anyway

Yup! A blogpost for the 9 day trip in Cambodia. 16 KMB students: Wan Zulhilmi, Syukri, Nina, Nik Syuk, Mimy, Linda, Izzy, Hosni, Fasya, Farid, Erni, Asmak, Ariff, Ammar, Aliah & Adlan Wafi departed on the 14th of August to Cambodia on a humanitarian mission and together, we are "Sehati Serumpun".

I didn't expect that my journey to Cambodia would be so colourful! With so many places to go to and with so many activities; I could only wonder what new experiences I might gain and how they're going to affect my personal well-being.

Leaving Malaysia

The first mosque that I found in Cambodia

At the House of Emirates (an orphanage)
Good hygiene always

What better way to spend time than to play a game of Frisbee?

Smile to the camera

One more picture before leaving

A souvenir for the orphans

Painting the grimy walls

We love to have our pictures taken while relaxing from painting

All the guys of Sehati Serumpun with some of the children

The villagers followed us wherever we go

Staring through the window

The students loved their photos to be taken too

Flour attack!

With the cute kid!

So joyful

The children can get very excited when it comes to candy

And not to forget, balloons!

Preparing for the battle

It was definitely a fierce combat

Group photo!

We're back in Malaysia!

I was grateful to meet the children of Cambodia. They taught me something - even though they're living in awfully depressing environs, they manage to make the best of their lives even at tender age. The children's faces are filled with hope, valour, great determination and of such innocence.

Each of us learned the importance to lend a hand to these people who are desperately in need of our attention. We know what we did is not enough. It might not be a life-changing experience. It might not even be long-lasting. But we did it anyway.

"You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way; dream it anyway..."
Martina McBride

What makes me marvel is that the children seemed so buoyant to receive such little gifts. They'd jump for joy when they get candy or even a colour pencil. They'd crave for the simple things in life which we often take for granted.

I know that all the members of Sehati Serumpun have one thing in their minds - we wish we could do more. Well, at least it's a start. A start to new opportunities; a start to a much better future.

What I enjoyed would most probably to be able to make the Cambodians feel exuberant as we visited their villages. Despite the poor conditions which they live in, they were capable of greeting us warmly. They knew that our assistance may just be worthwhile but they're still happy. They smiled anyway...

the sweet escape

Wow! It's been a long time since I published a blogpost. Last week was surely an amazing experience for me as the members of IP (Interactive Peers) and MPP (Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar) went for a trip to Singapore. I was really in need of a vacation and also to get away from the tedious tasks of KMB. I actually packed my clothes on the very day of departure (I ran to my room as soon as class ended). Eventually, I managed to get everything ready and boarded the bus on time.

Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) or ACSI, a private school which applies the IB Diploma Programme

One of the picturesque views around the school

KMBians meet the ACSians

Relaxing on the grass after an engrossing tour around the school

Along the Orchard Road...

KMBians at MENDAKI

Vivacious KMBians

We actually went to the festival on the very last day of exhibition! ;)

Spectacular diorama

KMBians just love photos

Let's go to Sentosa!

More pictures!

Sentosa Luge was definitely exhilarating

Taking a break along the way...

Yup! The sign says it all

We're underwater!

On the double decker bus!

Waiting for the bus...

Songs of the Sea was marvellous!

"The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see"
Gilbert K. Chesterton

As I look at the pictures from the Singapore trip, the emotions of excitement begin to stir inside my heart - the feeling of euphoria and curiosity of travelling to another country is still vividly retained.

"Have they not travelled in the land so that they should have hearts with which to understand, or ears with which to hear? For surely it is not the eyes that are blind, but blind are the hearts which are in the breasts."
(Al-Hajj (22):46)

The 3 day trip in Singapore was a blast! I met new people, learnt a bit about the history, gone to places I've never been before and intuited a virtue which I believe will come in handy in the future.

It was simply joyful and indelible...

one step at a time

It's the 3rd semester and so far it's been the most tiresome one. I'm thankful that I still have a sensible mind though I have so many problems going through my head lately.

