It all started with STPM

Yesterday was the most awaited day by all form 6 students. That stressed situation just makes the fine weather seems so dull. I understand that feeling since I too went through this as well as my other friends out there. I was in the first batch of semester system (2012/2013) and all the teachers said it was easier to score compare to the previous years. But the result showed something else instead!

Form 6 will mostly turn out to be the last option for high school graduates. One because of the history which doesn’t seem to convince us of scoring flying colors and another because we don’t have an idea on what to study. There are even some who joined Form 6 as an escape from parents nagging. I ended up here because I was standing at a dead end and suddenly a street light shine upon me giving hope. That street light was my uncle who was an art stream student who scored 4.0 flat. He is an UM law graduate so of course, his debate won. Neither my parents nor my uncle forced me but they encouraged me to try something which is hard so that I’ll quit being that girl which gives up easily. I was a Science stream student and as my current roommate says “We will understand in class when the teacher teaches but I don’t know why it was so hard to get through the exam. Till now I couldn’t find the answer and never one day passed without me tearing apart.” So, form 6 is scary huh? No, it’s just another exciting pathway actually.

Ready for an exciting journey?

STPM is one of the tough exams out there so we should realize how much knowledge they will put to test and at the same time, we will gain. Knowledge is the most expensive and powerful gift which cannot be replaced. It was sad to hear yesterday on the radio that many students still think twice to enter Form 6 and some even enter form 6 without any interest. Let me share with you what I gained from form 6.

1.    You will fail a thousand times but never quit.

You may not have seen an “F” in your entire student life but this time you will but don’t quit. Trust me your sleepless nights will pay off. Moreover, the current system allows you to repeat papers.

2.    Excellent means how powerful your knowledge is not how many A’s you get.

This is not like secondary school where you just read the notes and understand. Form 6 requires more reading and going through sources out of your syllabus. So for those who rarely enter the library, grab this opportunity.

3.    It prepares you to face life trials.

Can we ever predict when it rains? Sometimes the weather forecast may be wrong too. You might think that the question is asking “THIS” but the “THIS” may turn out to be “THAT”. Different style or approach of a question makes us hanging. So, when it happens in real life we will be more prepared since we have gone through many “THIS” which turns out to be “THAT”. No expectation; always remain neutral.

4.    Pain becomes your cup of tea or maybe a daily booster.

Never felt pain before? No one would be like that I guess but it’s just that STPM teaches or exposes you twice or even thrice. So, when the next time you feel the pain you will just get adjusted so well that people will be very much surprised to see your calm nature.

5.    English is an important component.

Those who sit for STPM have to sit for MUET as well. Realization hits hard especially when you don’t hit a high band. ‘Bahasa Melayu’ is our identity while English is needed for a better understanding and communication since our higher education mostly will move towards the English media.

STPM is a mixture of oil, water, and sand. The pain mixes with water and gets masked away making it seem neutral. The sand is the amount of knowledge you obtain and the more knowledge you gain the denser the sand become. Lastly, the oil is your hope and will power which stays afloat. Thus, STPM transforms us from a failure into a successful person. Do not look at the result first because STPM will reflect upon your attitude and behavior. You will become the best combination of human and it will sustain you throughout life. Regardless if you’re a non-governmental or governmental institution student after taking form 6 just be proud of the person you have turn out to be. Mom always says Form 6 made me more mature and no longer a “QUITTER”.

Every cloud has a silver lining so say with pride that you are or were a form 6 student. I am and thanks to my form 6 teachers and friends and most importantly my family who supported me throughout the journey. As my form 6 tuition, sir said, “Even if you score 2.5, let it reflect on your knowledge because a profound mind can do wonders.” So, dear STPM leavers wishing all of you the very best and believe that you will find your place in this world and be SOMEONE. For those current Form 6 students, enjoy the journey and make history. Muster all your courage and give your best shot and remember that there’s more to see in life!

LET’S BREAK THE NORM OF FORM 6 AND MAKE THE BEST OF IT!

Pictures: Google images

Competition is NOT for me

Today’s world is very much challenging and I do believe if we do not measure up to it we will be left behind. There are some who wish to find a place among top achievers by being the best than the rest.  However, there are some who give their best and let God take care of the rest and be themselves when being put to the test!

