Muallim

Peace be upon everyone who is reading my post!

I know, I know, it has been really, really, really long since I've updated. Well, due to the same reasons. Suddenly, I got the urge to update as I really want to share some of the things that I'd experience in my life here in this world. I really don't know how long I'll be writing, I'll just let the words flow until it becomes dry. Heh.

As the title suggest, yes, I'll be talking about those who teach us, not only teach, but also educate us. And who may that be? Yes, our teachers, lecturers, tutors and whoever that have taught us anything in this life. But, in this post, I'm specifying the teachers who educate us in schools, especially those in our schooling life in primary and secondary.

So why am I talking about this now? Okay, let me update a little about myself since it as been ages since I've updated. Alhamdulillah, I just finished my 1st unofficial year in IIUM and currently am having this very looong holiday due to the very annoying fact that IIUM is changing the month they are starting the 1st semester which means that they are pushing it to two months later which means that I'll be graduating later. Enough of my ramblings. So moving on, due to this long holiday, as usual, I decided to do relief work at my old school. Besides getting some income which i can't deny is the main factor (at first) but also to gain some experience as I know I'll be in this field after graduating, but boy, I gain more that I expected. Way more.

So I'll be sharing what I've learnt.

Firstly, never do something for money. Okay, this sounds really general, but what I mean is don't let it be the number one reason. You'll be really miserable, trust me. And trust me, the teachers working are not doing it for money. Why? because it's a very tiring, tiring job. I am truly amazed by the fact that they are working longer than the normal office people and do it straight for five days a week, sometimes six with all the work piling. Even I'm younger than them, but the tiredness is killing me. They seem way better than me, so energetic so cheerful. Maybe I'm a bit bias as this is only one school that I've seen but seriously, how different can it be?

Secondly, the teachers are really passionate in their work, in helping their students. Sometimes as a student we may not realise how much our teachers have sacrifice for us. It's the passion that keeps them going. Seriously, if we don't hold on to our faith and the strength of passion, we can go crazy. Really. If you go through a teacher's life for at least a week, you'll know what I mean. Eh wait, to those who wants a career in this field, I'm not trying to scare you eh, I'm just trying to let you see the reality of it. Even I questioned myself if I can really do this or not. It's an eye-opener for me. Insya Allah, He will guide me through this. =)

Thirdly, being the best teacher that you can be. While being a relief teacher, I questioned myself a lot as to whether I've been giving out my best, whether, I've been using the right method to teach, whether the students really understand what I'm teaching. So many questions, thoughts were going through my head. I realised being a teacher means that I'm carrying a huge burden. A heavy one too. I may look like I'm confident, that I can control the kids (most of the time. heh) but, at the same time, sometimes, I feel like I'm a bad teacher. Sometimes, I didn't pay attention to some of the kids, sometimes, I'm not confident in my teaching. This makes me want to find ways on how to be the best teacher because educating is really not an easy job and there's no easy way out.

Being with them, the teachers, taught me a lot, and although being a relief teacher is equally draining me out, I really don't mind. I know, I've learnt more than what money can buy. The experience that I've gotten and will be getting is priceless. I will not trade it for anything in the world.

Being a teacher requires mental and physical strength. There's a lot of things going through a teacher's mind, how to improve the quality of teaching, how to help the weak students, what's the next plan.. so on and so forth. Basically the mental strength is needed to stay strong and to keep sane from any stupid thoughts and the physical strength is for having the will to go to classes and teach. Especially if you have classes for three hours straight.

Therefore, do respect your teachers, even if you may be at loggerheads with some as their sacrifices is more that we had imagined. Sometimes, I myself, when looking at this cute little naughty annoying students, I'll be thinking, what kind of student was I? Hmmm...

And why did I focus on the primary and secondary teachers? Because they are the ones that we will get close to in our lives. It is the time of our lives when we will be having lots of challenges and changes in ourselves and they are the ones who will help us build our characters, mold us to be the person that we will be later on in our lives.

So those of you who are still in that phase, enjoy the moments aites! Becoming a teacher, a relief teacher made me miss those moments. I wished that I could remember every bits and pieces of that memory, but well my brain can only hold on to that much only.

Moving on, I can't wait for the holy month of Ramadhan to arrive! I hope this coming Ramadhan will be better than the previous one. Since there's nothing much to do, I hope I can concentrate more! Let's pray for the best! Ameen!

One more thing! I'm really looking forward to the new semester, still a student but not studying seems wrong doesn't it? I hope this is the last long holidays that I need to face! Holidays can be a drag if not spend wisely. IIUM is missed, although we still have this love and hate relationship, but I believe that it is a strong relationship that will last as we face through a lot. There's a saying that goes something like we will not know how strong the love is until we are tested. (erks ni main hentam aje =p)

Have a bless Ramadhan everyone! =)

That's all from me for now!

