reflections~

I find it hard to believe that it's that time of the year again. The time when we get all busy for Christmas and get all excited about the new year. The time when we look back on the past year, thought of how far we'd come, and make new resolutions for the next. It's the time when we can't wait for what's in store for us, but at the same time say goodbye to a great and fruitful year.

As I think back, I realised how much I've grown. This time last year, I had just finished SPM, nervous yet happy that high school is finally over. Then, I worried about national service, about how am I going to survive those 3 months. Then I also thought about my studies to a foreign land and how much I'm going to miss home. And now, I laugh silently as I realised that all these what may seem like unfortunate events has helped me grow and look at life at a whole new perspective.

National Service was definitely one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and in those 3 months, friendships were made, lessons were learnt, a new me was created. I cried and hugged my friends as I left the camp I soon called home, and toughen myself up for another journey- to New Zealand. It wasn't easy at all going to a new place to study and meeting new people who don't even share the same skin colour, but being here for 6 months already, it was a real eye-opener for me. I became more independent, more confident, and leaned more on God. I found out what the "world out there" is like, especially when I learn from other cultures, treasure my own (Malaysia Boleh!), and use those knowledge to enrich my life.

Still, I have to admit, the best part about going somewhere else to study, is meeting new and interesting people. Or, better still, someone I've lost contact with for years. It really is a small world after all, since I've met a kindergarten friend I haven't seen since I was 6! And also getting close to friends that have so much in common yet never got to meet in Kuching. How ironic is that! Also, creating meaningful friendships with those from other countries, including Russia, Oman, China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, US, and so on. It makes you think about how diverse the world is, and that you're never alone in facing challenges.

I'm beginning to love Christchurch, the Garden City of NZ. A beeeautiful city with wonderful and extremely kind people. At the same time I'm sad that I'll leave Chch for Dunedin (Uni of Otago) next year. Yep, for those who haven't yet known, I am changing to another uni, not because I don't like the current one, but Otago has the subjects that suit be better. I haven't confirmed 100% yet, but most probably I'll be studying towards a Clinical Psychology degree and NO it won't be about treating mental patients la, ok.

P.S. Did I mention that I have a new haircut? hehe. Also, I dissected a sheep's heart this morning. Totally gross but quite fun, too.