When I was in Form 6 my tuition sir always tells us to aim for the best and explains a human’s capability of doing multiple tasks at once. Yes, we humans are equipped with all we need that it only takes our will power to execute what we want to achieve. We should be thankful to God for what we have instead of asking more. However, it’s a normal human tendency to ask when we are in fear or desperate situation.

So, among all these high competitive people, I meet someone different who opposes the fact of competition. I did say that a healthy version of competition is good but the explanation which was given made me think a whole lot.

“You see, there are so many mobile phones out there and they are basically divided into two major groups which are android and IOS phones. Examples of android phones are Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, and so on, but there is only one brand called Apple with an IOS. When someone owns an Apple device they are categorized under the “rich people”. This is people’s perception and this causes other android phones to compete to its level. Somehow Apple just remains calm, they know they are giving their best and they will make their way towards a high gross sale. I’m not claiming that I’m an Apple phone but I just want to be myself through the tests I’m being put to. Let people recognize me for who I am not the high competitive person who gets in everyone’s way by not only making them feel intimidated but make them feel unwanted in this world as well. Everyone has a special place in this world and I want to know each of them for their uniqueness not by being lifelong enemies. Did I say anything wrong?”

I just couldn’t give an answer but just nodded to the explanation. I did realize that when we are under competition we are being engulfed by stress and we tend to forget who we are at times. We start to show our stress through harsh words and actions towards our loved ones making them think twice before approaching us. In the contrary, if we just stick to being ourselves despite the competition we will be enjoying the moment and the smile which forms will be priceless. How many of us forget to live the moment and regret it later?

You are the best version of yourself, which was the lesson I learned. Give yourself a chance and ultimately you will find your strength and work towards it. Appreciate your talent or strength even though it seems only like a small contribution towards making the world a better place. The size of the talent doesn’t matter but are you a person who is willing to take a chance? If it’s a yes, then you are most welcome.  Let’s not worry about the competition out there but just go with the flow and enjoy being you! 

P.S- I do agree that sometimes people work better under competition. Thus, it depends entirely on the situation one is going through. Just sharing my opinion ya. Thank you. 😇

Pictures: Google images

My IDENTITY

Every citizen will admit that their country is beautiful and its beauty just gets enhanced by the unity of different races and people leading to the introduction of different cultures, outfits, and especially food. I’m sure everyone will have the urge to explore not only by travelling different states but also different countries around the world.  Life is a wonderful adventure yet sometimes when we get comfortable or adapt to a different community of people their cultures and tradition seeps through us. It’s not wrong to become one of them but it’s not an excuse to forget who we are.

Source: Google images

Our international language is English, yet some take pride in conversing with their friends in English but not by using their mother tongue. Language barriers happen when we do not open our mind, heart, and souls to learn a different language by just putting importance to what we hold. I had a Thai-born lecturer teaching us Mandarin and English. He consistently shares with us his “China stories” since he studied there but teaches us some Thai language too. He didn’t forget his origin but instead learned new ones and upgraded himself. Upgrading oneself is worthy but not portraying it in a negative way whereby emphasizing his or her culture or language is the best.

My good friend once said, “I’m from a Malay school but the importance of my mother tongue became visible when I end up in a place where I’m the rose among the torn. I knew at that very moment I had to create an identity not to enforce what I am onto others but just to acknowledge my presence. I fell in love with my mother language and changed where even though I’m a Malaysian and I do converse well both in Malay and English it’s not wrong to talk in Tamil when I see my Indian friends. Eventually, I practiced that and will continue it.”

Our biggest hindrance is ignorance. We ignore what happens around us and just go with the flow while some take great leaps even though they know the result may not be satisfactory. You are in a new place especially somewhere far away from your comfort zone, and you find a few of your friends who are like you. Join force not to give a shake to the entire people there but mingle and change the negative thoughts which people sometimes hold on to certain races or community. Youths and teenagers are the ones suppose to play an important role in this since we are never alone. The latest social media just gets everyone within meters and distance is no longer a barrier.

