A Meal with College Mates at MKN in Sunway University (27/8/15)

  After Fundamental Maths class, Wali and I went to class NW-TR-1-2 to look for my friends Fariz and Michelle. They were just done with English class. "Do you wanna hang out for lunch?" I asked Michelle. "Yes, I love to but I have to Athira at MKN in the university itself," MKN which is MaKaN for short. "Is it across the college?" I asked. "Yes, yes it is! Would you like to join us?" Michelle said. "Yes, I love to!" I said.

  Along the way, I asked Wali how was his stay in Malaysia. "Malaysia is an awesome country! I have been staying for seven years!" Seven years? That's a long time. I thought. "That means you can speak Bahasa Malaysia? " I asked. "Yes I can. Actually, I learned to speak the language last year and now I can speak well," Learned the national language in a year? That's fast! We tried to take the lift but it was not working. 

"Shall we take the stairs instead? Since the lift is not working," I suggested. My friends turned to me and gave a blank stare. "Katelyn, are you sure?" Fariz asked. "Yeah, I'm sure. Besides, I was used to the stairs back in high school, so why not?" I said. As we reached the stair case, Michelle held my hand while Fariz carried the bag and the crutches. We took two flights of stairs down. After we said goodbye to Wali, it was just three of us. 

  To get to the university, we have to cross the pedestrian walkway. Unfortunately, there was a big lorry blocking the main stairs so we had to take the side stairs. We took the lift to the first floor. When we stepped out of the lift, Michelle said "Oh right, MKN is at Upper Ground floor so we have to go one floor down, sorry guys I just remembered," I said :"It's okay. Besides, this is my first time going to MKN," 

  When we reached our destination, Athira was having her chicken rice. I tapped the glass window to catch her attention, she was surprised. Fariz opened the door for Michelle and I to go in. "Hey Athira, sorry we're late, we took a wrong turn just now," Michelle said. "Oh no, it's okay!" Fariz was about to leave because he used this time in the library. "Fariz, join us," I said. "Oh okay," Fariz said. We talked about our studies, hopes and dreams. We even took a wefie on Michelle's iPhone. 

  After we had our lunch, we headed back to the South Building of the College by using the short cut. It was really fun to hang out with your friends when you're in college. I wish I could hang out with my friends more. 

  

St. David's High School Carnival 2015 (1/8/15)

  After five months when the SPM results were released, this marked my first time going back to my alma mater- St. David's High School, Malacca, as a senior. I was clad in my Buddhist Society t-shirt which I wore back in high school with a pair of jeans and black shoes. I arrived at 9.00am. I walked straight to the Buddhist Society stall. I saw Cikgu Asmi- who is my Form 1 Malay language when I was in Form One and History teacher in Form Four for a few months. 

  Okay, let's go back to the main part. As I was saying, the main purpose I went back because I wanted to give back as I mentioned earlier. After dropping me at the stall, my mum left with my aunt. My junior Jing Hua explained the price for each item. "For magnets, key chains and handmade letter openers are RM 1 as well as the vegetarian food," Jing Hua said. One by one customers thronged to the stall. I have to say, business was running high. 

  The first senior who came by to the stall was the school captain of 2012-2013- Lee Jia En. I was happy to see her. "Hi, Jia En Jie! Welcome to the Buddhist Society stall," I said. "Hi, Kar Marn! Are you helping out?" she asked. I nodded. Before she left, we took a senior-junior selfie! My ex-classmates came to drop by too but they didn't buy anything. 

  Janice Ng- one of my juniors came to the stall. I bought a book marker from her. "I pick randomly for you, is it okay?" she asked. "Well go ahead, be my guest," I said. She picked out and read it out loud "If you dream it, you can do it!" I think it's very suitable for anyone whose dreams are big! A famous magician once said "Keep dreaming and keep the magic real," 

  When I was helping with the coupons, I saw a familiar face at the stall. My primary school friend- Ong Jia En came to drop by. Well, I haven't anytime for myself so it was time for me to get out of the stall and roamed around. I met up with my friends of class 2014 as well as some seniors who graduated in 2013. I walked around to meet up some juniors and teachers as well.  

  Kumar asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up one day. "Well, I want to help kids who are going through the same pain as me. And I want to be either a writer, singer or a professional blogger one day," I said. They were quite impressive! "Good keep up the good work! We hope to hear your voice on the radio or see you on television one day," he said.  "We will always be there with you no matter what because to us, you're our sister," Nichloas said. 

   Around 2pm, Jia En went back home so did Ling Hui because she was on duty. As I got back to the stall, I took off my shoes and stretched my tired legs. Not long after that, I spent time with my seniors again, this time was even longer. I even met up with Dylan! Samantha gave me a cup cake with picture of Elsa from the animated Disney hit movie Frozen. We joked around and talked about the fun stuff that we did back in high school, it's a total different kind of crazy! 

