Explanation required.

Holiday. The Longman dictionary defines this as a time to rest from work and play.

I'm sad to say that the definition doesn't quite agree with what it is that most students are going through right now, at least, not in the light of the local Singaporean context. Where there used to be a time of pure enjoyment during such a holiday that no longer seems to be the case. One, logically, can hardly wait for the times of the year when school's out and finally take a good rest, but with the changing times, will this be lost for good? Perhaps I'd like to take this time to criticise the education ministry. An "all-rounded" education is what they aim for for all their students, "all-rounded" meaning all studies and no play? No, the ministry would definitely disagree with me on that point, but so what if they do? The facts cannot be hidden that students these days are piled up with term assignments or the need to study for the upcoming tests or exams, leaving absolutely zero time for leisure. Assuming that those are all diligent students who wish to excel. Exceptions are but inevitable here. Oh, and so with this, we're all expected to do really well and transform Singapore into not just a regional hub for tourists but an education hub on top of all these too?

Speaking of which, I think Uniquely Singapore is one of the worst "catchy" slogans I've ever herad in my life. Get a grip. If there's a need to attract tourists, I think this is just going to fail. Where's the attractiveness of the little island portrayed? I think that STB needs an overhaul. But this is not the topic for discussion right now. Why is it that I sense immense failure? No time to work leads to no time for play, and that not only makes Jack a dull boy, it also makes Jack really stressed and thus fail to perform up to expectations and poof! All the ministry's efforts would be wasted.

Holiday? Rest? It appears that this should be called a break, but no, that too isn't apt. Take time off from school to turn one's little room into the same environment? I don't think so. If you ask me, holidays have just lost their essence.