How Come You Go To Tuition?

"How come you go to tuition?"

 That's the one of the few questions headed my way when I stepped into the air-conditioned classroom. In fact, it's the FIRST question asked. All the time. Followed by a bewildered 'Youweren'tsupposedtobealive' stare. Cue my reply: "Why, I cannot come to tuition anymore meh?" It was fun to see people react this way the first couple of times, but after a while, it's kinda irritating.

 Yes, I'm a fully residential school student. I stay in the school grounds 24/7. I practically breathe the boarding school. That does not mean I'm prohibited from joining tuition classes. Yeah, they're probably worried about me, spending time at the last place students would dare enter during a time where students could finally taste freedom (Yeah right, they will. I'd be a famous celebrity before the day arrives.)

 Yet, there's a tiny part of me that urges me to strive hard and makes use of the time to revise during the hols. And if that part isn't enough to make me work, there's always dearest mummy. Besides, I'm sure all of us have screamed out "I'm gonna make use of my time well during the holidays!" at least once before. I know I did, every single time a holiday's nearing. I also know that those times were lavishly spent on watching TV, computers and sleeping (Hey, you can't blame a kid for having needs, especially one that has been deprived of all basic entertainments.)

 But not this time. This year is very important for me, and all Malaysians my age. We're facing a major turning point of our lives, the SPM examinations. These exam results would determine our lives; whether we could soar into a bright future, or stay firmly on the ground, thinking of what would have happened had you studied. Of course, university life also plays a key part in determining your future, and so does working experience. Luck's also a large factor, but who cares? We needa hurtle through an obstacle at a time.

 So yeah, I do need to go for tuition, even though I study day and night every single day at school for the past month and a half. And if anyone asks me why, I'll just say "How 'bout you?"

A Whole Week of Fun and New Friends in Malacca~! Day 3 to 6

Due to midyear examinations, lagging school internet connections, and the lack of memory power, I forgot to post the continuation. XD Sorry for that. Here it is~ (The first part is here.)

Day 3: Wednesday

 We got to see the former Prime Minister in person today! Tun Dr. Mahathir gave a very nice and humorous speech about global unity. After that, while waiting for the bus to arrive, my friends and I chatted a bit with the Indian exchange students, and made friends with the SMS Sembrong people, whom, as I would find out later, will be with me throughout the rest of the week. (The two girls were taking part as presenter and copresentor. The other two, boys obviously, were useless people who got picked just to watch, like me.)

During the ice-breaking session with the international, I coincidentally met with a Portuguese who stayed at my school the day before, because of the number 8. (LOL, so lucky.) Fortunately, she said her stay there was very nice, and the tour guides very courteous. Phew.

At night, we were invited to go for dinner at the Malacca’s Chief Minister’s residence. It was BIG. MASSIVE. GIGANTUOUS. And it comes with its own separate gym. O.O Unfortunately, we weren’t able to enter and take a look around. But we were able to take pictures around the residence. :D I got to be in many people’s pics (I didn’t bring a camera, y’see. Had to be photobombing!) That also made up for the fixed seatings. Had loads of fun with the Italians, Giulia and whatshisname, and the STF girls. :)

Day 4: Thursday

 Today was the start of the two-day presentation of the international participants and fifteen local gold medalists. (Obviously my schoolmate and my old friend were included.) I felt very sorry for some of the international delegates, whose presentations were overshadowed by the locals’ experienced demonstration. After the three hour session, we had a workshop, in order to write our resolutions based on Tun’s keynote address. The captain was a Sabahan girl named Sahara (Who preferred to be called Sara) and a Lao girl, Susen was secretary. I became vice-captain reluctantly, due to my wrong timing to stand up and adjust my trousers while they were contemplating on their victim. In the end, I had to conduct everything (The leader used her veto power to force the whole leader work on me. XD) It was during this session that I realized people thought I was 16! (Technically, I still was, but coming to 17.) It was a very shocking compliment, to be called one year younger, but it was a compliment nonetheless. I think it was due to my cute boyish looks. (Though they pointed out that it was because of my immaturity. XD)

And finally, the most anticipated event of the day (And the whole week)… Sightseeing and shopping ‘round Malacca!!! It was the first time I  went sightseeing with a bunch of friends (And one with most, excluding me and another Form Fiver, being a year younger.) and teachers. We stopped at the Taming Sari Tower (The first gyrotower in Malaysia.) and went up 80m into the air, discovering a breathtaking 360-degree bird’s eye view of Malacca drenched in the evening sunlight.

Afterwards, we went off the beaten track (After listening to Madame Chin, a jolly Chinese teacher, and her lengthy explanation time constraints and the time-consuming schedule) and rode on the river cruise a half hour earlier than the others; that way we’d gain more shopping time. Alas, it was not meant to be; we ordered food at Chicken Rice Shop 15-20 minutes before departure, and the bus was far away. It was pretty ironic, because we had Madame Chin with us, who didn’t like people being late. Nevertheless, we had lotsa fun, and had plenty of laughs while eating.

Day 5: Friday

 Today was pretty uneventful compared to yesterday; it was like yesterday, sans the sightseeing. Once again, I had to commandeer the workshop, much to my leader’s glee. We learnt new games, one from Indonesia, and one from Malaysia (Yeah, I didn’t know. Awkward.) So many interesting things occurred (One of them being the international student’s fluency to say the word Buaya/Crocodile and Biawak/Lizard) And then came the gift exchange! I spent most the time yesterday night shopping for souvenirs (Only RM9) Then I saw some bringing in gifts from their schools. All of us went blur- headed, thinking whether what each other brought was wrong!

At night, we had the closing ceremony. Everyone used this time to talk with everyone else, since it was the last day, and the international delegates had to go back. You could see everyone bringing and exchanging books, jotting down contact infos, ensuring future contact with each other, even though they are states and countries apart. Stayed up late to mingle with people, learning new and interesting things ‘bout different languages and cultures. It was pretty sad though, as my 16 year-old mates had to leave that night too. But I shrugged it off, and had a fitful slumber.

Day 6: Saturday

 The morning started with a light drizzle, voicing the sadness and reluctance to let go of this moment. But nothing lasts forever, right? I just hope I could see them again, in the near future, if God wills it.

 So that’s it from me ‘bout this seemingly awesome weeklong adventure. J Will be uploading pics (If I have the time. And if I find some. I need to scour at friend’s FB accounts.)