Hey, it's day two of 365 - wait no! We've got a bonus day this year, cause it's a leap year (leaps in joy). Day two of 366, but I cannot usher into the new year without finishing this blog post of my 2015 in review!
So leggo, time to reflect on the lessons learnt and experiences gained over 2015. Been waiting to do so since the day I finished my research paper about two weeks ago, but too much had been going on. I haven't even had the time to really grasp the fact that I'm three months away from graduating.
AND TWO DAYS AWAY FROM MY FIRST JOB. Internship really, but still! (butterflies in stomach)
While we're still present in the New Years week, let me give you the highlights of my 2015.
I travelled to Lancaster, UK with my three other buds, representing as Sunway Cultural Exchange Programme Ambassador.
This was a really big start to my year. I've been wanting to join the Lancaster Summer Exchange Programme since my first year, but because of financial constraints I knew I couldn't. Thankfully, I was nominated by my student council advisor (perks of being VP I guess hehe!) and I was selected, along with those three amazing people - Sammy, Nicole and Julian (from left to right in picture).
My family and I do travel overseas every once / two years, but this was a really big deal as I haven't travelled alone without them. So, felt that like I was really growing up. Ha.
I'm not gonna dwell onto the details of the trip, but I am blown away by the opportunity given nonetheless. And I got to drink, for the first time. That was pretty cool. I miss cheap alcohols.
Along with the fun part of being an ambassador, there's also the work part - where we became hosts to the Lancaster students when they came over for the Summer Programme in Malaysia. I met many friends of different nationalities through hosting the Summer Programme. We organized activities for them across two weeks but as it fell within our study semester, we weren't able to spent a lot of time with them, which was a bummer! :(
From there, I made amazing, crazy friends through my Sunway-Lancaster buddies (Sulubuds, or as we called ourselves)! This fam bam makes the loudest of laughter wherever we go to. And I am absolutely thankful for their presence. I've actually known many of them, some originally just hi-bye friends, but I'm glad that we've gotten to know each other better now!
And, I ended my term as Vice President of Student Council. In Year Two, juggling between council's work and my studies was really hard. But I've learnt so much from the people I worked with, and I've also came to realize my strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn't have been able to obtain so many amazing opportunities if I didn't take that first step to join council.
#thornsandrose
And tiny me.
I participated in the most historical protest - Bersih 4. It was my very first one as well. I'm generally afraid of huge crowds and conflicts. There were so many warnings and threats up till the day of the rally. Dad and I were also being pretty cautious, paying attention to the news, reading up / doing research on people's past experiences and things to bring. But I was so happy that I was a part of this big movement, standing up for what's right. I still remembered once I stepped off Masjid Jamek's KTM station, that energy - that high spirit you can feel it from all Malaysians, it's amazing. It gave me the feeling of hope and pride as well, knowing that people really want the best for Malaysia.
Full cast, with Than and Hizary.
Full cast and crew!
Just recently, I finished the hardest - HARDEST assignment of my entire degree life, my research paper. I had about a week right after finals ended to touch up. Journals were scattered all over the table, and junk food as well. I stayed home, didn't wash my hair, had minimal amount of sleep. Broke down for so many times, not just within that one last week but throughout the course of working on my paper since the beginning of the semester. I really, dropped dead when I completed that 117 pages. Though I am extremely thankful that my interest in politics inspired me in my topic, or I wouldn't have enjoyed writing it as much. But - of course, still cannot deny the fact that it was SO TOUGH.
(reconsidering on further studies plan - ha)
Forget to take a picture of my research paper before submission, but here's one during my poster presentation - which also took hella lot of effort to design!
And to save the best for the last, as always ... Bryan and I made it through another year! Things were rocky at times. We had bad days, good days. But always, still so happy that we've made it to our third year mark. Juggling with crazy, hectic amount of work being in final year ain't easy. We had to plan things around our assignments. We go about days sometimes without being able to see each other even though we're both on campus. But, we try and try. Even if it was just a quick lunch, or just a walk back to my car at the end of the day, we always try :)
Some of the adventures we had together this year -
Celebrated Bryan's 21st by going on a mini zoo date.
Visited Bryan in hospital ... for quite a number of times.
Visited Bryan in hospital ... for quite a number of times.
Finally went to Ipoh with Bryan, though mainly for work.
Explored new cafes!
Attended our first TEDxKL.
Explored new cafes!
Attended our first TEDxKL.
Had cooking dates since Bryan moved into his new unit. As if he bought it - ha. Nah, still renting.
Rescued Little One. Mainly Bryan really - I was just playing around with the kitty for most of the time.
Celebrated my 21st with Bryan baking his VERY, FIRST, CAKE for me. For a first attempt, really ain't bad at all. Hehe.
And ... that's a wrap for 2015! Signing off, little sunshine :)
And ... that's a wrap for 2015! Signing off, little sunshine :)
