I'd probably be posting less about Rotaract and more about other stuff but since my weekends are thoroughly laden with Rotaract work, hence, there you go, another Project by the Rotaract Club of ATC: Dose of Hope.
All about AIDS awareness and fund raising, we spent one whole day under the sun in The Curve spreading the message. Living with AIDS is equivalent to living in stigma and discrimination. Most of us fail to realise the importance of giving hope, second chances, equal opportunities to AIDS victims because we are fortunate. Yes, prevention is one ambit we lay our focus on, but when there is contact with victims, society at large shun them aside and label them in order to discriminate.
We have got lots of performances and fun activities for crowd drawing purposes; you need a crowd to educate ma right, logic. We have even got AEISEC University Malaya to come join us in awareness raising. MAC gave us flyers. The Curve was kind enough to gave us a rebate on the name of charity. The lion dance was also on rebate price, so as the PA system. It's great to see that, society cares.
Of course, million thanks to the awesome crew who made everything possible.
The preparation of Project Sign For Your Life (SFYL)was like a massive Karaken roller coaster ride. From high point enthusiastic discussion to no funds, from a four digit pump of cash to no participants, point was, everything was happening at the same time. On the morning of the event, I woke up late and Brandon was forced to have a conversation with my mum after yelling like a madman outside my house for half an hour.
In a nutshell, SFYL was a success, though there are obviously mistakes for us to learn and grow from. Of course, there is the awesome crew to thank and the mastermind Denise, as Organising Chair to be awed of. It was a massive project, and it ended well.
I was also reminded by CP Chiew Ee, that we do Projects because we want the society and members of the Club to benefit from it, not to fulfill criteria and win awards.
I shall pledge for discipline from today onwards. The fact where I used to wake up at 6.30am every day has became some long forgotten civilisation which needed a revival. Oh please remind me that my LLB Exams are like 125 days away and I'm still moping around either with extreme entertainment or moments of high tide emo. No good.
*
That aside, I attended DRC together with my Rotaract mates for three days in Hulu Langat. That place was so ulu that my phone line went dead for the period I was there and I only realised the missed calls and SMSes after leaving. Initially, I was quite unhappy because kiasu people like me view skipping classes as a cardinal sin. The idea of missing Wayne Morrison's existentialist class was like a uber WTF and missing Sunday classes added salt to the wound. I was cursing prior days to the event until somebody who I can't remember told me to shut up and remember my role as Secretary to the Club.
But the Conference proved me wrong that it was a waste of time. The talks are all interesting and inspiring, provided me with insights and enlightenment, (Okay it's weird to suggest, but I'm the kind of person who enjoy listening to talks). Initially I thought it would be some lame speaker but it turned out otherwise.
I enjoyed spending time with my fellow Rotaractors and talk crap with them. Getting closer to them as my friends is fun and pleasant. Moreover, it's an avenue to meet more new people and get to know new friends.
And proud to be from RAC ATC who once again, contributed the most number of participants to DRC=)
Prior departure.
*Disclaimer: All photos are stolen from Aaric Iskandar.
It was an experience of its kind, I'm glad I participated despite missing classes. But kiasuness never dies in Hui Ting, and hence I somehow manage to sprint to college right after DRC to attend Trust class. The point is at least, my conscience is fulfilled.
When sis went for her medical check-up abut half a year ago, she got herself vaccinated for HPV. I vaguely took into account of that incidence, only remembering mum being head over heels, trying to get me vaccinated. I remember, though not vividly, that I brushed off her advice and assured her: 'Where got so easy kena one?' I thought that, I was young, not sexually active, and very scared of needles. But it was the hindsight of that day.
Today, the Ministry of Health is pushing Malaysians to vaccinate themselves for HPV, and had provided vaccination for 13 year old school girls nationwide. My girl friends, are getting themselves jabbed and when we few get around together and talked about it, the need for prevention measures gradually flowed into my mind. What I thought half a year ago, may not represent the situation now, and especially with more and more life examples of perfectly healthy people going through health issues out of a sudden, one may ponder the thought of taking measures to protect oneself. So the cliche goes: Health is Wealth. Though after almost fainted when they told me it's like 1k to jab myself for HPV Vaccines, it's okay, because I want to get myself protected before anything else happens.
"Human papilloma viruses, HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. HPV can also cause other types of anogenital cancer, head and neck cancers, and genital warts, in both men and women. HPV are estimated to cause about half a million cases of cervical cancer every year, and are the leading cause of death from cancer for women in the developing world."
