17th March 2010 was a special day for me, as I received an email from the U.S. embassy saying that I've been selected as one of the 20 nominees from South East Asia, to take part in a special study program for student leaders on New Media in United States from 26th June to 1st August.
At the same time, my Korean lecturer wanted to send me to South Korea for another two-week-special program, and unfortunately the time clashed. I was kinda in a decision-making-dilemma but, after consulting to many of my lecturers, including the head of International Relations Study program, which I'm majoring in, I decided to take up this "journey to the West". I'm sure that this prestigious program will definitely benefit me in many ways as a student of International Relations Study. ( Thank you, Mr. Rou! 감사합니다 선생님!)
Looking back the days, the whole process of application was nothing but tiring and exhausting. Busy filling up the form, busy asking help from professors, busy getting as much information as we can, etc etc.
Then, I was called up by the embassy to attend a round table talk together with other selected applicants and also some officers at the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) on 8th February. The preparation for the "interview" was of course, hectic. (Apologies to my french lecturer for skipping your class! T.T) I did some research on issues related to New Media, including the topic of Internet Freedom which the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hitherto spoke about. Ahh... so many things to do, yet time so little!
Well the interview went well, despite the fact that most of the interviewees were smart, outstanding and looking very much presentable. Many talked well, some delivered ideas rhetorically and some are majoring in media and undoubtedly possessed strong command in media-related topics. Relatively- I was weak! Of all sudden my brain stopped functioning and didn't even know what to say!
However, I think I managed to express my point of view in the perspective of IR, which differentiated me from the rest. That was what got me selected I guess? (Can't really think of anything other than that.)
Anyway, all I remember was the wonderful Japanese cuisine in Pavilion which I treated myself as dinner after the round table talk!
For all these, I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Madya Dr. Zarina and Prof. Madya Dr. Azizan for writing me the recommendation letters- I was deeply touched by your enthusiasms in helping me, as well as your encouragements. You gave me the confidence which I've never had before, and made me feel that impossible is nothing.
Also, special thanks to our head of department, (Ketua Program) Prof. Madya Ruhanas ; and also Dr. Tang, Mr. Ghapa, Monsieur Sulaiman (Linguistic department) for giving me suggestions, opinions, advices and for willing to share this happiness with me. :)
Another big hug to Mr. Kuik- the person who has inspired me a lot with his special personalities and spirits towards life. What I see from him: Positive and optimistic- these are the keys to success as they set in motion a long-term, continuous and strongly-determined not-giving-up fighting spirit, which sometimes I'm lacking of.
Thanks to my best senior, Kak Sharifah too! I'm really amazed by the click between me and her... it seems to me that we have so many things to talk about, and the topics are endless! Feeling proud for having a role model like her, and I'll definitely work hard to achieve my dreams too! :) good luck sis!
Last but not least, my course-mates! Really feel thankful to god for granting me a bunch of nice buddies like you guys. Well I guess I like you guys more than I can express, and more than you all know,sincerely! (but I hope not many will see this post, quite embarrassing huh.)
And haha, the pick of the bunch- Miss CYS! Believe it or not, your existence is INEXTRICABLE and of VITAL importance to me. Don't think I can ever survive in this cruel battlefield of IR study without having you by my side. I know that I've been a little bit... (just a little bit, maybe?) mischievous!! ^^ love to disturb you huh? anyway, feel proud! don't you think that it's significant that I do that to you? (Laugh*)
no matter what, You'll always be in my prayers! <3
P/s: To my family: don't have to talk much about you guys- you know I love you and you know you love me too. :)
...to be continued.