We surely don’t want history to repeat and be divided but let’s just hold on to our grounds and be proud of who we are. When we do so, even love will not be a problem between different people. However, it depends on people’s perspective and acceptance on intermarriages as well as friendships. I’m just giving an example here. Speak your mother language with confidence and pride. Practice speaking it whenever you see your people yet form bonds with different people and remember that all of us are one and we are just divided by different continents, countries, and states!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY EVERYONE!

Source: Google images

P.S – I do apologize if I’ve touched about races in a wrong way. I just wanted to share the importance of one’s mother language and all of us will always be united. Thank you. 😇

A star is born

“It’s a boy!/ It’s a girl!”, says the doctor.

I’m very sure it’s the most awaited moment by our parents. Holding us with adoration and still do the same when we grow up in their heart is every parent’s way of showing their love. They never expect anything in return but only pray and wish for their star to shine its way throughout life. However, the star tends to forget to shine quite often when challenges get thrown on its way admitting defeat in seconds without looking back on how it came.

How did we come? It all started with the sperm fusing into an ovum and it forms a zygote and that’s us. I do understand that for some this might turn out to be a sensitive matter or taboo subject but not for my Form 6 tuition sir Mr.Linggam. Everyone who studied with him for sure will know his way of talking. A practical man who treats us like adults.

“There will be thousands of sperm swimming towards an egg cell. Yet only one will successfully penetrate the wall and fuses forming a zygote. The sperms have to swim five times the Atlantic Ocean. So declare yourselves as winners!”

Seriously, when you hear this especially during the tough times in form six we will feel so energized because he will never let us put ourselves down.  Time to time he repeats that making us feel proud of ourselves and supposedly to him, we should be laughing happily saying “Bring it on!”. He says we should be inviting challenges and put ourselves to the test. Of course, it is easier said than done. But maybe the main problem is we lack some reminders which boost us up frequently.

When we are kids or toddlers we hate our parents or anyone holding our hands. We scream and ensure we successfully let them out of our reach and walk proudly without thinking of falling. When we grow older, we are intimidated towards certain things such as dark, a huge crowd, cockroach and so on but when we were little we just had fun in everything and we even tried to catch that cockroach. “Where did the fun filled girl/boy went?”, questioned my MUET sir Mr.Aptar.

When we grow older we become so focused that we forget to have fun and always wanting to reach the stars by comparing ourselves with others. Competition should be in a healthy way that is without letting it control our life. In life, some things don't go as we planned and we end up in a place or field which we never even give a thought but eventually, adaptation brings the best of us and makes us realize many things. Your friend might be excelling in her/his field which seems to be a famous course in a top university. It’s ok, because you too are doing great in your field which can be anything such as sports, culinary, skill works or just something totally out of the box!

We are always destined to do something but don’t blame your destiny when you fall. Instead get up stronger and feel blessed for the fall or twist in your life because that’s the point of realization. It hits really hard till one day when you look back you will smile fondly and eventually, it becomes a story for the next generation. Never underestimate your capability at any point and believe you can make a change. It took many years for a star to form, so it’s never wrong to take our own time in building ourselves and be the brightest star in the sky! Let all of us shine like the brightest star and make this world a better place to live! Don’t forget to have fun along the way too. 😊

Picture source : Google images

A special edition

Our born day will always remain special to our parents but if it is also special for an entire new folk of people, just know how unique you are. Limited edition pieces come with a price and the price will be an eternity of love. Of course, when there is love, the term “Sweet revenge” exists. Well, my whole batch of UMK friends surely know how to define it and takes it to extreme level too until making the birthday boy himself feel amused with all the hidden talents.

                                                                                                                     

Birthday boy is in the middle wearing light blue jippa.

     

Today is another ordinary Thursday like how it happens every week but somehow it is a shiny Thursday because the birthday boy displays his killer smile in every picture. Every senior whom we met always held a special spot in our heart but somehow Pavi anne seems to bring out the best smile from everyone which includes his seniors as well. Looks obedient from outside but just take a few steps closer and he will turn out to be the best partner in crime, best brother most importantly the best friend whom you can count on. The moment it was time to bid goodbye, all of us hope to reverse time and stop it when we are in our 1st year. I know that all of us wanted time to run fast but when it does we are hoping for it to slow. 

