love’ and doesn’t know how to get back up!) Whichever it is, the sunny high of infatuation can be thrilling and all-consuming. 

Continue reading “Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset: Investigating Infatuation” →