Paulians of '81

Has it been 25 years? Yes, it has been that many years since form 5 in SMK St. Paul's (Secondary) Institution. Suddenly names and faces started resurfacing from the depths of memory so long left uncalled but not forgotten.

It started a few weeks ago when a collegue asked if I was a student of St. Paul's in Seremban. During one of the projects that I had worked with her, we had exchange some personal background and found that we were of the same acedemic years and from the same town. Although she did most of her studies in SMK Convent, her form 6 studies were in St. Paul's. My schoolmates who called the group Paulians 81-83 were looking for those whom had finished form 5 in 1981 or studied form 6 in 1982-1983. Reason being the OPA (Old Paulians Association) annual dinner was coming up and the association was looking for students who had left 25 and 50 years ago. Emails and phone calls were exchanged to round up the group. One of them took charge to head the roundup and consolidated all the contacts, even creating a blog for us to post up school-day photos.

The days passed with frequent updates and some jokes via emails. I had some apprehension about meeting up as I was not one of the 'elite' group of students who excelled in studies nor was I active in school societies. Most of those that kept in touch throughout the years had been from the 'higher' classes. I figured that to be noticed in school, one has to belong either of the two extremes.

Walking into the hotel lobby where the dinner was hosted, I passed a group that was quite jovial and a bit noisy. Not recognising any faces, I passed them thinking they were attending a wedding dinner and headed to the ballroom where I hoped to see some familiar faces. There I saw someone whom I presumed to be the organiser lead for Paulians 81/82-83 and I was right. It was Ravindran and sad to say, I am unable to recall his face nor name from the school days. I was brought to the group that I has passed earlier and Jacob Matthews, whom I could recognise easily. He has not changed much and glad to say, many could recognise yours truly as well. The Eng Hocks' were present, looking much more matured and well-taken-care-of.

It turned out to be a memorable evening, knowing either name or face and matching them up to current appearance. The class of '81 took honours of taking up 9 of the 105 tables that night. That in the history of OPA dinners, was a record for any single group thus far. We were later called to the stage for being the silver anniversary batch, joined by 5 (I think) from the golden anniversary group. We were represented by Father Julian, who recited a poem dedicated to the teachers of St. Paul's Institution.

While the appearances may have changed, the Paulian spirit remains. The bond of brotherhood for those who once studied and played together now stand by each other. The journey continues....