Student Development Camp (Day 0 and Day 1)

Event : Student Development Camp
Date : 30th March - 1st April 2007
Place : Dusun Eco Resort
Duration : 3 days 2 nights
Organized by :Student Affairs Dept.

As the secretary of SWC, I had the honour to attend this leadership camp. This camp was targeted to all chairpersons, secretaries & EXCO members. All societies in KL were required to send 3 representatives (chairman, secretary & EXCO member). Penang branch campus sent out 3 SWC representatives too -- Tan Kok Loong, Ng Joo Sim, and me !

We went to KL on Thursday evening, the bus left the station at 4.30pm. It was a long 4.5 hour journey, Joo Sim sat beside me. We didn't talk much, just discussed about Odyssey Night. God bless we sat in the front few seats (double decker), or else it would be a bumpy journey for us!



**bus tickets as proof**

Reached KL at about 9.00pm. My god! We had to take the heavy luggage from one place to the other! The LRT station was behind Puduraya bus terminal. We took RapidKL from Plaza Rakyat (Sentul Timur) to Masjid Jamek, which cost us RM1.20 . From there, we stopped at MCD opposite the station. Took dinner there till about 10pm. Continued journey to Wangsa Maju by taking Putra Lite from Masjid Jamek, RM2.30.


Upon reaching our last stop - Wangsa Maju, I though only TARC students will alight the train. To my surprise, many other passengers left the train too. We hailed a cab, took a ride to TARC main gate. Waited for about 5 minutes, Ee Kang arrived on a motorbike with his friend. He greeted us with a friendly smile. Gosh, KL students looked so...gentleman. Not too long later, Soo Qi and her friend, Kai Jia arrived. Wow, they sure looked mature for Year one students.

Overnight at Qi Hui's (Soo Qi's friend) place.Honestly speaking, I don't like the single - storey house. Erm, the toilet was terrible. There was this rotten egg smell, couldn't bare it ! Joo Sim and I stayed at her house while Kok Loong stayed with Song Yu and Ee Kang. Went to have a drink at mamak stall nearby which was within walking distance. Song Yu joined us later as he needed to send the gals (KJ & SQ) back to their hostel. Four of them had a pleasant chat over Community Sociology, the different management and handling of society/members in both places. Went back at 2am, chatted with Joo Sim on the bed till 4am.

The next morning, woke up in a haste, as we were late for breakfast with Ee Kang and friends. Had Ee Mee Soup (practically like Koay Teow Teng, just had Ee Mee instead of Koay Teow) for breakfast. Chatted a little, then went back to Qi Hui's place to college luggage. From there, we carried our bags to Sports Complex. Gosh! my arms..so numb, I had been carrying too many bags, all the way from Penang! Darn! The college! It was huge! Felt like I've walked for a few thousand miles before arriving at the complex ~

All participants gathered and changed into the red T-shirt provided by the college. Speech by principal (so called "lao-yi"), the MC was kinda cool. Still, I preferred OP (MC for Orientation 2006/07), who was also the ex-chairman for SWC. Got to know more friends, those participants sitting around us. Bla bla bla...Oh! Lunch time ! Didn't eat much though, no appetite.

Dusun Eco Resort, we're coming !! Sat on bus 2, with Joo Sim of course. It was an hour journey I think, kinda short. Arrived when I was about to doze off. Darn ! Waited under the shade. Thank god I took my Maxis phone along. Bad luck for Digi subscribers. Hohoho ~ Most participants had the excited looks. I could not smile much, my hands were breaking. haha~ Curse the damn bags ! Felt like I took a bag of sand there instead of shirts.Minutes later ,jeeps/trucks arrived and I was assigned to the 5th group. Hopped on and there we go !

