February week 5

I guess I'm a bit too late to be shouting for joy and cheering now that it's been a few days since it was announce that my class, 5 BELIAN had won the interclass drama competition. YAY YAY YAY!!

Yes, the feeling to actually win something though not exactly myself is so... good and satisfying. I'm sure that my classmates too were overjoyed that our effort in whatever big or tiny role, did pay off and I can honestly say that I'm very proud of my class. Not forgetting to thank our English teacher, Pn. Monica who managed to put up with our nonsense throughout that period and also for kindly letting out the Bilik Tayangan for  our practices. Now that I'm going to graduate from high school very soon, this wonderful experience and sweet victory will I surely hold dear in my heart.

That's about it for the class drama.

So, currently it's the last week before next whole week's first term exam and yes, I am feeling the pressure already. Though my revisions are setting off rather gradually and slowly, I am really really hoping that I can cope with the final boost to come before my exams and  also to be prepared for it. What keeps me upbeat during this time? It's the thought of FREEDOM as well as the holidays after the exams! Till then there should be no slacking!

February week 4

Class Drama Production -5 Belian 2012 :-D

What fun! This year's annual class drama competition among the form 5s was most entertaining for someone so uninterested about any events at school like me. It indeed forced me to be more engaging with fellow classmates as well as to "show a different side of me(a rowdier one)". So way back before D-day for all the classes to showcase their performance in front of the crowd after weeks fooling around behind curtains and maybe behind the closed Bilik Tayangan door, we, the production crew faced so much challenges that when I look back, feels so bittersweet. 

The class were all smiles when we received news of the drama competition as it is known that seniors can add this piece memory in our diaries for us to look back after we graduate, however the tone switched to aghast and dismay when we were told the theme for this year would be "Environment"!

- the last thing on our minds. Teacher gave us a few minutes to fret, murmur and feel envious of seniors of the years before who got romance and such as the highlight. The first thing I thought was that there was no way we could do a love story in an "environment drama" nor could we do anything else except talk about the hard facts on pollution. BORING..

But that's where I was wrong. I didn't know we could come up with such an atypical story with hints of humour and originality yet still managing to underline the crucial points we wanted to deliver. Credits to our scriptwriter, Wong Sze Yuin who undertook her job well to produce the script although it had undergone one too many changes as the time limit calls for it. Behind the scene: The main idea for our story was put together with a team of 6 girls and 1 guy, Chua Zhi Hao, in our first discussion at Starbucks followed by another similar meeting which was to supposedly add meat to the skeleton. Anyway, the scriptwriter had the final product way much earlier than expected and definitely ahead of other classes. 

Then, came the time of trial. Days and weeks flew by and all we could show is, the script. Since we got a rough idea about the casts, definitely script reading and acting rehearsals are next. I don't know about the rest but I do know that a few of us were beginning to feel anxious and frustrated because many of these meetings were initiated but failed to round up the cast for a rehearsal as some were uncooperative while the rest just couldn't fit in with the schedule. Honestly, it was tough even for me who doesn't have any major role or responsibility in this but seeing and understanding the disappointment of a few who care, particularly the scriptwriter, I concur it was terribly difficult. And this led to a huge discord between the director who we were quite disappointed in, and us. We wanted out, to be saved from all these troubles. We were so stressed that our expressions weren't very bright for that period. The director faced a big meltdown, unhappy to shoulder all the burden just because she's "the director" and vented her anger to whom only she herself knows and also in the social networks. 

But hey, no hard feelings, all that is forgotten as things began to look brighter and took a good turn for the better. With the help of our English teacher, Puan Monica the puzzle was slowly forming a picture. Teacher helped a lot by controlling the hyperactive guys and made sure the people involved would attend the meeting at McDonalds'. Perfect timing! The casts roughly knew about their characters and some were more fervent and committed than others. Changes in the actors were made based on the their acting abilities which reflected how serious they were with this whole thing. Soon we had a rather steady cast that we trust will play their role the best they can. Practices were held as frequent as possible, after school and during the English lesson, most of the time at the Bilik Tayangan ( Puan Monica is our free ticket) as well as on the stage in the hall where the actors would eventually strut their stuff on D-day. Slowly but surely, the pieces were coming together where each time we rehearsed the better we got. We're almost ready for the competition as we had everything worked out, the costumes and props which I must say elevated our drama to a greater height, credits to Hu Yi Lin and the props crew. And most importantly, the actors were radiating with confidence, a total contrast to where they first started out. 