2011 =D

Assalamualaikum everyone!

It's the first post of the Masehi calender! Are yo guys excited??? okay, I know it's lame. Haha I've said this countless of times.. but I'll said it again, It's been looooooooooooooooong since I've update! Just remembered that I have a blog. -_- The last post was about the beginning of the new semester and now it's already the end of the semester. Time is really moving at the speed of light. so how have I been doing?

What I can say is that university life is way different than my previous schooling life. Learning pace should be faster, need to be more hardworking, or start to be hardworking I should say and not slack off too much. Why? Workload is double and time taken to study is halved. That's why. Although there's not much of the daily homework that we used to get, there's this thing called assignment that is suppose to be around 20 pages long essay, that kind of thing. Some are done in groups, some individually. This is just the workload part.

The lecturers are in a wide array of different personalities, just like in the previous school. The difference is that, there's no attachment. Go to class, listen to lecturer, maybe ask a few if not one question, that kind of routine. No extra or remedial class, only make-up class not the facial make up, mind you. Heh. So it seems quite boring right? Totally not.

And why is that? I'm in a different country and a totally new environment especially this is an university with diverse students form different countries. Lots of activities and opportunities that comes knocking, banging, ringing at our doors. it's up to us to choose whether we are up to it or not. Apart from that, we can go exploring in this country we are in, and although it's just a neighbouring country, believe me, we are way too different at times, and we need to learn from each other. Even the way we speak Malay is different.

So, university life is the real deal, where the real challenge sets in. As what I can see, being in an university is a privilege that we get, so we need to do the best in it. Here, the balance is really important. To be balance in studies and the activities that we want to participate. Life is truly great. I really hope I can attain the best here, not only in my studies, but also the experience that I should gain and also gaining opportunities that should not be missed.

One word: OVERWHELM

I think I'm still figuring the way on how to live my life here. It's not just about being independent but also how to adapt to the environment while staying strong. Life is not meant to be easy. =)

I try not to be that emo as before, and maybe I'm improving. Heh. Now, to improve on the procrastination and laziness part! hmmmff~~ =S

As the days to holidays gets nearer, miss my family and those in Singapore, more and more. I hope that they are in the best of Imaan and health.

That's all from me for now! =D

A new semester... a new me?

Salaam dearest people on this planet!

It has been a month plus since the last post. Don't know why I don't feel like writing and sharing my thoughts. Was too engrossed with the holidays. It's not a good thing, I know. Thank God that the new semester is starting soon, and I mean really soon which is two days time.

This is the first semester break for me, and I don't know if I've spend the time wisely. Hmm.. the truth is, I know that I've been carelessly spending my time on mostly entertainment. I didn't get to spend my time much outside of the house due to financial stuffs and most of my friends are not having their holidays, so most of the time, I rot at home. Envy those who get to enjoy most of their time.

The new semester will start soon and it's the real deal as I'm offically an undergraduate starting to learn 'real subjects'. IIUM students will know what I mean right? hehe. It sets me thinking that I should try to at least manage my time a bit better.

وَالْعَصْرِ (١)إِنَّ الإنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ (٢)إِلا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ (٣)

1. by (the Token of) time (through the ages),

2. Verily man is In loss,

3. except such As have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) In the mutual teaching of truth, and of patience and constancy.

A reminder to me and everyone else. =)

One more thing, as much as I want to return to iium to study, I am really not looking forward to all the problems looming around me when i'm back. In need of utmost patience.

Ouh, and i'm looking forward to all the walking that will and should be done. I think, no, I'm confident that I gain a few pounds since the holidays, especially this past week will all the buffet food and the gatherings. And by gatherings, I mean, the Indian gathering with all the glorious food and indulgence. Gosh. I need to start back on the 'uia diet'. Heheh.

And I need to start searching for the love~~ Where is the love~~

That's all from me for now. =)

that day was yesterday =)

Salaam people of the world!

Yesterday finally came. It was a mixture of feelings and emotions. Before yesterday, I was dreading for that day to come. Hmm,, I'm not so sure myself. Maybe it was because what happened last year and last two years, I think. So, I didn't expect much as to whatever that will happen yesterday but Alhamdulillah, the day went by just fine, with a few surprises, of course.

All of my ex-classmates except for one were here at 12 midnight. It is a pity that she can't make it. They make me do silly stuffs and walk around the mahallah blindfolded and sprayed me with water and powder before reaching our room. And of course, I screamed each time they sprayed water cause it tickles my neck. Upon reaching my room, I can already see the light from the candles as the room was dark. After removing the blinfold, my friend who was studying at UM was wearing the white telekong looking directly at me. Thank God I was not shocked by that incident. Haha. If not the whole block can hear my scream again in the wee hours of the morning. Then, they sang the song and I cut the simple but really delicious pandan cake with nutella. Yummy! Went to sleep after talking and watching some videos.