My EE (Extended Essay) is in desperate need of a research question; my IA Economics, fragmentary; my TOK (Theory of Knowledge) essay, undecided and my incessant assignments, undone.

In addition, I still have to think about my future university. It would be one of the most crucial decisions for any KMB student especially those who are pursuing their studies in medicine. With so many criteria which are taken into consideration, I would be appalled if my friends managed to decide without going through painstaking means. The result for the country of placement would only be released next month. Thus, in the meantime, I shall go to university briefings, practice for the upcoming IELTS test and get ready for the formidable mock interview.

It's undeniably tedious and sometimes, I feel like quitting IB. It doesn't mean that I'm really thinking of quitting; it actually reminds me that I still have the vehement desire to complete my 2 years and score high in the IB Exam 2009 because no matter how many times I feel like quitting, I would never do it.

We may feel like everything is being dumped on us and it may seem like never-ending. Nevertheless, we should never let it control us. Instead, take full charge and be in command of ourselves.

"The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion. It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider - and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation -"

Alexander Graham Bell

I may lose hope but that doesn't mean I'd stop. I just have to organize, prioritize and do it all one by one...

listen to your heart

I always believe that happiness is essential in everyone's life. But somehow, there are several days in my life where I find myself troubled or emotionally tormented by many minor irritations of life.

What I believe is that we should take time to relax and hear the heart out. Listen to what matters inside.

"The way to the heart is through the ears"

Katie Hurley

Sometimes, I just could not focus on the things that I do, something is just not right. Then I realize; I'm entangled in some kind of perplexities. In addition, I'm quite appalled at how small my problems can be. Something so small can make me lose my heedfulness.

Only when I have find peace in my heart, then I would be able to concentrate on my existing tasks. Until I attain that, I shall continue to listen...

yes or no

"Yes and No are very short words to say, but we should think for some length of time before saying them."

Probably two of the most frequent words that we say in our daily lives - yes and no. And eventually it comes down to a point in which we have to decide; yes OR no.



Based on an article of Reader's Digest September 2002 issue entitled "25 Ways to Be Happy", one of the methods is "Learn to say no".

"Help me find an Economics IA (Internal Assessment) article."
"Sure!"

"Please arrange the chairs at the hall."
"Okay."

"Make sure the corridors are all clear of desks or chairs."
"Very well."

We're busy trying to make others happy but we forget to make ourselves happy. As for myself, I learn to say no. It's easier to say no to my peers but it is definitely hard for me to say no to people who are older or superior than me, like my teachers for example.

If you say Yes but your heart says No, you'll feel like you are being forced instead of being requested. Don't think about what the person would feel if you refuse to help. Be polite. Be frank in your response.

"To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others."
Albert Camus

It doesn't mean you should not care about others, just not TOO much. That's all...

scars and souvenirs

Ouch! It hurts. Rejection can be hard. No, it IS hard. What am I talking about? Well, it's about an opportunity that rarely comes in life - to represent Malaysia at the international level and bring glory to our nation through the International Chemistry Olympiad 2008.

"I'm sorry...," said the lecturer to me while avoiding any eye contact.

Those were the last few words that I heard after the names of the representatives were announced. I just can't deny that my heart was aching at that time, almost as if the pain left a scar. In that very tense moment, I looked at the faces of my competitors. I just could not describe the feeling that was engulfing me. It was not like I was angry or anything, it's just that I was frustrated. My dream of going to Hungary was crushed in a split second.



"We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way."

Earl G. Graves






I kept thinking in my head - have I disappointed my family, my friends and my teachers? Well, maybe but then I believe they would be very supportive towards me. I am able to grasp the reality that it just wasn't meant to be. After all, Allah knows best. I've learnt a lot after staying in UM (University of Malaya) for 5 weeks; not just Chemistry of course.

"Allah melapangkan rezeki bagi siapa yang Dia kehendaki dan membatasi (bagi siapa yang Dia kehendaki);..."
(Ar-Ra'd (13):26)

"Allah amplifies and straitens the means of subsistence for whom He pleases;..."
(Ar-Ra'd (13):26)

I guess we should always look at the brighter side of life.

