Hey everyone,
I know I haven't updated you people in quite awhile. First of all, I'm currently in UM, KL. Sorry for the late update coz I think I've been experiencing 'jet-lack' since I reached a place called....HERE! (a.k.a UM).
The first day I stepped here which was last Sunday (4th September), the first thing that murdered me was the room. I was like... Why??? I'm totally not gonna survive the week. The better part was mom kept persuading me to think twice and there's still a chance for me to back off if I wanted to. The thing I still can't really get used to is the bathroom though. =S Okay, here goes report one...
To make the day worst, we didn't really understand the discipline system provided here and why everyone was yelling at us. I have to admit, we were already having a shock of our lives( not just me, we had sharing time and almost everyone felt the same). We couldn't even have decent meals since we had to use our hands for one instead of utensils, and to add to the spice; we had to eat really fast. Our PM kept yelling.... "CEPAT MAKAN!!!". Most of us swallowed down so fast, I think I almost choked several times! The first day was the worst, I went to bed and almost cried; thinking things were disastrous and nothing the way it should have been.
Day two and three were brighter since we managed to spend part of our afternoons in the faculty. But, I would pretty much have to admit that I had some bad experiences since I was sick and couldn't quite recover. Oh... Did I mention to you too that on the second day, I was given a task to represent my residential college to participate in a BM debate competition? Believe me, I was like... Oh nooooo you don't! But due to the overload of English debaters and me being crazy, I actually said yes! How ironic was that right?? I know... HAHA. So I had at least something to do besides cheering and all.
The next day, we had to plan our points for the competition. I was so stressed yet sleepy due to two hours sleep for the previous nights. Believe me, I almost fell asleep quite a number of times. Competition was held in the evening after faculty meeting. That's where I wore my first baju kurung since I've been here. Given the task, I had to work with two other debate mates, Shikin and Sham. I hafta admit that they were totally awesome. They helped guide me quite a little and also thankful for our PM's; Han and Aimi. Without both their help, I would have just proly passed out halfway. Anyway, the first day competition sent thrills down my spine. I had stage fright as usual and barely could speak. To me, it was... FAILURE!! Thank God for Sham, he actually pulled our marks up, so we won.
The following day, thank God I could start debating since the topic was related to Facebook. And so, here came my first success of debating. Yeah, I did lack some techniques but at least, I was complimented for fluency in the language. =D
We won the second round so, it was our joy. One more round and to see who made it to the semifinals.
Day four,
We had our usual practise, and this was the day to determine us being in the finals... or not. We didn't win this round so we went back to our rooms in complete devastation and disappointments. However, as night passed, we were told that we actually made it into the finals!! HOW awesome was that??! We had totalled up to 4th place after three days of competing which made us eligible to step into the semi finals.
With much enthusiasm, we practised again.
However, day four, which I thought would be bright started of with PM's banging our door.
Without even brushing our teeth, we had to leap out of bed with the watch pointing its hands at onli 4 am! We dashed out of our rooms, got punished in half sits. Believe me, it's so darn torturing, some people even ended up crying while my body was shivering due to the intensity of the sit for half an hour. If I had to say 'thanks', it would be to those who didn't abide to the rules and yet, all of us were punished for it.
Towards evening, we had our semi finals. I was nervous being the opposition team, yet, managed to keep composure. Since we were competing with the one ranking at 1st place, it made us sweat in our seats and our hearts kept beating all too fast. We tried to made rebuttles, yet, we were curbed by our opponents. However, we didn't win despite our strive; jury being on side 3-2 and a margin of 1.3, we didn't really make it.
Yeah, big disappointment actually; but hey, I didn't even have an experience in debate. And we made it this far to top 4 placing. That's good enough for me.
The next few days, we had our normal activities and resumed til the closing ceremony on friday.
This week had been really tough, I think I only had an average of 14 hours of sleeping for the whole week. Despite the tiresomeness, I'm really glad for this week. I realized that I made some good friends. Friends who I know will be there for me when I need them. We experienced the same pains together and that's what brought forth our bonding to a higher level.
I love both my roommates, my vocalist, coursemates and those who really showed their care towards me throughout orientation week. And to your surprise, I love my PM's too who did everything they could to make our orientation week successful. I know based on this week, that even if things get really tough, there are people around me who will help me on; and also that I'm looking forward to the next three years. Yes, I still miss home, but being here, releases me from pain and gives me a brand new hope.
I'm looking forward to day one of our course today. Will update you guys soon! =)
Loads of love.
Signing off,
Fidelia ~ xoxo
