My New Found Love!

Problems would arise once you get obsessed with a new thing. That is my case now. Despite having a big exam within 2 weeks time, it seems that I cannot get rid that one masterpiece which is my new found love- HARRY POTTER!

I know that I started very late. I understand that now the focus has shifted to the final installment of the last book. But, for me, it is better late than never. It is good actually to anticipate what's next in every chapter which full of surprises and magic!

I think there are a few reasons why I like the book. I know the whole setting takes place in a magical world, a place that do not exist. But all the characters and their lives are so much like us, the normal human beings. There is only one difference; they are all wizards and witches (and yes they have their own wand).

That is the beauty of living in an environment where your friends are an avid reader. They know what are the good books and what are not.

And you know, since you cannot afford to stand quietly looking at your friends talking about the movie and you have no idea what it is all about, then you start to do the smart thing.

What did I do? What I did was to pick up the first book and went through every chapter with great patience. As how much Harry likes the idea of Hogwarts, me too found the idea of Rowling creating her own world in all seven books is brilliant and genius.

Now, please allow me to Apparate. I need to finish the fourth book.

Hiatus (hahy-ey-tuhs)

PMR’s result was announced last Thursday. This time, the air was filled with great jubilance and excitement as it was the best achievement so far after four years. PMR although is just another exam but the magnitude of it has never failed to make students to work hard for it. It is an assessment of three years of learning and therefore it reflects the students’ performance in every subject.

The stories of students who get good results often featured in our local dailies. It is normal for them to report such news as our people love to hear stories which bring out the source of inspiration and happiness ( I know I should not assume ).

But sometimes, we must also have the responsibilities to share stories which fail to get into the list. In this context, I would love to share a story regarding one boy who is very hardworking and knows what he wants, but there is a twist here. Despite all the hard work, he failed to get a good result.

I tutored this boy during my long break after SPM. He always asked questions and ways how to improve himself. But, his preparation for PMR started a bit late. But I understand why it happened. I suppose he did not have a good support system to guide him how to study effectively. I too can’t help that much as most of my advices were given through telephone conversations and some SMSes.

In fact, a few days before the exam started, he kept calling me complaining that he was so nervous and did not have the confidence to face the exam.

At the end, he did not get the result that he wanted. Luckily, he did not fail any subject. Observing from this side, I am pretty sure that he actually achieved something. He may not get a good result but the efforts and determination to pursue his own dream should be lauded.

And in fighting a battle, we cannot win all. But at least, we know that we lose in the knowledge that we have done our best. What matters most is the perseverance during that journey.

I assure you that this boy will come back again with full confidence and courage to achieve his dream. His mistake was that he started late, but given so much time ahead, I believe he will achieve something that we all can be proud of in the future.

The Importance of Being Talented (and to be Discovered and Nurtured)

Last Thursday, I had the privilege to attend and watch a play entitled, ‘The Irony of Matrimony’. It was successfully staged for 3 days starting from 8^_ 10 December 2011. I really enjoyed the play simply because it was fun and hilarious. The cast did a really good job.

But the play is not main thing to be discussed here. I was smiling while watching the play because I was happy that my friends on the stage managed to unleash their real talent; a thing that we don’t even know that we have until someone comes and discovers it for us.

Being talented alone is not enough. We must have someone to discover and nurture it for us. I am glad that the three combinations were so apparent throughout the whole running of the production.

While the usual convention expects these young minds to sit alone in their rooms and study, I believe that the whole production was a medium of learning too albeit it is viewed from a different perspective. I believe that the whole process was a lot more meaningful as the knowledge gained cannot be found in any textbook.

This post is rather short and simple, yet it reminds us about the need to discover and nurture those young minds who are hungry for new knowledge and challenge.

A play or a drama is just a medium. As long as we extend our most sincere help to those talented strangers, I am quite sure that our world will become more colourful.