Transitional Phase

Ah, I remember putting on my concert costume performing one last time during my kindergarden days which I spent at Holy Light Kindergarten. Then my kindergarten teacher had a hard time finding a mortar board to fit my relatively big 6 year old head. Then I knew time to say good bye to my friends and teacher where I continue my primary and secondary education elsewhere.

That transition was not something I look forward to because I like my friends, perhaps I'm a fan of familiarity. Even at such young age I was thinking in such manner.

Now, after 15 years, the finishing line of my tertiary education is within sight. I had to bid farewell to a place I spent 3 years at - Kampar. Fair to say my good times there over-weigh the not so good ones. It was my first time leaving my home (then), so it wasn't easy. I'm sure it's likewise for anyone who left their hometown to pursue their studies.

I recall when the days of putting on school uniform comes to an end in 2007, a lot people whom I was close with headed different directions. It was tough settling into a new surrounding such as UTAR, sometimes it's like a duck trying to fit into a flock of chickens. Eventually, the people I met during my Foundation in PJ are the people who are closer.

There are a lot of people that I would like to thank to help me through but there are certain individuals whom I would like to extend my gratitude, deserved to be mentioned here. Firstly, Mr. Long. Oh tai lou(big brother), you're ever concerned and warm, especially after the occasional fights I had with my ex-girlfriend when she's at KL and I'm at Kampar. I had a tendency to sulk alone, and you were there to accompany me and we would go grab a meal together.

Then, CPM I dare say among so many people I've work with for assignments and work, you're definitely one of the most reliable. Your assistance in class and off class are invaluable to me, thank you :).

Captain/Founder of Brothers Futsal team, you might not realize but your presence actually lighten up the people around you. Thank you for encouraging me to play futsal and invited me to join your team - it's hard to mix around there without any teammates. & also the times when you gave word of advice when I'm having rough patch with my ex-girlfriend, I appreciate that too.

Greatstyler, your ever caring nature touches me. Fun-loving and opinionated, you're truly one great guy. Never regret having you as a friend, my buddy.

CLC, probably the reason why I leaned more towards the darker side. Your mixture of being caring-outgoing-funny-perverted nature never fail to make people laugh. Thanks for the times you've been there for me man.

Apparent-"BFF", your presence never fail to lift up my spirits. Though you got me into deep trouble last time, I've never regretted our friendship because we are clean :). You're a friend any person would definitely cherish. Thanks for listening to my rants, thanks for being there :).

imba player, perhaps the person I spent most time with throughout my tenure in UTAR. You may present yourself as a playful dude, but you're a great company. I'm glad to have a familiar face around me as I step into tertiary education. We've come a long way since Std 1 - now grown into men at the driving seat controlling the direction of our respective lives.

Last but not least, chocolate cake. If you are ever reading this, I'm apologetic and sorry on what kind of state we both are in at the moment. Glad to have you in my life anyhow. You carved your mark in me indefinitely which I'll carry till the day I stop breathing. Thanks for completing me once, and bringing me happiness that I never felt with anyone before.

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I've also learned that life is never a smooth ride, if you think it is, you deserve a wake-up call. The closest people to you could possibly be the one that hurt you most. Keep your guard up. There are pretentious people out there. Be careful of who you tell your personal matters to - some are really concerned aiming to help you while most of them are merely curious. 

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So that's it. No more waking up to fresh air, storks flying above you, seeing huge monitor lizards and otters swimming, seeing uncles out-doing each other in fishing, play futsal in Westlake, embracing the lake-hill scenery, cycling to class, burning midnight oil for exams, eating relatively cheap good Kampar food, hanging out at Ipoh, running with Kampar people and so on.

We all encounter transitional periods in our lives, as excited as I am on the changes that are bound to happen, I dare say I am intimated looking forward in the uncertain future.

My 1 week break has come to an end, and Monday marks the first day of internship at OCBC Bank. Pretty positive that I will spend much lesser times here. I'm wishing my peers all the best, be strong, have faith in transitional phase like this. Do not lose faith.

Plus, my 21st birthday is around the corner. Any suggestion on how I should celebrate it?

Last but not least, anyone out there care to fill my empty glass?