Wednesday 15 September 2010

1st Selanjar Exam soon...

Just a short update...
I am going back to the Friday-is-a-rest-day state in 3 days time.
I'll be having 2 exams in the coming 2 weeks, dental exam followed by medical exam.
I've read through the notes for dental syllabus but piles of medical notes are still waiting for me. Nothing seems to be absorbed into my mind now. It's so stressful. I am not sure whether I want to have this kind of life for the next 5 years.

Wednesday 4 August 2010

Stress

University life started 3 weeks ago. Such a short period of time huh? And currently, I am having convo break for one week.
But I am feeling tonnes of stress on me already. It is like having thousands of concretes, enough to build a 30-storey building, on my shoulders. Heavy and suffocating.
I wonder whether it's my mind which increases the level of stress activity in myself.
First, I have to follow all the medical lectures as well as my own dental lectures. Imagine the lecture notes that I have to go through. Every words count.
Secondly, we have language classes and we are given tasks to complete : Oral presentation, job interview, assignments, etc.
Thirdly, we have Teras Keusahawanan which is a compulsory unit to be taken for our first semester. We'll have Jualan Keusahawanan very soon, interviews on entrepreneurs, individual and group presentation, report writing, proposal writing and etc.
Fourthly, we have to participate in some activities to gain merit points so that we are eligible to stay in the hostel for the coming academic session. So, I am in the Sponsorship EXCO team for Projek Hari Terbuka Desa and I have to search for sponsors. I am also involved in performances for Mooncake Festival and Borneo Night. Practices are conducted at night, which means I don't really have time to do sufficient revision as every practice session takes up to 2 hours.
*sigh
I need His guidance and strength to help me through all these. God, please help me.

Monday 21 June 2010

USM Interview 2010 - A Delayed Post

So I passed my MUNSYI test and was given the 'ticket' to attend the interview for DENTISTRY course in USM.

Interview time : 8:30 a.m. (as stated in the electronic 'ticket')
Interview venue : Riverside Majestic Hotel

The day finally came and I arrived Majestic Hotel at 8:00 a.m., thinking I was the earliest. But when the lift door opened, I figured I might be the latest to arrive. Hahaha...It seems that everyone is very enthusiastic to be interviewed, so am I. I was rehearsing the expected interview situation with my friend, exchanging opinions on what questions were most likely to be asked.

At around 9 a.m., the interviewers finally came. I overheard an interviewer saying that Dentistry interviewee will be tested on their hand skills. A jaw-dropping news for everyone involved. There were around 45 people (Sarawakians) shortlisted for the interview, if I'm not mistaken. And we were divided into 2 groups according to alphabetical orders. I was in the second group. :)

After waiting for around 2 hours for the first group to finish their hand skill test, it's out turn. There were a projector, 6 long tables (2 person for each table), chairs and an IMPORTANT-LOOKING PERSONNEL (but I have forgotten his name...LOL!) in the room. He introduced himself as a academic staff in USM(Health Campus). Although he is a Malay, he speaks fluent English and he is very friendly.

So the first round, we were asked to answer questionnaires, the questions that were much similar to the MUNSYI test questions.

For the second round, it was the much anticipating activity : HAND SKILLS TEST. We were supplied with silverish-normal-looking plier (which costs RM1000++), a 5cm So the IMPORTANT-LOOKING PERSONNEL explains thoroughly what we were supposed to do and he also played an step-by-step instructive video on HOW TO BEND A WIRE.
Using the 5cm long and 0.7mm thick wire, the Adam plier, and a ruler, we were supposed wire into an angled Ohm (Ω) shape. (5 straight sides)

It is not as easy as it looks because all the angles must be 90 degrees sharp and the end product must lay flat on the table surface.

There were some interviewee who were twice my size but they can't seem to even bend the wire. They complained that their hands were painful when bending the wire. Luckily, the IMPORTANT-LOOKING PERSONNEL were helpful enough to teach them (one-to-one).

Actually, we were given 15 minutes to complete the task, but the IMPORTANT-LOOKING PERSON totally ignored that and allow us to try several attempts until all of us were satisfied and ready to hand in the end product. He even replayed the instructive video throughout the task. Nice huh?

It's about 12 noon and the first badge had not finished their interview session. So we were given an 1 hour time break to have lunch and come back around 1:30pm.