Then came D-day, Thursday 23.2.2012. I was having mixed feelings, a tinge of nervousness and a whole lot of excitement, for one thing we got to skip classes but sadly, only for the first half of school. Imagine what must be going on in the mind of the actors. Anyways, all the actors had already donned their eye-catching outfits and the pupils were all seated at the hall that was filled with sounds of jovial and the whole atmosphere, just lighthearted. Though we were impressed with the other classes as in their sense of style and the mode of story they adopted, we refused to be intimidated and stay hopeful that our story would be as good as theirs, if not better! If there's one thing worth being unhappy about, it would definitely be the fact that the actors had to rely only on their naked voices, to project their lines in order that the already perked up audience could hear the bare minimum of what they're saying.

We were the third class to present their drama and I was one of the audience ready to cheer my all for my classmates on stage. The first scene done, then came the next and then the next. Oh my, how hard did my hands shook and so did the camera I was holding! Our hearts thumped up and down, up and down, up and down, right to the end. Unfortunately, it wasn't so smooth sailing and perfect as we thought it would be because number one, the lines were unclear in certain parts which I totally don't blame the actors, I mean there are limits in how far we can stretch our voices right? and secondly, the sound effects that were supposed to create a more responsive effect messed up due to some blunder in the coordination. Nevertheless, we made it till the end.

 The cast bowed before the crowd and received unto them resounding applause and cheers. And that was it, my class' drama from the beginning to the end. From this whole experience. I have learnt more about teamwork, friendship, commitment, perseverence and that an undying support, one would surely appreciate.

What a lovely tale to remind me of my cherished years in high school, that's when I am disconnected from this school in the coming future. A note to my older self,              "Don't lose hope, don't give up for all will be well once again if you continue to persist on and endeavour further". 

February week 3

Me and Books....

I'm no bookworm who can start a 500 page-thick book in the morning and reach THE END on that same night. NEVER! I can't imagine myself accomplishing such a task, honestly. Blame it on not inculcating a reading habit since young or whatever, bottom line is, I simply can't. Besides, I'm a slow reader, slower than a tortoise perhaps, because in my defense, I always try to imagine and picture every word and sentence I read... Haha.

But I still have a shelf-full of books, my priced collection which I collected since young, as something to boast about. Nevertheless it's nothing great for someone you would expect to be having since the collection started a long time ago. I'd say about less than 25 books. SHOCKS!! Enid Blyton, a few classical story books and some tween books...But that doesn't mean I detest reading, I do enjoy it if 'm allowed to read at my pace even if it takes a year to complete one book and surely reading something that reflects my interests will need no help to make me read it.

In fact, I would say that I have grown to like reading more only recently, but instead of long, time consuming books, I'd settle for engaging and compelling articles in the newspaper and sometimes the TIMES magazine, though I find less captivating issues tackled in that magazine nowadays. So, even though my collection of books is nothing compared to my father's ever growing collection of health, cooking and investment books, I'm happy with my daily routine reading the newspaper while having lunch. Don't undermine the contents of the newspaper as it offers more than just political talks and sports news, on the other hand there are write-ins, movie reviews and viewpoints of many talented and dedicated writers are sufficient enough to please your need of a daily dose of reading. So, explore the newspaper! Flip through every page, but skip Classifieds and you never know, you might just chance upon a story that will make your day!

February week 2

History and Me..

