It seems like I tend to write only at the end of the year for the sake of reflection. Perhaps the sentiments of going into the new year brings just a tiny bit more reflective tone to our last few days of the year. 2012 has been eventful, to say the least. I spent the first half of the year away in Europe for my exchange programme and the other half back home. This time last year, I was scurrying around trying to get things sorted out for my semester abroad. This time - my mind is only on the roller coaster ride (without the seat-belt) that is my dissertation.
The Semester Abroad
For many reasons, I should have gone to the China campus but I didn't. For the simple reason that I have already done that. Academic wise, the semester abroad was uneventful. The way classes were conducted are similar. Albeit the class demographics. What I value the most about my stay in Europe is the cultural exposure and the friends I've made. The UK is not the same as Malaysia - to say the least. There are no 24 hours mamak you can stroll into when you're hungry and people behind the counters are always smiling and chatty. There are too many moments to recall from my stay there but I surely won't be forgetting Broadgate's Londis guy any time soon! The trips I made during my stay in the UK was no less exciting. The birthday in Scotland, the picnic under the rain in Wales, the cultural exchange+dances+laughter+7-hour bus rides+bland food+fried rice night in Sweden, the Lithuanian experience, the red light district World Cup final, the kindness of a stranger shown in Germany and the silly moments in Spain all gave me wonderful memories that will forever be cherished.
The 'Break' & The Final Year
I moved my return date to Malaysia about a week earlier specifically because of Projek Kalsom. A programme that has a special place in my heart. I went to Miri, Sarawak almost immediately after I came back from the UK. The previous PK experience was strong enough to bring me back but I never thought that it would make an even bigger impression on me the 2nd time around. The week spent there was inspirational and it was a blessing to be away from the city centre and just enjoy the mostly in tact natural landscape of Miri. After returning from this trip, my focus was mostly on catching up with family and friends, enjoying the festive atmosphere of Ramadhan and Syawal.
Going into my final year, I had always anticipated for it to be busy, but with only two classes enrolled, I had never expected the workload resulting in myself being consumed in my own "Semenyih bubble". It was a learning curve semester - trying to find the balance between co-curricular work and studies while attempting to stay sane. I am happy to report that I managed to keep my sanity thanks to the wisely timed study break.
2012 has been exciting to say the least. Be it an experience that was bitter to swallow or the lovely moments of joy and laughter, both have made my 2012 meaningful. 2013 will mark a new milestone as I will (hopefully!) graduate from my university in July and I hope there is something exciting in store for me after my graduation other than the prospective of being an unemployed graduate (as tempting as that might be).
It was perhaps apt to end my 2012 with a 'lepak' session with an old friend from school, Shaf; casually conversing about life, ideals and the future at a quiet mamak stall while other KLites rush to get into the city to welcome the new year. Let's hope for the best in 2013. InshaAllah.
The Semester Abroad
For many reasons, I should have gone to the China campus but I didn't. For the simple reason that I have already done that. Academic wise, the semester abroad was uneventful. The way classes were conducted are similar. Albeit the class demographics. What I value the most about my stay in Europe is the cultural exposure and the friends I've made. The UK is not the same as Malaysia - to say the least. There are no 24 hours mamak you can stroll into when you're hungry and people behind the counters are always smiling and chatty. There are too many moments to recall from my stay there but I surely won't be forgetting Broadgate's Londis guy any time soon! The trips I made during my stay in the UK was no less exciting. The birthday in Scotland, the picnic under the rain in Wales, the cultural exchange+dances+laughter+7-hour bus rides+bland food+fried rice night in Sweden, the Lithuanian experience, the red light district World Cup final, the kindness of a stranger shown in Germany and the silly moments in Spain all gave me wonderful memories that will forever be cherished.
The 'Break' & The Final Year
I moved my return date to Malaysia about a week earlier specifically because of Projek Kalsom. A programme that has a special place in my heart. I went to Miri, Sarawak almost immediately after I came back from the UK. The previous PK experience was strong enough to bring me back but I never thought that it would make an even bigger impression on me the 2nd time around. The week spent there was inspirational and it was a blessing to be away from the city centre and just enjoy the mostly in tact natural landscape of Miri. After returning from this trip, my focus was mostly on catching up with family and friends, enjoying the festive atmosphere of Ramadhan and Syawal.
Going into my final year, I had always anticipated for it to be busy, but with only two classes enrolled, I had never expected the workload resulting in myself being consumed in my own "Semenyih bubble". It was a learning curve semester - trying to find the balance between co-curricular work and studies while attempting to stay sane. I am happy to report that I managed to keep my sanity thanks to the wisely timed study break.
2012 has been exciting to say the least. Be it an experience that was bitter to swallow or the lovely moments of joy and laughter, both have made my 2012 meaningful. 2013 will mark a new milestone as I will (hopefully!) graduate from my university in July and I hope there is something exciting in store for me after my graduation other than the prospective of being an unemployed graduate (as tempting as that might be).
It was perhaps apt to end my 2012 with a 'lepak' session with an old friend from school, Shaf; casually conversing about life, ideals and the future at a quiet mamak stall while other KLites rush to get into the city to welcome the new year. Let's hope for the best in 2013. InshaAllah.
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