So there we are. 12 people sitting outside the interview room, waiting for the interviewer. The officer said the interviewer were having lunch and they should be back around 2pm. We waited and waited and waited and finally came back. Guess what? It was 2:45p.m. already.

Each person had around 15 to 20 minutes of interview session. Some interviewee were kind enough to share with us the questions they asked. While waiting, we constantly went to the bathroom to 'reheat' ourselves as we felt that we were in Arctic. -.-'

By 4:30 p.m., the waiting isle is empty, except us, still waiting PATIENTLY outside the interview room. For your information, I was the second last in the name list. And I waited till 6:10p.m. FOR MY TURN TO BE INTERVIEWED! I was not nervous anymore. Tiredness had conquered my soul. So, I went in the room and responded naturally to their questions.

*No self-introduction this time round. They'll ask about your family background. Didn't ask for my certificates too. Just plain talking.*

1st Question (in BM):
Siapakah yang menjadi inspirasi anda untuk menjadi seorang doktor gigi? Dan apakah sebab-sebab anda bercita-cita untuk mencenderungkan diri dalam bidang pergigian?

2nd Question (in BM):
Apakah kriteria-kriteria yang anda perlukan untuk menjadi seorang doktor gigi?

*told me a joke that is not even funny* :P

3rd Question (in English):
If you are working in a clinic, who are the personnel that you have to cooperate with?

4th Question (you can choose your own language to answer situational questions):
(they purposely give me this question because my dad is a civil engineer)
Your father dreamed to become a civil engineer but he could not achieve this ambition due to family problem. He asked you to pursue the same field in order to realize his dream. But you have your own ambition. What would you do?

As you answer, they'll keep questioning you and drilling you until they are satisfied with your performance.

5th Question (in English):
Why should we offer you a place in USM? What qualities you have that others don't have?


Be relaxed and answer questions sincerely from your heart help a lot in going through the interview smoothly. But you'll need to do research about the respective university and your chosen course before you step into the interview room. The interviewers love to see one prepare themselves with real facts and strong points. At least that was my experience. =)

Friday 11 June 2010

A Laughter - Only Happens In Malaysia

My mum just came back from polyclinic. Oh, for those who don't know what's a polyclinic, let me clear your doubts.

Polyclinic is a clinic run by government to serve its people. There are doctors, nurses, medical assistants and medical officers working in the polyclinic. Mind you that when you seek for treatment in polyclinics, you might see a medical assistant instead of a qualified doctor.

So, here's the case.
My mum told the medical assistant that she is suffering from joint pains.
The funny thing was what happened next. Guess what the Medical Assistant said?
Medical assistant asked her, "Why?" The tune of him asking makes it even more funny.

LOL!

Aren't he supposed to figure out the reason why my mum is having joint pains? If my mum could diagnose her illness, then they could have swapped place. Hahaha...Only in Malaysia. :)

Tuesday 1 June 2010

USM here I come!

I guess I am very lucky to be offered a place in USM as a dental student. I have read from various websites where students said that they take into account of your results, extra curricular activities, interview and family background in the university filter process. With an STPM CGPA of 3.92 out of 4.00, extra curricular activity CGPA of 9.04 out of 10.00, and being totally honest about my parents' income; I thought I would not get an offer from USM, the APEX uni, especially in Dentistry because the vacancies are really limited. Try to imagine that only 50 seats are available for the both the STPM and Matric students. And I am one of the lucky ones. Thank God for guiding me and giving me the strength all this while.

But there's fear that I need to overcome after accepting this offer. I need to leave home and I would certainly be homesick even a day away from my family, especially my mother. The relationship between my mother and I is very close. No gap at all. And I am worried about her after I leave Kuching. Tears.

Hopefully I can cope with these changes. Praying hard that my parents will be healthy and happy always. Amen.

Friday 21 May 2010

Saleswoman

I hate this saleswoman beside me. When we want to order products from you, we'll inform you. You don't have to advertise every product of yours. Stop talking please. And why do you always want to persuade me to become your sales agent? She said,"Why do you want to be doctor or dentist? No use. Follow me and you can earn lots of money!" Hmmm....leave me alone please. If you are earning money, why don't your kids follow you to be sales agent? After your kids have ventured into this field, then you can come and try to persuade me, ok? :)
For the time being, please LEAVE ME ALONE. Thank you.