As I have said earlier, I do hold an unusual interest about history and things of the past. Well, not just anything of old, just more towards the people and the culture of the many centuries back. I don't know when was the start of my inquisitiveness towards this subject matter but I do find myself very drawn towards learning and reading about topics related to the past in the newspaper or magazine articles as opposed to current issues or trends, the environment, politics etc.

My delight in this subject was ironically driven by watching a lot of dramas. Korean dramas to be exact. Period dramas, as they call it, was never something I would have watched on my own as I reckoned it's not my taste, something only my parents' generation would enjoy. Thanks to my parents who decided to watch an episode of a korean period drama airing on tv one day and also because of my laziness to move away from the couch, the more I watch it, the more I get attached to it (which kdrama doesn't leave you wanting more?!). So, there was no turning back.

The thing about these shows is that it depicts the lives of the people of all classes in the society (korean, in this case) from the monarchies that possessed absolute power to the middle class merchants and traders, the businessmen of that era, the royal military in charged of protecting the king and citizens, servants and maids of the palace, normal citizens and slaves, each of lives having more than one story to tell. From what I have gathered, generally at that time of Genghis Khan, power and dominion were everything for each and every one of the existing kingdom, to seize control over neighbouring countries and claim ownership of barren lands. Furthermore there existed a strong sense of loyalty in a master and servant or slave relationship, a clear, distinctive custom of natural protocol that was expected from the society. One's life always depends on the one above them in the hierarchy and that leaves the king to be the master of them all. In the dramas this distinctive feature is always highlighted whereby there is the highest most deepest loyalty and honour to the kings that reigned supreme by the seemingly very dependent right hands.

Moreover, in the korean culture the traditional costumes, food, music and architecture are all so colourful and vibrant while as for the poor they are dressed in a moderate and down-to-earth clothes. I find pleasure feasting my eyes to the settings in the dramas as there are so many things to see and learn, like how ministers and government officers of various faculties have their very own uniform and the unending strife and greed for the throne amongst siblings or ambitious senators, awesome swordplays as well as the hardship of slaves born into that ill fate forever owing their lives to others. There's just so much to see and much more to learn that I could go on and on.

So, all this managed to pique my interest about the past and to read more information about this of no boredom to me. Therefore, I believe that it is not impossible to make us students enjoy history lessons for it is the method of delivering the true essence of history that is making it difficult. I concur that many of them my age or not, after watching period dramas whether Korean, Chinese or Hong Kong dramas, would not deny that they actually appreciate history from all the pieces of information they got watching these dramas. I suggest promoting our country's history through films and dramas so that viewers and Malaysians can visually comprehend and embrace our remarkable history.
* I really encourage you guys to watch some korean period dramas. They're AWESOME!!

Article

                                                      Perilous Episode at the Polar Ice-cap
                                                                                           by Esther Teow


            On the first Saturday in January year 2002 at approximately 12.15p.m., I arrived at the coast of Baffin Bay in the polar ice-cap of the Arctic Circle with a troop of special forces the Marines deployed by the government to aid in a rescue operation. It had been announced that a group of less than ten survivors of a violent passenger airplane crash was left to fend for themselves in the cruellest of cold blizzard weather conditions with the help of a few scientist stationed there in a research centre. The group of survivors one of them actress, Marie LeGarde, managed to reach the coastal line after unending days of travelling on a worn-out tractor. Their feat was deemed great as they had to survive together knowing among them there were two ruthless murderers.

            I joined the scene at the peak of this tragic happening. Blending in with the Marines, I witnessed a tensed situation involving a man trying his best to persuade an unsettled looking man that tells at first glance he was the bad guy. He threatened to shoot an injured man seen lying close to them with the gun in his hand. The Marines stepped up their pace towards them hoping to trap the murderer unaware but suddenly he noticed that he was in danger and fired a bullet at the negotiating man and quickly grabbed a lady hostage with him into a tractor. The man, a scientist named Dr. Mason was seen pursuing the speeding tractor that eventually lost control, skidded and crashed into some big rocks.