Cervical cancer weih, be scared ok?
"For this reason the vaccine is recommended primarily for those women who have not yet been exposed to HPV during sex.Women should continue to seek cervical screening, such as Pap smear testing, even after receiving the vaccine. Cervical cancer screening recommendations have not changed for females who receive HPV vaccine. Without continued screening, the number of cervical cancers preventable by vaccination alone is less than the number of cervical cancers prevented by regular screening alone."
It's always better to be safe than sorry, and you may not know what will happen tomorrow. Love your body, get yourself vaccinated for HPV, ladies. Though I have no idea how I came up with such a community message-like post which is so intellectual muahahaha, but yeah, the message still stands.
1. If you're married, stay fucking away from my friend because she's a girl and you don't play with her feelings and tear her future apart. Have some integrity, would you?
2. If you have a great heart, you will forgive me, and you will not judge me based on what I've done.
3. If I can balance my life, so much so that I can study, produce good results, work and financially support myself; you be proud of having me as a daughter, instead of wanting more and more from me. Don't stop me from being young and burden me with your conservative principles in life. I know they're meant well, but I'm just not that type of person who can sit still. I want to enjoy life and play as much as I can. And why you worry? You think every parent can attend convocation during their kid's first year in college ka?
4. If you are still a friend, please show me who you are to me.
* Disclaimer: All the 'you-s' as above do not refer to a single person. Multiple defendants here XD
*
On a lighter tone, RAC ATC just held their 3rd Installation Charity Dinner last Saturday. Since coming into office for three months, I've been privilleged to hold responsibility of tasks which I never knew could handle, and in due process, made me a better person, and widened my horizons. The experience is priceless, and though in sacrifice, I've got no regrets=) *Macam president's speech pulak. That Saturday afternoon, 16 of us crashed into my house which is mini sized and occupied the entire living room. I think my maid is still in shock because she had never seen so many noisy people in her life. The highlight of the day is receiving so many incoming calls for directions to Sri Damansara Club until I feel like scolding people. Anyway, it was all over and finally, cliche to say: back to books again=)
I am proud that our mooting team finished second and will be representing Malaysia to the International rounds at New Delhi. They did a great job and was splendid, awesome, amazing, fantastic....phewwwww!!!
For us student volunteers, was pure labour, enough said.
Anyway, it was a great hell of an experience. Knowing other friends from elsewhere is cool=)
It always had been difficult to tell the truth that hurts, moreover telling the stark fact to someone you really love and care about. It had been challenging enough to me. When Qwen called me after we finished our Criminal Law paper, she was upset and crying over the phone. She told me she had only managed to finish one out of the supposed four questions and was wondering how bad was it. Very bad, I was biwildered. It only could mean a total fail for that paper itself which indicated a fail grade for the entire year. No referral whatsoever.
The Qwen I know is smart and intelligent, not forgetting to mention she obtained excellent STPM results before coming over to ATC for a law degree after turning down a sparse offer to pursue a degree in Economics in University Malaya. In fact, knowing that she had not been constantly reading and revising, Qwen turned 360degree hardwroking during our revision months; she read tutorial notes that no one would touch, attended every revision classes, asked questions around and consulted lots of lecturers on queries in law.
She knew that she had failed the year for failing the first paper. Yet she turned up for the following subsequent papers. The spirit of a fighter was the one which drew me in awe; it does not really matter what the results are, so long as the journey was worth its while. It is a matter of choice and Qwen took a very principled one: to continue what she had started, and finish it strong.
So it applies the same to winning Project O&O. She was fighting for the top, and it does not really matter at all whether one would win or not. Before the results was revealed, she had already did her part, did it well, and hence should bear no regrets. Qwen already had an awesome personality and with sheer determination, the ability to withstand change and pressures, the outcome after joining Project O&O is a Qwen who deserves a standing ovation for who she is and who she had become. She is a classmate, a friend and a role model to be admired and followed.
For what Project O&O had did to her, is subjecting her to be better than who she already is; more confident, outspoken and daring. For what it had made us, friends and supporters, spectators from the third person's point of view, is where we see life transforming changes and get inspired, then apply these to pursue the dreams that we desire. It had been possible for finalists of Project O&O to obtain what they want, and it is definitely so for us too, in what we had ever wanted so badly.