Thursday 20 May 2010

生气就可以不讲话吗?

常人生气了一段时间,就会渐渐恢复正常的情绪。
可是有些人生气了,就把气藏在心中,一句话都不要讲,这算什么嘛?又不是不懂得沟通,有话就坦诚,为什么要从早到晚摆着一副黑脸,嘴巴也好像沾到强力胶般打不开。。。咳,看来只好等到他/她气消了。

Wednesday 12 May 2010

Life After STPM 6

I was called back to school to be a temporary teacher for another 3 days. 2 teachers were sent to take courses and the principal decided to hire 2 temporary teachers to replace them. This would reduce so much burden to other teachers.

The principal DID NOT really asked,"Do you want to come back and teach for another 3 days?" LOL!! At least this is what I expected. Hahaha...

Her tone was like this,"I need two temporary teachers next week. Besides you, I need another teacher. You have friends? Help me search for another yea...." I DON'T HAVE CHOICE!! I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE TIME TO THINK!! Hahahaha....

But I would say I had a great teaching experience this time round. Class management ran smoothly. Year 6 students were very obedient and easy to control. No discipline problem at all. Cute too! LOL...Love to tease them and they can't even answer back! Hahahahaha....

I was teaching Year 5 art subject too. Their teacher asked me to give them an art test.
Title : Local Fruits
And they kept asking:
Teacher, are apples/orange/grapes/pineapples/etc considered as local fruits?
So, to save all the trouble, I searched my 'art piece' and paste it on the board so that they can copy and paste (If they could...LOL!! ^^)

Taught Year 1 English Language. 1B was pretty naughty. And their class teacher wasn't any better. Not from the naughty aspect, but in terms of moral. Impolite!
Here's the situation:
Bell rang and I walked down to the class. The class teacher was still in the class, asking a student to finish up his homework. Okay, I would say this is normal. But I waited for 10 minutes outside the classroom, UNDER THE SUN! And she knew I was there and didn't even say,"Can you please wait for a while?"
I was like,"Excuse me, I am your colleague now, pay a bit respect k! I might not be a qualified teacher, but most probably I can teach better than you do!"
I was in class with my mum since I was young, observing her teaching process...
Didn't say it out though. Just a bit frustrated at that moment. ^^
I don't respect this kinda teacher. She was supposed to help my mum to decorate the backdrop, but it ended up me doing all her work. When it was her turn taking charge, she would tell the principal everything she did, just to boast herself.

Okay, over with that. *Continue the above story* Then, when she came out of the class, she dragged 2 naughty students out and punished them to stand outside. She doesn't allow them to come in although it was my turn to teach them. Then after 5 minutes, one of the top admin walked pass my class. She asked why did I punish them to stand outside the classroom. Hey, which eyes of yours tells you that I punished them, huh?

I met many of my previous students. I thought they won't bother to even remember me. Haha...but they surprised me. While I was UNDER THE SUN(refer to the above story), 2P students gathered outside their classroom and kept shouting,"杨老师!" for countless time until I went into the classroom. OMG! Other classes were having their lessons and these kids just don't know how to control themselves. They shouted from one end of the building to the other end. I was so embarrassed.

So, that's all about it. I stopped teaching today. Now comes the preparation for my USM Dentistry interview. Nervous!

Friday 23 April 2010

Kids Nowadays

Having a really bad mood now.
Back stabbed by a kiddo!

Introduction to this kid:
- 8 years old
- bald
- was my student (I worked as a temporary teacher a month ago)
- very dishonest
- greedy
- having numerous disciplinary problems

So, I stopped teaching on 1st April 2010. I was the class teacher of 2P and this kiddo was in my class. I had to collect computer fees of RM 10 monthly.

Today, my mom came back from school and told me this shocking incident:
Your ex-student, XXX, told his current class teacher that you had collected his computer fees but didn't hand it in to the management.
I was like, "Wat the....., I didnt receive even a cent from him!"
He insisted that I corrupted the computer fees. And so, thanks to the management's trust in me, they know that the kid is lying. They pretended to call the police and finally he confessed, "I lost it."