           The next thing we saw was Smallwood, murderer while holding onto Margaret, the an air stewardess, slipped and fell, and disappeared down a crevasse. Just then two planes flying low across the glacier, shoot red fire towards a group of men suspected to be cohorts of the murderer and they fled for shelter. From a few metres far, Dr. Mason was definitely thinking a plan to save the lady. He lifted the rope over his neck and threw it down into the crevasse. Just so quickly, he made an unexpected move in attempt to cease control over the murderer. There was a long struggle in the pit I found out later as Dr. Mason had fell on top of him and contended with all his might to weaken him. I felt movements in the ground and vibrations. The ice was moving and the crevasse looked to be closing. Jackstraw, another scientist had successfully pulled Margaret up into safety as well as Dr. Mason moments later who looked very worn out.

          So, Smalwood was trapped in the crevasse begging to for a rope. Instead Dr. Mason thought it would only do justice to those failed to make it out alive and perished to leave the vicious murderer to death. Jackstraw threw a coil of rope down and stepped back. The mouth of the crevasse closed swallowing the murderer to his end. It was finally over, the struggle for survival. The survivors were treated and given plenty of rest. The heroic act of the scientist in the polar ice-cap were lauded and given due recognition for their courage and critical thinking that made their survival possible.

February week 1

What's "wrong" with HISTORY? 

I just read an article in the newspaper about the on-going debate if legendary hero of Malacca Hang Tuah had really existed or is in fact a fictional figure painted to exhibit exemplary attributes. Though my opinions aren't significant, I personally believe that there is a huge possibility that Hang Tuah was real basically because I feel that no one would actually create a character, described and portrayed at length enough to be known as a legend in this land, just to capture the nations' heart, plus, it has been revealed that the name, Hang Tuah is widely recognised in Indonesia as well. Just as some suggested, I think the problem that led to this controversy is due to over depiction that turned out somewhat unrealistic. 

Anyway, the writer strongly urged that the history subject should not be played up nor presented falsely without basis, but instead stressed that history is similar to science that is "ever expanding". In his words, he shared,"When evidence appears that contradicts your hypothesis, it's time to reevaluate your original ideas. I totally agree. History should not be viewed as something permanent that stays once it is written in school textbooks, rather it should be verified from time to time to ascertain its facts in the the light of new evidence. Currently however, students are to obediently follow through history lessons aware or unaware of this controversy, just for, as teachers put it, "the sake of exams". 

Wait!.... why am I talking about History of all things? Could it be that I'm interested in it?

THAT'S....correct. :-)  And just why?...

*to be continued*

January

Finding my career path.....AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!

Which upper secondary school student hasn't been asked about their goal for the future? Or rather who hasn't asked themselves what would they be after all the effort put into their studies all these decades?

I'm no different. But that's not a problem when we were younger, about age 7 or 8... where we would proudly and loudly profess our ambitions to become 'the best doctor in the world', to our friends teachers and parents, happy to see enthusiastic smiles thrown back. "I'm going to be a doctor." Little did I know then how much harder it would be to repeat those words confidently again, at this point of adolescence simply because we have come to realisation that surviving this competitive world is the real deal. Therefore, we know that making the right decision in our field of study is critical to clear a pathway to a successful career.

Fast forward to this present time, I would say only 35% of us have a clear career goal to take pride in and sad to say I'm not one of them. Kids these days are quite different from those 70s in respect to expressiveness, in this case, they are more honest to themselves. From what I've heard, the then generation made their 'big decision' based on opportunities, careers that will elevate their family's quality of living. Now, the question is if our choice matches with our personal interests whether it is leaning towards medicine, engineering, arts and so on. Other factors like one's strength in a particular subject, job relevance in our country, parents' expectations and their list of limited career choice to pick from and of course, the wages.

Considering these elements, surely we would have been decided with the job most suited to us right? It depends. So, after a long long time fussing about this matter with my friends, hopping through the whole range of occupations and with some guidance, I think I have finally found a potential career for myself. Now I can boldly say, "I want to be a ........."

Yippee!! :-)