To Qwen, you had made all of us proud. After viewing lots of Edmund Tham's, the following capture may be an insult, but nevertherless, it is just to show you Qwen, that we love you lots.
'Talent is cheaper than tablesalt. What separates the talented one with the successful one is a lot of hard work.' - Stephen King
Henry, Michelle and I attended MSLS (Malaysian Students Leaders Summit) for two days, which was organised by the UKEC (United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysia). It was held in Nikko Hotel KL, attended by students in universities. It was a very enlightening event, and without doubt, I am going to attend this again next year. Besides eye opening speeches, the exposure towards other students and potential leaders of tomorrow with their opinions was also very memorable. One of a kind experience, I daresay.
Dr Koh Tsu Koon giving a speech.
Science and tech thing.
Actually there were more photos during the first day of the event but I did not bring my camera, hence the lack of photos. Oh, we have got lots of national leaders in their respective fields giving us an insight about their perspective in the governance of the government and specific issues pertaining the growth of the nation. Okay, whatever people may say, I just believe that if we want to get things done, we have to take a stand and stop fluctuating between differences and stop generalising solutions for specific problems. Everyone was quite interested in the topic of One Malaysia, and whatever positive or responses that had been received, one thing has been justified. All of us wants change to move forward. Wants to be heard. And students are definitely not stupid nowadays.
Our beloved YB Khairy.
Yesterday Dr. M came who received a standing ovation from all of us upon his arrival. Influential man, he is. The opportunity to listen to his talk is once of a lifetime, due to his old age and all. No photos cause I forgot my camera. =(
Of course, not forgetting the smart looking law students. Michelle looked great in baju kurung. A sincere compliment. =)
Oh, by the way that guy there is Bryan. Henry's best friend. He is cool.
Four of us in the most important seats of the day. =)
For further info, check out http://thestaronline.tv/default.aspx?vid=3926
Today has been a tiring day. I went to different places in one go, never stopped my pace. And phew, tiring but rewarding at the same time.
Anyway, Happy New Year everybody!
The past new year eve had been a lame one, namely I went mamaking with the twins and bored our asses off. So trying to make this year's a nicer one, I have been drawing up some plans to make this significant day a memorable one.
Plan one was go Starbucks with the twins, Shin Peih and Zi Qin. Ahh...I thought it will jadi, but aihya..tak jadi pulak. Never mind.
Plan two was Plurkers were planning a gathering in 1U, but they didn't make the location and time clear, and I'm a bit not confident about these cyber gatherings, so I just scrutinize new wing to see any familiar faces but saw none, so went back.
Plan three was, well, mamak again.
So when I was coming back from 1U, Shin Peih told me that she's actually in Ikano, being a bulb as usual. =D=D So went and find her, and passed by the maddening crowd outside The Curve. People were filling up the place for the New Year celebrations.
Actually we were pretty scared about the road blocks and causing jams around the place. So went back earlier, and then SP: Oi, let's go Cofee Bean lo. HT: Where de? SP: Desa Parkcity la. no people there de ma, can talk habis habis. HT: Ok lo.
Ok, seems like we were very wrong about Desa Prkcity.
It's crowded with people, and saw some familiar faces. Dunno it's a good thing or not. And even in Coffee Bean, it was full and we had to wait to get seated.
SP: Walau, so many people de? HT: How I know leh? I thought will be quiet till can hear mosquitoes. SP: ...
So once we sat, we were never gonna easily move our asses. And to fill in the blanks, we camwhored as usual but not much. SMSes kept coming in and Shin Peih even got a call from her sis from overseas. Pretty fulfilling ler..
Our cakes. Shin Peih's Blueberry and my triple layer cheesecake dunno what lar.
=P Shin Peih leng lui.
=D Aihya, Hui Ting also leng lui mar...Cheh...
Afterwards we counted down at the lakeside. There were fireworks display.
Very sien to put all, so just upload a little.
Welcome 2009! Make my new year a 365 days of unlimited excitement and adventure. Let me experience new things and meet new people. Let me grow and mature. Let my wishes come true. =) Afterall, I am just a simple human being craving for a little bit of rush in my blatantly average life.
After those long hours sitting on the stupid chair which burns my ass, well paid off, because today is the last day of STPM. HOORAY! Which says that it's putting my misery and sufferings to a bloody full stop. And hell yeah I can do a lot of things that I wanted.