In the morning, while everyone was asleep, I heard multiple loud knocks at the door. At first, tried to ignore it but the knocking does not stop. By that time, everyone was awake and the extra people in our room quickly went into hiding. I then open the door and I can't believe my eyes when I saw that person in front of me. Took me a few seconds to realise that I was not dreaming. It was my roommate's mom at the door. I quickly called out to her to tell her that it's her mom at the door. She came all the way from home to meet her daughter to celebrate her birthday which fell on a few days earlier before me. She surprise my friends by bringing their boyfriends along. How sweet right? And gosh, she brought along lots of food and a cake. At that instance, all of us got up, took a bath and quickly dress up to have the heavy delicious breakfast.

Got a call from my mom to wish me, then she pass the phone to my brothers and my father. I miss them so much already although it's only one month plus since I saw them. When I think back, I have the opportunity to see them every month but what about my friends who further their studies in the middle east? They must be strong. I envy them. But well, I chose this path and I'm not regretting it. =)

In the afternoon, decided to visit my grandma at my aunt's house. Was very happy to see her. Oh, and one of my brothers was there too. Made use of the fast Internet to reply all the wishes at facebook. Went back to UIA during the evening.

Ate the leftover food at the room. You can imagine how much food her mother brought. After eating, cleaning up and watching videos (again), got another surprise. Actually I was a bit sad that my neighbour upstairs didn't wish for my birthday. We just got to know each other when we are here although we came from the same country. I'm really glad that I get to know them. Ok back to the story, I try not to mind that much as maybe they forgot my birthday and one of them is sick. Suddenly while I was standing by the entrance of my room, They came in with a slice of lemon cheesecake singing the song. I was really surprise (again). It was so sweet of them. Actually they plan not to wish me until the night. Gave me a beautiful DIY card. Thank you so much. After prayers decided to go to their room to play some card games. We had fun although I was a bit tired and sleepy in the beginning. Alhamdulillah for the day well spent.

So in conclusion, (err why does this seems like an essay) I ate 3 slices of cakes, 3 plates of rice, 3 chicken wings, 5 spoons of sambal kentang, 2 pieces of tofu cheese and I don't know how many cups of fruitade and plain water. It's been long since I ate this much. Gosh I think I gain a bit of weight yesterday. I like to thank my roommates for planning the surprise, the nice birthday gift and the cake, ned for spraying the strong smelling powder, rhy for spraying me with the water until i scream multiple times. You guys were good, I can't hear your voices at all. Thanks uni for coming all the way down from UM. Thanks to ati's mom for the scrumptious meal and cake. Thanks to my family for the call, I really miss you all so much. Thank you shidah, faddy and razan for the mouth watering cheesecake and the card that you guys made it yourself and for spending time with me. Thanks to all the well wishers from facebook and smses. You guys made my day. The greatest of all is from Allah who gave me this opportunity to spend this day with the ones I love. Alhamdulillah. I love You so much. You really know how to make my day. Thank you Allah!

Oh, and to you, thank you for updating your blog which I'm always waiting for. =)

That's all from me for now!

the end of the first semester

Salaam dearest people!

It is already almost the end of the first semester. Time do fly by really fast. It feels like yesterday that i just entered this new place, trying to get used to the environment, attending classes with a different kind of timetable and now one semester had just passed by.

I, personally will be missing this one particular class, not because of the classmates, mind you, but because of this wonderful Ustazah. Upon entering this university life, I didn't expect much 'bonding of relationship' as I knew that University is way different from my previous schools. Here, our teachers are known as lecturers, homework are known as assignments and subjects are known as modules/courses. I've also heard stories from people I know about university life, and although it seems scary, I know I'm up to it. So, I expect that my daily routine is like, go to class, listen to lectures, do assignments, that kind of stuff. Little did I know that Allah will be giving me this beautiful attachment.

Although I actually didn't want to be in this class because to be in this class means that I can't enter Kuliyyah, but, I really thank Allah for giving me this opportunity to know someone like her. She really reminds me of my beloved Ustazahs back in my two previous school. And although her class requires a lot of speaking in Arabic, I began to like it bit by bit. She always gives motivation and advice to each and everyone of us. I think I never miss her class.