Although he has confessed everything, it's still unfair for me. Polluted my name in front of all the teachers and students. So frustrated now. I've did my best to teach them and this is the only 'gift' I received. Gonna leave the teaching field forever and ever. Now I realised that a teacher is not a respected profession anymore, most parents look down upon teachers.

*Doing yoga to calm myself down.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Currently In Love With.......THE VOCA PEOPLE!!!

Just watch the videos and I am sure you'll be amazed!!



For more information, visit their website : www.voca-people.com

Saturday 17 April 2010

What A Great Night!

Just had my birthday celebration with friends (16/04/2010).  It's my first time to celebrate with friends though.  Felt really excited and happy. 

We went to Kado Cafe, a cosy cafe situated behind Lok Thian Restaurant, non-air conditioned, but with fantastic decorations.  Pei Zam was already there waiting for us when we arrived at around 6:55pm.  She reached there 30 minutes before us.  What a pity to have her waiting for us, the VIPs. LOL!!
(We = Karen @ Master of BL Zoo, Siew Lin @ The Royal Cow, Phyllis @ Piggy Choo, Jennifer @ Eagle, Me @ _ _ _ _ _ <> _ _ _ _ *secret)

We talked and laughed all the time.  It had been a while since we gathered and went crazy like that.  Piggy and The Royal Cow went to the toilet a few times that I thought they were having bladder problems.  LOL... After we had finished our dishes, The Royal Cow came back with a Chocolate Cake!!!! Arghhhhh...I went crazy...Chocholate-rich cake...My favourite flavour... :P

We asked the waiter to switch off the fan as the candles couldn't be lighted up.  Then we were asked to change to another interior room, with no fan, no air-conditioned.  After taking photos, we switched again to another section of the restaurant because it was too hot.  The waiter had to clean three sections all together.  Poor him.  We called him 'uncle' although he was not old. 

Pei Zam and Jennifer had to leave earlier as they have other plans/transport problem.  We continued chit-chatting for an hour or so and decided to change another location.  Switch atmosphere. Teehee..
We went to Tarrots Cafe at Jalan Kereta Api.  Had another round of drinks and played UNO too.  It had been ages since I played UNO.  Can't remember a thing about it.  *embarrased

Before we left the last location, The Royal Cow took out a present from her bag, asking me to open it up on the spot.  I was too 'shy' to do it in front of them...LOL!!!

That's all about it.  This birthday celebration will be embedded in my memory and my heart forever.  Thanks to my lovely friends.  Muacks!!!

Now it's 1:40a.m. and I am still awake, fully powered due to the happiness, excitedness and craziness experienced.  =P 


The lovely present from Cathy Lam, Phyllis Jap, Karen Chong, Jennifer Ng and Pei Zam .... XD

Sunday 11 April 2010

Grey Area in Life Philosophy

I’ve been living for almost twenty years and still can’t understand the meaning of life.

Just clueless.

Should we strive, to challenge ourselves to do our best in everything, and to utilize every bit of talent or wisdom God has given us to become someone successful in life?

OR

Should we just stay cheerful and live our life the way we like? As people always quote, “Life is short. Live it the way you want it to be.”

For some people, the two statements can be merged into one good sentence, and be practiced in their life as well. For example, a musician can live a happy and meaningful life and be successful in his career. Minorities can achieved this balance.

In comparison, a doctor, who strives hard to study all the human anatomy and stuffs his brain with unlimited increasing knowledge, can’t be cheerful always. Disappointment and depression are always by his side. He might miss many beautiful things in life, such as the precious moments with their love ones. Majorities fall into this group.

For most people, it resembles the case of the doctor. The two lifestyles are just like a pair of parallel lines. Never meet.

But we always hear that doctors are serving God, as they are appointed specifically by Him. Is this what life is all about? About serving Him the way He wants?

Friday 2 April 2010

Life After STPM 5 :)

Yeehaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally, I have regained my freedom.  

1)  I don't have to wake up at 5.45 am every morning, just to get to school by 6.20 am.
2)  I don't have to prepare teaching materials until 12 midnight, which is way much more boring than doing homework.  :P
3)  I don't have to read any unreadable handwriting anymore, which resets my vision and brain to their original NORMAL settings. 
4)  I don't have shout my lungs out.
5)  I don't have to write record books and teaching plannings.