  After that, under a watchful eye of my senior, Nitin, he escorted me to the canteen. This was the best day of my life! Thank you St. David's High School to give me the golden opportunity to give back. 

  I love St. David's High School! 

  

Cousin Xander's First Birthday (25/7/15)

  Xander- my cousin celebrated his first birthday today. The party was attended by family and close friends. The event was held at Equitoral Hotel Malacca. When we arrived at the party, it was themed with blue colour which marked the birth of a boy one year ago today. While I was finding a seat, I saw Stephanie, my distant cousin was waving at me so I walked over to take my seat. She was alongside with her grandparents. 

  "Hey Kar Marn, how's it going?" Stephanie asked. "Everything is going well, just busy with college nowadays," I said. Not long we were having our meal, one of Xander's older brothers took the microphone to announce that we should go to the front of the hall because it was time for the cake cutting ceremony. Everyone gathered around to sing Happy Birthday to the Xander's who is the star of today. 

  After that, Stephanie made a move. I saw Brian, my other distant cousin, who was taking pictures of the family of five. "Brian Gor Gor (big brother in Cantonese)! " I went over to hug him. Putting a protective arm around me, "Hey Marn, how are you?" he said. "I'm good! Let's go over there and talk," I suggested. We talked about college, life and a lot of things to catch up since we last met at Amanda's wedding on 20 September 2013. 

  Phoebe and her family arrived an hour later after the party had started at 1.00pm. Well, as long as you attend a party it's okay better than absent from it. We played a little game of darts. I did aim a few targets but not a bullseye. Well, this game actually did apply on Physics in terms of consistency which I learned back in high school. "Finally I applied on Physics!" said my sister.

  The party ended at 4.00pm, everyone went home. We thanked Uncle Soon Seng and Aunt Siang Ting for inviting us over. "Thank you for coming! Have a nice day!" It was a day to remember. Big family parties like this, it is worth to come. 

聚会记（17/7/15）

  今天清晨六时三十分，我往马六甲家乡回家因为今天是开斋节的第一天。为了避免堵车的情况，我和父母在这时候离开首都吉隆坡。早上九时零三分，我们到马六甲家乡。由于早起身我头还很胀！感觉不爽啊！昨天我和哥哥（仕维）说好今天聚集。我传简讯在微信告诉他我已到家乡。

  在途中我们购买摩卡咖啡在星巴克免下车，妈妈已喝一半的摩卡留给我。我喝半杯的摩卡以及几片的奥利奥饼干。然后我到房间，躺在我永久的床。哥哥传简讯说他来载我，我开门对妈妈说：“妈咪，仕维说他来载我聚会的地点。” 妈妈回应：“好啊！待会儿你准备，别让人等久。”

  我头还是很胀所以在长凳躺一阵子。突然间我腹部痛，我到洗手间。当我从洗手间出来时，哥哥在拨电话，我拍拍他的肩膀。“妹，你好了吗？” 他问。我点了点头说：“哥，我好了！” 外婆看看哥哥说：“仕维，你瘦了！” 妈妈和阿姨接口说：“对啊！瘦了！” 

  哥哥说：“很多人也这样说，不只是你们而已。” 我离开之前对妈妈说：“妈咪，拜拜！” 在路上，哥哥说他刚才有急事所以迟到。我说：“哥，没关系！反正我有睡一阵子，精神就不会那么差。” 我们到Oldtown White Coffe喝茶点。我本来点矿泉水，哥哥说：“别省啦！” 于是我点了烤面包和柠檬茶。不久，志豪、Shi Yuan和Vincent也来了。“你们吃了吗？” 哥哥问。“吃了。” 他们三人答。

  吃饱了后，我们回家啦！途中，哥哥的车子出问题了，我问：“哥，你车子会有事吗？” 他安慰我：“妹，别担心！哥现载你回家不然让你家人操心。” 他送我回家之后，他开车往回自己的家。我目送车子。

  虽然只有我和哥哥两人聚集，但是我很开心！这是最好的安排。

A Mini Reunion with My Senior (8/7/15)

  After the lunch break, my friends and I went to JC 1 at Sunway University new building for the library tour. Earlier, I sent a message to my senior through Whatsapp that I would meet him at the auditorium when I reach the University. It was 2.02 pm, 28 minutes before the briefing started. Clad in a red shirt and blue jeans, Shu Yie came towards my direction. We greeted each other. I told him all the fun things that I had during the past two days. 

  He said:"Well, I'm glad you have a great time. Now you're in college, things will be totally different." Which was true because college life is totally different from high school. "I bumped into Vieshanthan on my first day of college during lunch break but he didn't notice me," I said. Shu Yie told me that he and Vieshanthan are in the same football club. Well that's cool! 

  I did tell him that I screwed up the placement test which was Maths on the first day. "It's okay, at least you tried. You don't have to worry about anything in college. The most important thing is you have to play your role well as a college student, complete your assignments and have fun! That my junior is the key to unlock your life in college," he said. 