                         

We will never know the value of someone until the person moves far away leaving us to miss them a whole lot. Regardless senior, junior or batch-mates all of you are unique and if I’m to find a piece which will match you guys it’s an impossible task. For Pavi anne’s birthday, I saw a new movie trailer being released, special birthday videos, pictures and so on and it just made me realized that you guys really utilize the camera at all times not only during events. Every minute is precious and even though we will eventually embark on our own journey let’s just hope to bump into each other from time to time. We often dream of road trips, coffee talks, and hawker walks but if it is not that at least a simple “Hi” and a five-minute talk will be good enough right? We are connected from north to south in one place called UMK and who knew the best moments of life will be here after all.

Changing the Whatsapp DP just to acknowledge our senior, friends, juniors special day is indeed a great move because it’s a way of thanking God for bringing them into this world and ensuring that their world collides with ours. In addition to it, making the Facebook wall pack with wishes making them smile wider while replying all through Whatsapp. The combination of so many imperfect people surely creates a perfect album to look through until the end of life. May surprises fall our way and make life exciting when we are carried away by our busy life making us stop for a moment just to laugh our hearts out recalling the moments we had together. All of you are a special edition so, just be yourself!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRESENCE EVERYONE AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNE once again from all of us! 

P.S- Sorry if I left out some pictures. There are just too many to choose from. 😌

LOVE,365

Love is in the air once again people! Valentine’s day always gets exciting with surprise bouquets, candlelight dinners, a heart shape cake or even a proposal.  Never the less, Valentine’s Day is not only dedicated for couples but also for each and everyone especially for those who haven’t broken the “BEING SINGLE” status. 😉

The glory of being single is the freedom one gain. Happiness or satisfaction is gained by achieving our targets, long-term goals and caring for our loved ones. Some prefer a lifelong “Solo performance” while some along the way change to a “Duo performance”, thanks to cupid. It all depends on timing and level of commitment since that’s what balances the life of both individuals. Commitment is a whole new level where it depends on the individual itself. Just one important rule, “NO FORCING” because at the end there will be two broken hearts.

Source: Google image

Love changes in various circumstances. It can be delicate, fragile, challenging, pain, strength and so on. Love is delicate in the term of two sweethearts. It will be sacred and their hearts melt by just saying the three words through their eyes. Betrayal causes a hole in the heart and can never easily be mended. Love is fragile. Just to meet her or his parents’ proposition to get married you work hard. So, love is challenging. Love is pain when tears stream down when thinking about the demise of your loved ones (e.g. parents, spouse, friend, it can be anyone). Besides that, on your journey of life, you need to overcome so many hurdles and challenges. When you feel like a failure you think about your parents and family. Their love gives you strength. Even a good friend can be mentioned here. There are just multiple facades for LOVE!

No matter how far you go, remember to always shower yourself with love first and then think about others. Some may think it is selfish but actually, it isn’t. The term “Life is a single journey” doesn’t get registered when “I” becomes “Us/We”. I watched a movie titled “English Vinglish” and it is quite a famous movie too. In the movie, the heroine will be neglected since she does not know to converse in English and does not gain respect from her husband and daughter. Her son is the one who keeps her going and smiling. She goes to the USA to attend her niece’s wedding and learns English as well without anyone’s knowledge except her younger niece. A French guy shows interest in her in the English class but she remains as a faithful woman. After the wedding, she gives a small speech for the newlyweds and that is where she told, “Sometimes married couples don’t even know how the other is feeling. So how they will help the other? That means marriage is finished? No, that is the time you have to help yourself. Nobody can help you better than you. If you do that you will return an equal amount of friendship and love. Thus, life will be beautiful.”

The scene where the heroine gives her speech from the movie English Vinglish.
Source: Google image

The same is applied in life and one doesn’t have to be married to practice this. Be sure to share love but remember the journey is ONLY yours. So at the end of the day love yourself more since that is what helps you when you fall or feel low in any relationship. Remember that bad times are temporary and thank all your friends, family and loved ones. When they are in trouble put yourself in their shoes and feel them. Well, I do understand some are hard to decipher but love does wonder.  No matter how sad we are and shout at mom she still comes and questions us and gets the puzzle solved right? We cannot be like mom, but we can give the person some time and eventually they will open up. Fingers crossed ya.

