I know it's been awhile since I last updated. The last few months have been making me caught up with work, and planning for the next phase.
When we were younger and wished to grow up quickly, I'd take that back now... I guess. Reminiscing my last three years on campus, I know that this is one of the phases that will remain most memorable and meaningful moments in my life.
It all seems so fast; these 3 years that have passed. May 2011: I persuaded my reluctant parents to let me attend the audition in UM. Stepping into UM for the very first time, meeting all the rest of the people to be auditioned, the nervousness I had during the audition til I landed up at the wrong piano (brown upright piano)! I mean, come on, I was supposed to be in the performing arts... I should have known better that the grand piano would be the correct instrument for an audition. I remembered how all the lecturers laughed so hard, that awkwardness and embarrassment I felt. I remember the day I checked UPU and was excited when I found out of my entrance into UM, and the times when others would despise me for the course I took. I remember the tears my parents shed for me when I left home for the very first time.
I told my friends, that if there's one thing I'll never forget, it was the orientation in university. I'd remember the cheers we had, the torture we went through as freshman, and the amount of walk up and down the hill in KK3. Til today, I'll always remember how ridiculous it was for me and my friends to send our laundry to 4th college, and carry 5 litres of water every three days from 7th college. Well, we had very good reasons for this insane routine: there was no water filter that functioned during my first year in 3rd college. I'm glad though, in my second year I didn't have that problem since I moved to 11th.
Throughout these three years, I have experienced bitter, sweet moments. In my first year, I recalled how I cried each day, trying so hard to memorize pieces. And the worse part was, I have never played Bach, or Chopin pieces until entering UM. The preparation for my first recital was the worst; my recital was due 5th week in Semester 1, I had only three weeks to prepare. My piano teacher ensured that I would continue playing these pieces even though it was difficult. Thus, the first time breaking down in front of my coursemates, struggling to hit every note right.
First year got worse for me as I experienced communication breakdown. I remember how banana I was. When I tried socializing, in the end, all would end the same way, whereby most people shun away once they realize I'm English-speaking. Well, the good part is, I have learnt a little bit of Chinese. Though I had to learn via listening to constant mandarin conversations between my friends (I think I had poker face on throughout these moments).
Senior Junior night - 1st year (Theme - School uniform)
FeSeni KK3 Choir
3rd College CC Night
In second year, I challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone, trying out new activities such as Pesta Tanglung. This one thing, I'll never regret. I met friends who shared similar passion, such as dancing. They were awesome cause they knew nothing of hate, but of warm friendship.
Second year had its ups and downs, the sweetest and most bitter moments in my university life. There were people who would judge me based on the outward. I know one day I'll laugh over these things. I'll also remember the insane person I was when I went head and heels over a guy, eventually, crying so hard when things ended. I was however, truly blessed during that time with friends who stood beside me to pull me up again during these times. I remembered how these friends became people who I could confide in, become my crying shoulder, took me for shopping, food hunting, and forced me to practice the piano during my lowest point. During this point, I remember how my parents encouraged me, reminding me of my end goal.
I remember how I loved the lecturers in my second year, who opened my eyes to many things I was previously ignorant of. We learned about performance theories, the spiritual realm, a lot of theatrical stuff, the way music affects our soul. I remember developing a taste for post-modern music (which is kind of sad for me, cause I started disliking pop songs after). For that, I'm grateful to my lecturers, Prof Anis, Mr. Eddin Khoo and Prof Mike.
Short and sweet dance 2012 - Butoh
SJ Night 2nd year
Pesta Tanglung 2012
PT dancers 2012
Da Yao Zombie dance
Third year can be considered the best year for me, where things were more smooth sailing as the academic syllabuses favoured me more. Back to writing, less piano, and a lot of dancing.
I did have my challenge as well... My final thesis. Being in week 8, semester 2, I was supposed to be almost prepared for my VIVA in week 9. I recalled how nothing was done yet, and anxiety filled me so much so that I cried, a lot. It was then my mum told me to trust God, and leave everything to Him. In that week of desperation, I met up with my technician, called several van services, and managed to get everything done by the end of week 8. To my amazement, all the lecturers compliment my work. For that, I would really thanks God for His favour and Prof Mike for his constant guidance.
UM was the place that drove me crazy, whereby the system almost caused me my graduation a couple of times. It was the place I experienced my worst nightmares, such as stage fright, not having good night rest, bad toilets, and heartbreak. It was the time I met Obama, and almost got into trouble for being politically involved. Well, a few of us had to answer to the HEP; good thing I'm still graduating.
SJ Night 3rd year
Final year
PRK Campus election 2013
Dance Technique I class
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No TPPA during Obama talk
The birth of my FYP (Thesis)
Oh yea, it was also the place I got drenched under the rain cause I forgot to bring umbrellas, or how I would chase the bus to class (like literally chasing the bus which ignored me on the hilly slope). Yet, it was the place I witnessed the most miracles throughout this short period of time. Then again, these are the reasons for making my university life a unique experience. I'm glad for all the wonderful and supportive friends I had.
So, I guess this is my post for graduation. A summary of my very short three years in UM.
Before I close this chapter of my undergraduate life, I would like to thank all who have been there for me throughout these three years of my studies. And.... HAPPY GRADUATION!
Thick and thin for 3 years, you guys hold a special place in my heart
With love,
Fi
