Take a stroll down memory lane

*Taking a short break (15 mins) from burning the midnight oil, while sipping a cup of coffee.

Seeing the school kids recently struggling for SPM invites me back to my alma mater. Honestly, I believe that SPM is not the supreme life arbitrator. You got straight As, it might be your turning point (but it doesn't fully guarantees your dream comes true). You failed to get straight As, it is not the end of your world. Einstein who failed a number of times at college became a supreme prominent scientist. Bill Gates who was once a university drop-out became the wealthiest man in the world. Nobody expect he was a genius, and at the age of his late adulthood he earned a degree in law from Harvard law school.

Life is so unpredictable.

I remembered I was enrolled into Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) when I was 16. During the orientation week, we were told to memorize the 'Warisan' song, (a song to enhance the spirits of the Malays and wake us up from the daydream). I liked the spiritual lyrics which highlighted the Malay dilemma and the significance of the unity and endeavours. One thing made me confused, the seniors kept on reiterating that we are now are the victims of the tyrannical other ethnic groups. That was so absurd. I hate the belief and stance that 'we are the oppressive majority in our own land'. Why don't we adopt and fostered the spirit of 'equality' and 'racial unity'? Put yourself in other shoes. If everyone can tolerate, believes in equal treatment, there's no such things of chaotic Hindraf 'attacked' the Eid open-house.

Back to my misery memoirs, since then I hate the seniors and it flared up with their treatment to the juniors. We were not allowed to bring cell phone (even to contact our parents). They would instantly report to the warden if we are caught using cell phone. The cellphone was not an affordable thing that everyone can buy during that time. There's only a number of students who got it. Justifying on this fact, I think their 'grudge informer' behaviours were incited by their jealousy, not of their obedience to the rules. Oh yes and I hate the rules. You have to wear socks (I don't mind that the scarf is compulsory) everytime you went out from the dorm. Every night you have to go to prep's time at classroom. You have to strictly adhere to the scheduled-time to take your meals. All these nonsenses had induced me to quit and continued in normal school. I never regret.

Some members from my family scolded me for my hasty decision. They said studying in MRSM is a stepping-stone to further your studies abroad. I would never turn back. Remember Robert Frost poem on 'The Road Not Taken?, the author was stuck in the roads diverged in the yellow wood and he chose the road which the leaves seemed fresh and there's no trail of men-paces. I resorted to his way. I was affirmed with my stance.

I believe that my alma mater was not only confined to get 'paper education'. That was the most precious time to learn about friendship, embraced your teenhood to the fullest, learning 'skills' about breaking the rules and committing mischievous things, and many other 'real education in life', all are priceless.

*I have to continue reading on my coming paper this Friday.Wish me luck.