Of Malaysians and Malaysia

So much so that I dislike my own country for its safety and corruption, there are pretty nice people around here, apart from its glorious food.

When I said people, I meant strangers. People whom you met on the street, in the bus, sat next to you with a story book in his hand and an umbrella on the other. Yes, I do know that there are some really nasty people around. But at this point of time, let us focus on the good, bright side, shall we?

Having been staying in Australia for the past five months, I have learnt to cross the road using the pedestrian crossing. It is the law in Australia which stated that all drivers are to stop before the pedestrian crossing as long as there is a Samaritan utilizing it. I have difficulties in crossing the road in Malaysia. All the time. Because I just have no idea how to. I was once a happy and naughty kiddo. I used to just run across the road without looking left and right. There was once, the car stopped just in time as the front of the car touched my waist. Lucky me, huh.Totally.

So, I had no difficulties in crossing the road in Australia. Now that I am back in my country, I have to learn to wait patiently at the pedestrian crossing hoping for fewer cars on the road so that I could finally cross. I know that I would feel kinda quirky as there wold no longer be cars stopping before the pedestrian crossing. There used to be cars stopping just before me, watching me taking my own sweet time crossing the road with a lollipop in my mouth and a handbag on the other. Then, I realized, I am back in my beloved country. I had to swallow the truth that the rule doesn't apply in my country

The traffic in front of University LRT station would always be busy. I didn't bother waiting at the pedestrian crossing. So, I walked further down just to save some time and cross the road once I see an opportunity. I almost crossed, but I didn't make it; the car driver suddenly decided to kick the accelerator. Then, I almost crossed and again, but there was a motorist squeezing through the traffic and got in my way. Urgh. Never mind. So, I kept walking and walking down the road. And the traffic was still heavy. And again, I decided to cross, but the coward in me held me back. Suddenly, a beam of light was flashed at me in the daylight. I thought the driver in this light apple green Toyota car was mad at me for intended to cross. But then I saw through the tinted window of his car that he was gesturing me to cross. I crossed without a second thought and thanked him for making my day. If only more drivers could spare few seconds of their time to just let us cross the road.

I boarded the rapid bus in the morning. There were a couple of people standing while holding on to the handler. I spotted a vacant seat and quickly walked towards it and sat on it. As I was leaning on it, this Malay girl next to me swiftly held me and stopped me from leaning backwards. Then, she told me that the seat was wet. How could I be so careless and not see the little pool of water on the seat? She had a choice to not tell me but instead she did it. I was blessed at that split second. Not because I managed to keep myself dry, but because there was this kind girl who has helped me relentlessly. I thank her for the kindness and sat on the seat without leaning onto it. I have got a seat, and had someone made a good deed. She made my day.

Of Malaysians and Malaysia. People could be so nice, while some could be so nasty. Think of the nice people that you have met over here, and you will be blessed to be one of them.

Back to a Student's Way of Life

I am truly blessed to be able to have gone to Murdoch University, Perth and have done my second semester of second year over there. Although my results weren't as good as before but I am glad that I managed to get an average of Credit. I promise myself to aim for HDs for all of my final year units. Enough is enough. Enough of slacking around and playing too much and it's time to make myself proud. I believe the once a straight As girl in me would eventually come back if I were to put in 100% in my studies and play whenever I need a break. Forget about what my results are for the past two years. What is crucial in front of me now is my final year. After this, there wouldn't be any chance for me to turn back time. I have to prove to my future employers that if I put my heart into doing things, I can do it. Read more, do more, revise more, facebook less. Yup, I have to .

Apart from focusing in my studies, I decided to change my spending habit. I would now spend on only what is necessary. My 5 months of holidays in Perth have made my parents poorer by RM30k which equates to half of my total tuition fee. Hence, I would now cook my own meals, get mom's yoga mat from Ipoh and workout in my room instead of hitting the gym, and work as a part time survey officer at IPSOS. I didn't manage to get a descent job in Perth and that's where the money was good. However, like what my uncle said, if you really need the money, just do it regardless of how much you get paid for. That was more than an advise. I am going to live the life of an old-school student where students back in those days needed to work their ass out to earn a living apart from studying and they used to work more than they have ever studied. These are the two major changes that I must make to myself. Challenging my doubts.