So, let’s show some love to all not forgetting the reflection you see when you stand in front of the mirror all year round!

Source: Google image

All five fingers are not the same

Life is just full of surprises that sometimes we don’t know what are ahead of us. It’s always like unwrapping a gift without an idea what is in it similar as to meeting a new or unexpected people in our life. It may be like a mini bomb making us intimidated or as serene as the early mornings making us smile whenever we think about it. People are interesting, each with their own unique style and character. Yet, sometimes they annoy us and we start to complain failing to see the bright side of them. That’s where the common say of our mothers, elderly people or even sometimes friends will ring, “All five fingers are not the same.”

Life would be perfect when everything runs in accordance as we desire, but in reality, it is uncontrollable. Instead, it will be full of sparks which comes all of a sudden without a warning and sometimes we tend to forget to enjoy the beauty of the five different fingers with the absence of one important element.  “ACCEPTANCE”

Source:Google image

     1.    PAIN

It is part and parcel of life. People express it by words and sometimes physically (e.g: abusing but I do believe that nowadays people are civilized enough to quite this.). Workload and countless commitment make us stress eventually making us forget that there are other people out there who go through the same situation but double it. We show our stress via harsh words or by hurting our loved ones or friends through our actions like not acknowledging their presence beside us or being absent minded around them. During a dilemma, we prefer to be left alone and yet there will be some who wants to know your problem. Their caring attitude turns out to be bossy to us and eventually we throw words. The person who has to face the grumpy attitude will have to hear all the grumbling and harsh words. Painful yet by accepting their attitude the day turns out to be yet another normal day. In addition to it, when the context of pain is tackled on a daily basis with ACCEPTANCE we just get stronger. 

      2.    HURT

The degree of hurt determines the level of pain we will undergo. However, the frequency of hurt depends on human’s attitude. For example, smacking people playfully may not favor all as well as putting some sense of humor in a serious situation. When we get hurt, we turn out to be absent-minded never resonating the lesson behind the event. We then seek revenge and try to be on par with the person but what differences does it make between the two of us?  I do understand it is hard to let go and being hurt by someone will awaken our weak points. Our hidden phobias may arise depending on how the person hurt us and most importantly brings out the devil within us. Anger and seeking revenge is for those who fail to differentiate illusion and reality because if they are able to do so hurt will be ACCEPTED as a test which they use to clarify their weaknesses and work on it. Transformation towards bringing out the best will be focused.

Source: Google image

      3.    DISAPPOINTMENT

When have we gone through life without disappointment? We expect straight A’s but instead, it will be a twist. Disappointment actually builds us. When we fail or fall there are two ways. Find a way or take a way. Disappointment leads to hurt and pain, so now it depends on our decision. Finding leads to more disappointment ahead but taking might seem like an escape but actually, it isn’t. For example, your passion is doing a degree in literature but when you hear being an engineer confirms you a job and it pays you higher you take that. Along the way, you find your interest being lessen but you graduate just to survive. At the end, you regret and picture the other way around. If you find a way, even though you are less assured of a secured job in the future you will be a fighter. You will work really hard and prove that following your passion is never a wrong decision despite the disappointment along the way. So, ACCEPT disappointment and you will see the lesson and joy behind everything.

ACCEPTANCE plays a significant role in our life since it gives us the patience and strength to go through the struggles or challenges in life especially when getting acquainted with new people. We just stop complaining and rejoice the moments with them. We find a place for them in our world and we keep the good memories and let go the bad ones. Do bare in mind that each person are unique and if we tend to manipulate and change them we are just establishing a way to make them fail because success is not only based on your achievements but also on how successfully you’re finding your way in this world by just being YOURSELF!

Let’s enjoy the company of different people without comparison. :)

Source: Google image

P.S- There is always a limit for all. So, let acceptance turn you into a better person without changing who you are but never let anyone take advantage of you.