After the exams we took a photo at our class. Cherishing the very last moments we would be together as a class. Because as you know, we're going different paths after this and whatever people say about keeping in touch it would be, ahh...a naked lie, because as 'out of sight out of mind' applies very suitably to this condition.
We once had pleasant memories but we still have a future ahead to achieve. I will miss you guys always.
And after that I joined my classmates at Secret Recipe for high-tea (kononnya not lunch because it's already after 4) and planned about the Christmas holidays and new year countdown's party. So much laughter together because after exams I think everyone is like so damn relaxed and fun. =)
Then I went mall marathon with Shin Peih and obviously spent. We went to The Curve, Ikano, Cineleisure and Ikea (as if we want to buy furniture). But also managed to find something to buy in Ikea.
Toilet scrubber also can! Haha. Of course la, I wanted to buy mirror for my newly renovated bathroom. But luckily didn't buy because seems like mum doesn't want me to choose for myself. But still bought some kitchen utensils(I want to cook during the long holidays), notebook, the scrubber and photo frame.
They got all these cool decorations for Christmas at the curve. Check it out!
This one looks like the giraffe wants to eat the leaves of the tall Christmas tree.
The elves. I don't really like this theme. But they made a really creative effort. It looks like everything is green with elves poking here and there.
Me high-fiving the elf. LOL.
This elf is like flying. Exactly what I am feeling now. FLY~~
Outside Cineleisure it's like this. Angels with crooked waists. =P
And there's a moment where it started to snow. Because the angels are like squirting foam out and people started to take photos like mad. WTF? Shin Peih said that it looks sticky and yucky and dirty. 100% agreed.
And in Ikano it's like this.
Haiyeah! I bought some bermudas and a top at Padini. Used about 100 plus plus. But happy because I have bought something. Then kena hut lah~ 'hah! So many things to buy meh ah you??!!'
But who cares? Exam's over and I am glad that it keeps on this way. Relaxing with meaning is the ultimate joy of life.
PS: There were lots of unpleasant memories that I had experienced in school for the past 2 years. I am glad to leave it. The place and the memories. Really there are nothing worth so meaningful and remembered. Friends, miss you all the time. But the life there is gonna be deleted permanently from my mind.
Twins, you're right. Life's still exciting without it.
The o8o8o8 factor had taken toll on Malaysians after the mayhem of the Olympic Torch Relay (twins, Zi Qin and I attended too), and following it, to celebrate the largest Asian country of hosting the Olympics, the National Olympic Council organised Olympic Run, opened for all to participate. McDonalds was the official sponsor.
As early as 7am, we gathered at Merdeka Square. There were already lots of people. And from far, we could hear music blasting and some of the main roads were blocked by the dutiful PDRM.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building at Merdeka Square.
Many were there. Besides us squash club members, we also saw Pei Foong, Boon Fei, Lavenia, and to my surprise Michelle with her boyfriend Navin. We also saw quite a few ex-classmates and some of my sis's friends.
Oh, yeah, the route for Women's Open category is a whopping 7km. When the gun blasted, we jogged. It was only about 5 minutes when Zi Qin started to complain about stomach cramps. So I left her and continued my slow jog. Sing Yi, Yee Toong and the twins were already sprinting in front. And after about 25 minutes of continous jogging, my legs gave and I walked. So, I lost Michelle and Vicky because they sped past me.
So the rest of the route was: jog jog, pant pant, walk walk, then run again. Then there was a check point for us to have a quick drink. Then I ran among strangers. It was almost about the end when I saw Yen Yuen. So we ran together and talked. Then we saw Yee Toong and Michelle walking in front. I quickly ran towards them, but when they saw me, they continued running. So I was left alone again.
Alas, after about one hour, I reached the finish line. Grateful to get the cert, because certificates are only issued to those who were able to finish the run within 70 minutes.
Yoong Sin running like a orang gila towards the finishing line.
The best part was, there were lots of free stuff. Free Cornettos, Ribenas, Milos, Vitagens. The guy on the Cornetto stand was shouting: "each person one only", which obviously nobody cared, because we all each took two, and in the end were suffering because cannot manage to finish two ice-creams in a go. Michelle took three. I drank 3 cups of ribenas, 1 milo and 1 vitagen. Until now I still regret not having more Milo.
The crowd at the free stash booth.
Michelle and me after running.
Yoong Sin and me. After that Yoong Ling was complaining because she did not get a chance to take photo.
I slammed down on bed after I bathed as soon as I reached home. My legs were tired but I surely had a very happy day participating in a run like this.