"Positive thinking can go a long way."
A good friend of mine, Muhammad Aqeem sent an sms to me.

"You will not always get everything that you want in life," my mum said. "That's life," she continued.

We should have faith in ourselves. Allah Al-Karim (The Generous) is ever munificent. With the scar in my heart, I keep it as a souvenir and resume my journey in this impermanent world. And it's also time to head back to KMB...

fallin'

photo by slipper buddha

The 3rd semester kicked off with shocks and surprises from the result of the previous semester final exam. Some of us ameliorated while some of us worsened. As for me, I am very grateful and happy with my result. Disappointed? Of course. Although my result is good, I actually performed worse than the previous semester - I fell.

I began to reminisce all the time that I've spent to revise all the subjects. Out of all of my marks, the lowest was the subject that I studied the most and I haven't scored 7 (the highest grade) for this subject...yet.

I'm a bit sad but I realize, there is 'hikmah' behind all of these. I do not have absolute knowledge of what is good or what is bad for me. But Allah does. He knows what is best for me, for us. We may have high hopes and astonishing dreams that we want to achieve but in the end, it all comes down to what Allah has decided for us.

"...it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not."
(Al-Baqara (2):216)

When I didn't get the IB points that I wanted, I believe I have to try harder to score my desired grades. The reason why I fell this time was so that I would strive wholeheartedly next time around to gain what I wanted. After all, Allah knows what is best for us. We should accept the decrees which Allah has set with sincere hearts and believe they are all for the betterment of us. And there should never ever be a slightest doubt about that...

i don't want to miss a thing

The holidays are almost over and it's time to head back to KMB (Kolej Mara Banting)....but not for me. I would only be able to go back to my college in the next few weeks. I will miss lots and lots of classes. It's kind of sad and frustrating too as I won't be meeting my friends for a long time.

The new semester always comes with a reminder from the past - the previous semester result. I think I didn't perform well in my 2nd semester and it is such a waste. I already found out my result for HL (Higher Level) subjects and it was dreadful. I just hope that my result for the rest of the subjects would be excellent. I really want to go back to KMB especially during the first week as it is the beginning of the semester and also I would be able to get my exam papers. Looks like I will get my full result through sms. It won't be the same though - I won't feel the suspense and excitement of obtaining result in class with my friends.

When I am in KMB, somehow I feel like I am being shut from the outside world. I always get left behind in current issues. Well, of course, with the problematic wireless connection and the cancellation of free newspaper per room, any student can easily be unaware of their own nation. That includes me. I can't deny that I might be making excuses right now but it is undeniable that these could also be the possible factors of ignorance.

"The living man who does not learn, is dark, dark, like one walking in the night."
Ming Lum Paou Keen

Can you imagine future leaders who do not even realize what's happening in their own neighbourhood? Of course not! I just hope that people would be cognizant of the importance to keep abreast of the latest news. Believe me; I learned this the hard way...

all rise

The news on fuel price hike really created a certain kind of fear in most Malaysians. I mean, there would of course be major effects resulted from this rise. I kept pondering about the likely outcomes in the near future. The price of rice had already risen and soon, there will be new tariff on electricity.



"An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn't happen today."

Laurence J. Peter






A friend of mine said,

"Economics is based on assumptions".

My reply to him was,

"Assumptions, assumptions, assumptions, where is the certainty?"

The only reason why I went against him was that we were in an Economics Debate Competition. Otherwise, I would agree with him all the way.

Of course, I just can't deny that Economics is all about making predictions by using multitudinous theories and concepts. Economics is definitely one of my favourite IB (International Baccalaureate) subjects. With all of its concepts and theories, there are so many conclusions can be drawn from a single occasion.

Well, as for our beloved country, people began to think of ways for them to lessen the burden caused from the higher price of goods and services. As for myself, high price for rice - I can survive by eating sandwiches; increase in fuel price? Public transport of course! Well, I know they might not be good solutions but at least it's a start. We know inflation will happen eventually. It is not a question of why but more of a question of how - how do we overcome it?

I wonder what else will happen after this. I don't know; so I guess I'll keep predicting...