pic by Johnny Vulkan
These past few months, and especially the past few days, were rather impatient 'twilight zones' where all I did was basically wait...and wait...and wait somemore until geram already. Impatience is a real pain in the neck, I would say. And loved ones were asking and hoping with me.
Then on last Friday, the 13th, it came out. Rather unexpectedly, as I only knew the date a day before that. (Also good as there wasn't too agonizing a wait there.)
And in the end, God gave me my 1st choice. Mass Comm in USM, Penang, which is a 5-hour bus ride from home. Registration is on the 1st of September so I'll be leaving KL about 1-3 days before that, so 25th and 26th August would be the last weekend here.
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As much as I'd think that this was smart planning on my side or that I somehow managed to impress the lecturer, I sincerely believe that God willed this university to be the best place where I can grow and learn for the next 4 years.
I still am coming to grips with the fact that I have been given a place far enough for me to be independent like I've always wanted as well as develop my principles as a person apart from upbringing, but close enough for accountability by loved ones and getting to know new friends and acquaintances. Not to mention the green campus, which I like so far and got a glimpse of during my interview there and the food. Ah, food. Mostly cheap and good. Better practice being athletic and in shape from now on before gaining another 10 pounds like everyone warned, haha :D
So the academic schedule for the next year, taken from here, is as below: (click to enlarge)
The preparation stage has thus begun. And I'm gonna move out of the house for like, 4 years? Even with breaks it still feels like a lifetime. And I have never left home for more than a week tops before. This is going to take some serious getting used to. There are like a 101 questions in my head even as I am writing this.
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Random intermission: Pics of Penang from the web! (I will take my own pics once I'm there :))
The uni...
USM Entrance, Sg. Dua. Pic from here.
Penang bridge: Day/Night
pic by Dennis Yu
pic by IRRI Images
Food :)
pic by Vincent Yong
Hawker fare - pic by Hector Hurtado
Beach~
pic by Schristia
The more important concerns that I have are relating to my studies, socializing, and my faith.
Studies: My STPM results were a wake up call that once SPM is over, so are the so-called easy As, spot questions, tips and etc. And now we study because we want to, not because it is compulsory. I can choose to skip class and take it easy, or overstress myself with assignments, or through trial-and-error experiences come up with a way to balance studying and playing time (which is easier said than done)
Socializing: Tough one for me. So far I've been slow in this area...afraid of making new friends due to fear of rejection. Time to embrace my inner introvert and stop trying to please everyone, instead focus on one at a time. And forget about jaga muka and all that. Note to self: Please eat humble pie. If I can make friends well then the next 4 years are going to be awesome. So many interesting people :D
Faith: This one is also tough in the sense that I'm on my own and need to ask myself hard questions about what is it that I actually believe. No more going to church because my parents are elders - it's my choice now. And will I find mentors there just like I have here? Can I acknowledge and grow stronger in my faith? This requires a lot of thorough soul searching...
Part V (coming soon) will be the last part in this series, and will be a telling of the specific preparations to be made before I leave. This is a lot to digest, lol.
PS. If you came across this blog and are were also accepted to USM this year, leave a comment! :) Good to know who our uni-mates, coursemates will be...as well as prepare for the next 4 years together.