At the end of the last class, when Ustazah was giving a short farewell speech, felt a tinge of sadness inside me. It may be just a short time I spent with her, only a few months, but I'm really glad to know someone like her. It gives me the hope and strength for me to be here. I really hope that our relationship doesn't end this abrupt. I never expect to be close to any lecturers. Alhamdulillah. Allah really knows best! =')

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So yesterday had a competition organised by the Arabic department. I didn't wish to participate in any games or competition, but in the end, I was chosen to participate in Arabic scrabble. I was reluctant at first but in the end I manage to force myself to participate and it was worth it.

It has been long since I played scrabble, as in the English version. So I don't' know what to expect playing scrabble, in ARABIC. It was boring at first but as time goes by, the game becomes interesting and my competitive nature emerge. Haha. And it was my first time using all the letters I had, which is, i manage to finish up the game, for the first time. I was surprise myself. Alhamdulillah, I got third place. Hehe.

It was a nice experience, I wanted to take a picture of the Arabic scrabble but alas, of all the time in the world, my hp battery was low during that time. So no pictures, except for the memory.

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Ouh, I think many have realised that there's no longer the tagboard in my blog. I felt it was of no use as only spammers were tagging on it. so anything, please just comment ok?

That's all from me for now =)

patience~~

Salaaam people!

It's been a while since the last post.. well, was busy with tests and classes. Hehe. So what's this post about? My rantings. Huhuhu.

Actually today is the pre-registration period. This is when we register for our courses for the next semester. I was really hopeful as it is said that students in pre-sessional (those who haven't enter kuliyyah as they fail the english and arabic tests) can apply for the courses. I waited for the time which is at 5pm just now.

Met my friend at the Mahallah's cyber cafe as the internet's better than in our rooms. At first, the website keeps asking to refresh. Then, when I tried to add subjects, it rejects my application. Then the page says that we can only apply for language subjects, in my case, malay language only. -__-""

Feels dejected, heartbreaking, angry, mad (isn't it the same? hah) and whatever else. Hmm.. the manual registration is so frustrating and tiring as I've gone through it. But there is nothing else that I can do except wait for the next semester to start and go through the manual registration. Patience is indeed a virtue. Need to constantly remind myself to be patient and patient.

Well, there's always the hard part in everything we do. No easy way out. So need to accept and be thankful with what I have. Haizz..

So besides that, there's two more weeks till the final exams. Can't believe that the semester is going to end soon! Can't wait to go back. Heh.

Err.. don't know what more to say. Already too sad I think. But well I still love my life here =)

That's all from me for now.

Salaam people!

The internet here is great during the morning, and that's why I'm online and feel like blogging. Heh. Just want to share yesterday's experience.

Woke up in the morning with the sound of an announcement. It was louder than usual. Was trying to make out the words from the announcement but to no avail during the first time hearing it. After the 2nd time, trying to digest the words that I heard. Then, it makes sense, the announcement stated there is no water supply in the main campus, and maybe in the mahallah, as I didn't hear it clearly. All of us woke up, and the three of them, quickly bathe as there is still water available, while I, took pails and fill up with water, just in case. It feels quite funny collecting water and keeping it, as this had never happen to me before in my life. Feels like living in the sixties, seventies. Hehe.

We went grocery shopping at Giant and I think it was the first time that the trolley is full with our stuffs. Was undecided where to eat lunch, but at last chose KFC as we had a voucher.

After unpacking, before dinner, was lazing around on my mattress. Suddenly saw a baby lizard. I quickly ask them for the baygon spray. I sprayed at the lizard but there is no effect. I sprayed at it's face but it's still alive. I was so desperate I didn't realise that I sprayed for too long. I stop when my roommate asked me to stop. Heh. So I took the broom and beat it to death. I don't know that lizards are hard to kill.

During the night, we cook Maggi and plan to watch a movie. Watched Sherlock Holmes but after around 20 mins, we decided to change as we were not focusing on the story and the sound is soft for me to make out the words. So we change to a more 'light' movie which is east to digest.

Halfway through the movie, another roommate of mine saw another baby lizard. Everybody was kanchong. We paused the movie, on the lights and ready to kill the lizard. Alas, I had to do that job, for the second time. Although I know I can do it, I still had that a bit fear in me. So while trying to get the lizard on the floor from the ceiling by using the broom, I screamed all the way. I think the whole block can hear my scream. Gosh. From the ceiling to the curtain to the floor, I manage to hit the lizard with the broom multiple times until the tail was detached from the body. After operation kill was successful, I hand the job to clear the evidence to my roommates. Haha. It was a surreal experience. Maybe, as time goes by, I'll get used to killing insects. Huhu.

Ohh... final exams are less than a month away. Can't play around. Need to pass and score. Insya Allah.

Sometimes, I feel I need to get a grip of myself. Life is just once. Should not fool around much. Teenage life is leaving soon. So must the bad habits.

...يا ربي, اهدني.. اهدني.. اهدني إلى صراط المستقيم

That's all from me for now =)