It all started with a curious click on a link on top of my mail when I checked through my e-mails last month. Earth Hour 2008. See the difference you can make.
This is a non-profit organization by the WWF, in order to create awareness among people about global warming and climate change. On 2005, Sydney decided to power off their lights for 1 hour. From 8pm to 9pm, the citizens of Sydney lived in complete darkness, going on with their lives. 2008, Earth Hour is a global program for any city, any business, any organizations, anyone to join the force, and spread the message about environmental consciousness among all inhabitants of earth.
So what should I do, you ask.
Simple.
On 29 March 2008, 8pm to 9pm, turn off your lights.
Okay, if you are bored *yawns*……hey, maybe it’s me. Okay, my convincing skills sucks. Oh please don’t close my page first. Check out the official website. I guarantee you will be astonished about what other people have did, and you will be further convinced by their video clips. Hey, it’s real ok. I signed up because it really touched me so much.
Maybe you ask: ‘What’s so significant about turning off lights for 1 hour?’
Hey, dude. I know you loved counter striking on PC, or your mum can’t miss the soap opera on 8, or your granddad just wanted to watch football. Yeah, I know. You can give thousands of reasons saying you need the lights. And you will say that only you can’t make anything better.
You may ask again: ‘I can, but my family can’t. So, I can’t.’
Well, charity starts at home. By showing a good example by sacrificing 1 hour of Counter Strike will make your parents soooo proud and touched. And probably you will convince them to do the same thing. Well, since you have to off the lights as a family, why not use the 1 hour to sit on the porch, and talk while enjoying the light breeze and the night sky? The point is, in one way or another, as an individual, you can make a difference.
Still not very convinced, okay okay, let’s see what Let There Be Chaos has done. I gathered a few friends and them, also environmental buffs, agreed to spread the noble message by volunteering into it. So, me, the twins and Zi Qin did the promoting job in the place you will never imagined.
School.
Okay, it’s VERY lame.
We went to the official website, memorized every fact, printed posters, did badges and promoted it to our fellow classmates. The posters and badges....scattered on the table.
First response will never be better: ‘What is that? The next was: ‘Are you guys doing this for money?’ And then it was: ‘Why bother? Are you all that free?’
That’s what we got exactly from all of them. It was extremely discouraging. When we approached them, they will look at us one kind. It clearly reflects why environmental programs were never successful in Malaysia. Just look at the simple society in school. They were even reluctant to support their friend, let alone supporting a complete stranger outside there who talked about trees and pandas. In addition, this is all non-profit. We were even using our own allowance to spread the message. The printing is money, the laminating is money, the posters are money and the photos are also money! We three spreading the message.
But we never gave up. And soon, people began to listen. Countdown chart in class. Even topped the trigonomerty questions.
Besides turning off your lights on Earth Hour, we must also practice Earth Hour everyday. By changing simple habits we can make the Earth a better place to live in. For instance, saving water, recycling, practice 3R in life, saving electricity, substituting the use of tissue papers with handkerchiefs, using your own containers instead of polysterine boxes when take away food. These are so simple things in life that we can do to make environmental consciousness a part of our lives. Recycle bin made from Ferrero Rocher box in class. Reduce the use of polystirine boxes. Use your own container when take away food. Use hankies instead of tissue papers. Nobody loves wan tan.lol. Practice car pooling.
The board everyone pledged to participate in Earth Hour to stand a chance in making a difference on this Earth.
After all, Mother Earth have gave us so much. Ask ourselves, what have we done for her? Destruction, devastation, pollution. That’s how we repay her? For the air she gave us to breath in? For the water she gave us to sustain life? For the sunlight she gave us to see? The best things in life are free, because Mother Earth allows us to have them.
Think.
It’s all cause and effect. One day, she will repay us by making us ill.
So?
Let’s save Mother Earth together. Let’s protect her against the act of human actions.
We also did a video clip about how we think about Earth Hour 2008. This is it. Enjoy.
it's a video clip about Earth Hour in Maxwell. Not excellent but it's all we can do. Earth Hour 2008. See the difference you can make.
Law student. Aspiring freelance writer. One of a kind, far from perfect. Believes that God is great and merciful. Loves the presence of people in my life. Pledges for a better environment. Cherishes friends and family. Obsessed in books and food. Craves for wisdom and righteousness in life. Feels exhilarated to be given a chance to walk this world. =)
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