Friday, March 9, 2007
I want to look at the faces of all those around me, look past all the dirt, sweat, and grime, and see faces full of hope, of dogged perseverance, of wanting to do all it takes to get the job done.
I want to revel in the ties of brotherhood and friendship, ties stronger than those forged out of blood.
I want the freshmen, and first-time raggers like myself, to know what lies ahead, a journey of great difficulty, of struggle, an odyssey of sorts. The journey will not be easy, but it is worth the effort, once you stand back and see how 3 months of seemingly endless toil and hard work have paid off, resulting in something we can be proud of, something that everybody in the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences can be proud of.
I want all of us to stand together hand in hand, techies and dancers, raggers and non-raggers, to stand together as one, unwavering in our support and dedication, never questioning why we go through so much pain and suffering.
I want to feel the pride that comes with building everything from scratch, the pride that comes with all that precious sweat and blood you have poured into the effort, and when it all comes to a final glorious climax on 6 August, how all of us will feel the joy of having all our plans, efforts and sacrifices come to fruition.
I want the non-raggers to understand that Rag is not so much just another project, but a symbol, a symbol of bonds forged in blood, sweat, toil and tears, that it is these bonds that go one step beyond what camps and orientations establish. For while the latter lay out the foundations for beautiful and wonderful friendships, it is events like Rag that truly solidify them, where the ethereal become corporeal.
It is all too easy to think back on the glory years of Dragon Rag, to reminesce and recall that year of pride. But alas, the world moves on, and so must we. Be not the dragon, that archaic symbol of great antiquity, greedily hoarding treasures and hiding in dark caverns. Instead, be the phoenix, that emblem of rebirth and renewal, ever seeking the sun, always letting its splendour be shown for all to see.
I want to feel the surge of passion, of endless dedication, of never giving up even when the journey seems long and winding.
I want to bask in the glory as our arrival is announced, hearing the rapturous applause and thunderous cheers of our fellow Arts & Social Sciences students.
I want to feel the rush of elation when we are proclaimed triumphant.
I want all of these, and so much more. What about you?
RAG. Passion. Friendship. Triumph.
` lets be raggerfied