And, I have received my salary!! A cheque....My first pay!!! It feels good.  :)

Monday 15 March 2010

Dentistry or Medicine?

I've applied for IPTA recently, putting Dentistry as my first choice and Medicine as my second choice.  However, I heard from an SUPP counsellor, saying that I have a higher chance of getting Medicine because there are more seats offered for Medicine course.  

The best ending I could have is to get a Dentistry offer letter from any local universities.  However, if it turns out as what the counsellor has predicted, I won't be upset, but I won't be too happy either.  Thinking of the future of a doctor alone is driving me crazy.  The formula generated in my nightmare :
Being a doctor = Working for 36 hours (on-call) = No hibernation for a bear = Self-torture = No life

So, if an IPTA offer letter for Medicine course is mailed to me, should I :
(A) reject it and opt for Dentistry course in private universities?        OR
(B) accept it joyfully and be a good doctor in the future?


No wrong decisions shall be made now..... :

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Life After STPM Part 4

13 more working days to go and I'll be freed from these gaggles of school children.  Phewww!!!

I really can't stand the noise made by my students.  I don't understand, why they have to shout when their friends are just beside them? Why they need to talk non-stop during the lesson? As far as I know, there's NO rules stating that students have to TALK NON-STOP throughout the lesson.  Why they yearn for  the teacher to shout at them all the time? Why they are so 'amused' by the cane, that they stop talking and stare at it once I approach them with a cane?  LOL!!! 

If your answer sounds like this : It's normal.  They are just immature children.
Well, as far as I know, I never behave like these bunch of kids when I were about the same age as them.  Even the naughtiest student in my class wouldn't behave like these wild brats (I'm talking about Year 2 and  students).  It's like I am going into another new world, in which the all these "Na'vi people" are born with hyperactivity nature.  They don't understand my language either, as if I am talking alien's language.   The simplest formula to illustrate this situation is :
1 alien VS 50 Na'vi people = death of the alien, success of the Na'vis.  No unobtanium.  =D

Conclusion, I would never throw myself into the education field, especially in teaching primary school children.  I'll be dead 20 years earlier due to heart attack/high blood pressure if I am in this field.  Being angry every day and scolding people every minute kill me slowly.  The end. 

Sunday 28 February 2010

Life After STPM Part 3

The STPM result was released on 25th February 2010.

It was Thursday and I was still teaching in school when the result is announced.  To get rid of the nervousness and anxiousness trapped in my soul, I sms-ed to check my result.  After 10 minutes, I received the result.  Well, I expect to get 4.0 CGPA but as usual, I am not a very lucky person.  Didn't get what I wished for.

My result is not a secret.  So here you are : 3A, 1A-. CGPA:3.92     *sigh
My Maths teacher was so shocked when I got an A- for my Maths.  I can't believe it too.  Not that I want to boast myself, but I have put a lot of effort in Maths, as well as other subjects.  And I usually get around 85 marks for my Maths.  How can that be an A-?  Oh well, what can I do?  Nothing.

Our school didn't have straight A's (not including A-) students for 3 years consecutively already.  My friends know some of the friends from other schools who manage to get 4.0 CGPA.  According to the usual academic performance of these group of people, they didn't have good track results as compared to us, but they got straight A's.  What we can deduce from this phenomenon is that, each centre (school) is marked by different group of teachers and therefore, different standards evolved in the marking system.  "Un-lucky-ness" has become part of my life.  Let me bare with it for another, say, 60 years? (If I can live up to 80 years)  LOL!!!

Okay, get over with the results.  Now I have to figure out a way to get myself into the Dentistry programme in local universities.  With 300 STPM students getting straight A's and unknown number of Matriculation students emerging this year (predicted to be more than 600 due to the lenient system), I really don't know what is the chance of me getting the course I want.  Having told that there are 200 dentistry vacancies and 1000 vacancies in the local universities, I think the chances are getting lower.  My dad asked me,"Why you always choose the critical course?"  What should I answer him?

If the government do not offer the course I want this time round, I plan to take overseas course or go into private university.  Let the local universities be filled with the 'M' people.  I'll serve another country who appreciate me.  Failing to secure a JPA scholarship with my 10A1 and 1A2 result has really pissed me off.  If I fail to secure a dentistry/medicine seat in local universities, then that's it.  I fade up, not with myself.  You know the answer.

