The Hair Story

The heat is getting a bit too much - here comes the time of the year when droplets of sweat will form immediately, when expose to the sun. That tells how hot the weather has been... so, it's time for my 'hair' to go through the monthly routine (hey! it's less than 4 weeks! I counted) - yes, the treatment (in fact, it's the cleaning and dosing of nutrients) and trimming (notice, I don't use haircut... in fact, not much hair to cut... but to trim the ends of the hair so that it's neater... and in the process, it's shorten... everytime I leave the saloon, my hairstyle looks the same... er... very 'constant' huh?

That evening, was served by one of the 'new' faces - 'cos most of the time was by Sally.. also one of the more senior apprentices. He's Vicky. Hm... normally, conversation to strangers only limited to those few lines... but it's different this time, probably because there's a topic that got both of us to talk about - ah ha... it's one of those NA kids! (Oh yes, one of those whom we often labelled as neither here nor there... but thought they are very smart... ).

Putting this learning journey in the school aside, it's really his mindset, of what he's going through now that interests me. (OK, I'm kaypoh... it's natural, right? It's so difficult to guess what's in the teenager's head! The make-up is so different from ours!). Of course, also because he's frank and he voluntarily disclosed a bit of his family background.

He was from the NA stream and comes from a dyfunctional family. Yeap, he did not say much, but have been emphasizing the fact nobody there to manage him - he's mum's dead. There's no mean of his dad, and he lives with his aunt. Looks like his aunt is his guardian. Is his meal taken care of? Well, he has been eating out since (???)

He could not continue with his Sec 5 because his result landed himself nowhere. With 13 points, he could not repeat... so, it's the system's fault? Well, it seems like his teachers had to take the blame - at least that's what he perceived - he was stuck to the few teachers who were 'no good'. Oops! What kind of teachers will be good enough to be good - in the eyes of a class of 40 NA kids who have different needs and expectations!? Just wondering...who to blame?

Then the hardship begins - but notice the young chap recognises that it's difficult to earn dollars and cents now, however, he doesn't seem to regret having to work, rather than studying. He's currently in contract with the saloon for 2½ years and only have to attend class once a week. Most of the time, he'll be in the saloon to work & learn from the hair stylist.

There's something he said, which I could sense he feels as if he's a 2nd class citizen and therefore has to take ownership of his time here... (that's good, but it's sad that he has to learn it the hard way):

"... the trainer will teach those (who pay fees) and make sure they master the technique/skills... whereas for us, because the school pays us (because we're apprentices), they just demonstrate and we learn from there - then they will not bother whether we pass or fail..." Sad, isn't it?

He then added "... they (those who pay fees) will spend more time in the training school and complete the course in 8 months whereas we will spend time in the saloons to learn... and I thought it is more practical, having more exposure out there..." A bit Ah-Q, hm... I thought, it's a yes and no...

What's the monthly pay? He stressed, "Basic $650" and after deducting CPF and giving $200 to his aunt, he's left with the bit (about $300). Hey, just wonder! It's so little! And he has to eat out everyday (it's not cheap, judging from today's standard of living).

But the worst is not over. The pay is deducted whenever they are late or on medical leave! Oops! It's really expecting them to be there all the time?! That's very very strict. In other words, the take-back home could be even lesser than the $650!!! What peanuts are the apprentices left with?

Of course, next question is, what if he decided to quit? He said, no. The contract comes with a few thousand dollars of penalty.. and it's too much to handle. So, it means, he's stuck! When asked if he would have wished continue his study when he would receive pocket money while still studying whereas now he may ended up spending every single cent he earns... He said, he still prefers what he's doing now...

Oh yes, his inspiration? David Gan... "he only completed primary education, yet can charge so much...", he added.