  "Okay, I will keep in mind!" I said. 

  "How was the tour in Monash University?" Shu Yie asked. "It was great! The campus was huge and we had this workshop under the School of Arts and Social Science," I said. "Glad you enjoyed! What makes you to come here?" he asked. I told him my parents encouraged me to do the MUFY Programme because it is very flexible and well recognised. "You made a good choice!" Shu Yie praised me. 

  Apart from that, Shu Yie gave me a bit information of the university's library. "You will definitely love it!" he assured, that means I will definitely love the place. I asked where were the other seniors back in high school. "Some of them are having their examination since you know it's examination week," Shu Yie said. "Yes, I understand. The lecturers did tell us one of these days. Maybe I can meet up with the other seniors sometime," I said. 

  Shu Yie told me that he would arrange the meeting next week if possible. Just left two minutes before the briefing, he wished me luck and gave me one advice:"Kar Marn, just do the best you can! I know you can do it!" He headed to the door and left. 

   Senior and junior finally reunited! 

  

First Day of College (6/7/15)

  After months of waiting and spent three weeks of Form Six last May, the day has finally come- I'm officially a college student of Sunway College. It's always been my dream to be accepted by one of Malaysia's top universities.


  At 6.31 am, I wake up and check the screen of my iPod, well I'm 31 minutes late! After getting dressed, it's time to hit the road for Sunway College. As my dad drives his Volkswagen down the streets of Kuala Lumpur, my mind has produced a lot of questions "Will I fit in?" , "Am I ready for this?" and "Will I make new friends?"


  My mind comes to a stop when I reach my destination- Sunway College. I hop down from the car and head for the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) corner to sign up. The first one who welcomes me is Mr. Lee Thye Cheong- the director of MUFY. A fellow MUFY student leads me to South West class room 2 at Level 4. They are having a ice breaking session. The game is simple: Introduce yourself to the whole class.


  After that, we are given a tour around the campus. At the University Hall, we are given a special "Welcome Ceremony" which is get to know Sunway College better. Time for my lunch break. A senior approaches to my mum and I, he said "Hi, I'm from the SAT Club. I would like to invite you to our freshmen night," I even bump into my schoolmate- Vieshanthan at the canteen as well! Unfortunately, he didn't notice me.


  There are two placement tests which are English and Mathematics. I screw up the Maths test because the time given is only 45 minutes. I did manage to complete 23 questions out of 35 but it's okay, at least I have a chance to prove myself.


  College life is my new beginning.

双亲节2015

  我来自一个充满幸福以及温馨的家庭。在我家人的眼中，我不是一个残疾的孩子而是一个勇敢、坚强的孩子。我小时患上痉挛性双瘫，它不是传染性的。我妈妈把我送到她的马六甲家乡让外婆照顾我，这样妈妈可以放下一百个心和爸爸在首都吉隆坡上班。

  年幼的我当时见到陌生人的时候，就会大哭起来。亲朋戚友来拜访时也是会大哭。为了克服我的恐惧感，外婆带我到不同的场面去例如：游乐场、喜宴、生日派对、百货公司等等。外婆是要让我知道我是可以像其他平常的孩子一样——— 一块儿在孩子群疯玩。长大后，对陌生人的恐惧感慢慢消失。

  外婆对我而言，她是我生活中最重要的人因为她用爱心来培养我们姐妹俩。到了今天，我们快快乐乐在外婆的照顾下长大。今年的情人节，我为了见Astro本地圈艺人见面就纠缠着外婆带我到新春嘉年华。她便答应了便带我去见艺人们的本人。当时我觉得我是一个幸福的孩子。这不是我第一次见Astro本地圈艺人，一年多在我母校——马六甲革成华小和Astro本地圈联手举行“我来自新村武吉巴汝嘉年华” 。当天的慈善晚会圆满结束，我到台上和《Astro新秀大赛》2011的亚军得主——赵诘莹合照。

  自从我出生以来，我妈妈每逢星期五从首都吉隆坡搭巴士回马六甲家乡来探望我。虽然妈妈有工作在身，但是她还是以妈的妈妈身份来陪伴我和妹妹。周末时，妈妈会陪我和妹妹做功课、到百货公司逛街、在餐厅聚餐等等。我爸爸在学校假期带我和妹妹到首都吉隆坡。每一年KLCC有举办大众书局海外书展，爸妈都会带我们姐妹俩到哪儿去到“书香世界” 挑选我们最喜爱的书本。

  现在踏进叛逆期的我也有固执的时候。我有时会和父母之间有一些的不满，但是他们用最温和的方式来解决一切。我是一个幸福的孩子！爸妈，请容许我说一声“我爱你！”

  在这双亲节让我们勇敢· 跨越让爸妈听见爱！祝爸妈双亲节快乐！

  Sean许益凯《听见爱》——Astro双亲节主题曲