So currently, I am glued to my laptop whenever I'm free, searching for overseas scholarships and applying for local universities courses.  Let's see how it goes.  Will update if possible. :D

Thursday 25 February 2010

Life After STPM Part 2

Teaching Primary 2 is killing my voice box.
There are 50 students in a class and you need to make sure everyone is doing their job (that is studying) and not making noise or bullying other students.
Well, just by describing here is not enough to make you understand how is the real situation in the class.

Imagine that one student reports to you that XXX is teasing XXX.  Once you have settled this case, another student pops out behind you, pulling your skirt and says,"Teacher, XXX is crying. XXX punches her at the stomach."  While you are settling these cases, the other students are making so much noise that it reaches 10000 decibels, or more. 

This continues on and on until the whole lesson is gone. *it rhymes

Education has changed nowadays.  Now, primary school teachers, especially those teaching lower standards classes, are like babysitters, who babysit 50 big babies, and yet only receive the salary from two families.  Fair?

Teaching Year 6 is a totally different experience.  They can be controlled but there are still moments for them to be crazy and noisy and annoying.  This is acceptable.  Just that you have to figure out billions of ways to tackle them and make them your friends.  That's it.

Teaching Year 4 is the easiest for me.  They still believe in lies.  Ooopsss... Okay, white lies.  Nah, I did not lie to them, but other teachers certainly did.  I shall not reveal their names.  LOL!!!  And Year 4 students are not as mature as Year 6 to debate with you.  So no worries.  Just go in the class and act fierce and TADARRR, they will be as tame as a cat as well.

These are my experience of teaching primary school students for just TWO days.  Still 21 days to go.  *Countdown-ing

Wish that these classes are still under my control for the next 21 working days.  =P

Life After STPM Part 1

Foohhhh.....I neglected my blog because I can't escape from my busy schedule although I should be having holidays now after STPM. *sigh

Well, a few days back, my dad was watching the news on TV, then he turned to me and said,"Hey, STPM result will be released on the 25th." I turned to him slowly like there's nothing surprising and asked,"You mean 25th March?"

He then looked at his watch and said,"Should be 25th February since they announce it so early."

DANG!!!

That is the moment I heart stopped beating.  Dying -------- Dead................................

Basically, I didn't sleep well that few days.  Once I think about my result, the chilling sensation run through my limbs and my heart beats like a bullet train.  Yeap, BULLET TRAIN.  Speed : 350 km per hour.

On Monday morning, my house phone rang.  It was my mum calling from her school.
Mum said, "Girl, do you want to teach at your previous primary school?"
I said, "HAR????!!!! When? What subject am I teaching? Students of which year am I teaching? Is it a good class or bad class?"
Mum paused for a while and replied me, "Starting from tomorrow onwards.  You are teaching English, Chinese, Moral and Music.  Your class will be Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6."
I shouted,"What?! Can you please let me think for a while and I'll tell you my decision later?"
Mum said,"Cannot.  You have to make your decision now, or else, they will find others to fill the vacancy. So okay har?"
I replied, "Har.....har.....har.....haiyo....."
Mum said, "I take that as a yes.  Okay, BYE!"

She hung up the phone.  And yet, I have not even spoken any words expressing my decision.

So now, I am officially a temporary teacher at SJK Chung Hua Batu 4 1/2.  My old school.

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Yeay and Booo at the same time...

MUET result has been released yesterday.  I have achieved what I had targeted for.  Thank God.  Satisfied!  Happy!


However, when I receive my real MUET result slip in school today, I read through the details and guess what? The most important details in the slip cannot be seen clearly!! My big name and my IC number....That is really unlucky.  Bet that MPM has run out of ink huh?

I called MPM and they pass my call from the ground floor of the office to the top floor.  And I have to explain again and again since each and everyone of them don't know my problem.  At the end, they ask me to e-mail my problem to MPM.  I wonder how much time it takes them to settle my problem.  1 day? IMPOSSIBLE... 1 week? Still impossible... 1 year? Or I have to wait until the slip expires 5 years later? 100% POSSIBLE....LOL...

A TYPICAL DEPARTMENT IN MALAYSIA