We all stayed in dorms --> as for me, I stayed in dorm 4, together with the other gals. Girls occupied 2 rooms, same for guys. Aisyah was the dorm head, dorm key bearer( this sentence sounded awkward! )

Ice breaking was simple, but not easy! Next on the program list was Obstacle course. Gosh, could not explain how much I have missed! *sob sob* Stupid leg, you have caused me much trouble in Korea! The students' eager participation was what I've not expected. Unlike students in Penang, running and hiding behind the trees when it was their turn, KL students impressed me a lot.Probably because they are office bearers. As a leader, if you do not have the courage to even play such games, you're considered a lousy one. Boo-hoo~ (hope I'm not on the list, but I can't deny I am a little chicken!) It was fun for those who participated, for me, well, I could have done better. Anyway, don't give up JO! Come back again when you're ready! YEah! If you want to sleep in satisfaction, you need to wake up in determination! Mr. Alan, I'll be ready for the next camp! (forgive me, I didn't take my knee guard along this time!)


From left : Kai Jia, Me, Joo Sim, Soo Qi and Aisyah
Behind us was the suspension bridge (jambatan gantung)


Cool guys ! Wanna fly ? (Meng & Kim Yeong, don't be so down to earth!)
Back row from left : Meng, TJ, Woo Tong, Kim Yeong Front row from left : Cicak-man, Botak, KK, Kok Loong


Hi !! Greetings from High Fivers! Woohoo !


Muddy trip! Oh-huh! Is Bob trying to kill us?
RUUUuunnnnnnnn !!!!



To trust you or not is a big issue here!


Dinner was simple.The rule was simple too. Wash after you eat. That was it.

A talk after dinner, I thought I would end up sleeping, but Mr. Johnny proved me wrong. He was such a good speaker! Bravo! The talk was : Effective Meeting and Minutes Writing. I learned quite a lot. Hoped Loong learned something too. He's too "grassy" and wanted wear. LOL ~ (quoted from Form 4 Literature - "the road not taken" by Robert Frost)

Light out! Good nite and good bye to day 1 !!

Weird Dream

Arrgh, had a bad week. Assignments due, minutes to submit before semester exams, haven't done any effective revision, sick...

Had a weird dream last night. I dream that I had cancer, final stage. Everyone seemed to look very sad (for me), except me. In my dream, death did not bother me at all, though I know I did not want to leave this earth so soon. But miracle happened, God gave me a second chance to live on. I could hear a voice from somewhere (I didn't where it came from), saying that it was not my time yet, because I am not a true Christian (not baptized). I could not continue my path to heaven, so, God sent me back to Earth.

I felt very peaceful, even though I was on the death bed, struggling with my disease. I know how death haunts those who are ill, but not me. It was really a weird dream.

Another day has passed

Yean Ling , my classmate came to my house last night for a night's stay. Happy to have her company. We watched Dong Bang Shin Ki's banjun drama till 2am. Had a hearty laugh though.

"Freak" by Paran woke me up this morning --> my alarm music. Gosh, could not even open my eyes. Fell back to slumber bed after switching off the alarm. I hate the traditional "ring!!!" or the "tut tut" alarm clocks. They are so annoying, spoil the day!I don't understand why mom uses such alarm clocks. *piff* cast them away! In to the rubbish bin!

Well, good question. Why must I wake up so early (as in 7.30am) ? I had to attend some "walk against violence" program organized by NGO ( I can't remember which organization). Reached Queensbay Mall at about 8.45am. Wow, a large crowd gathered in front of the mall, the MC's voice echoed down the street. Everyone was in a high spirit (for the protest). Called up Kok Loong, and I told him that I did not want to register--too crowded, and I hate crowds. He gave me his lucky draw tickets ( They were of no use to me anyway).

I was horrified (that's a bit exaggerating^^) when Joo Sim told me that they did not prepare any banners or play cards! Gosh. Well,we participated in the protest too, in the end. TARCians in black shirts,walking under the hot sun--imagine how we glared at Kok Loong who suggested us to wear black. Trust me, if a glare kills, Kok Loong would have been shot dead 20 times.

After the walk, we "escaped" into the mall (there were other activities, but we did not participate). The whole gang went to watch Mr. Bean's holiday, Yean Ling followed them too. I did not join in as I've watched this movie before with mom and dad. Sincerely speaking from the bottom of my heart, I would not even think of idling my time away with them. They are really childish. So, I went to Borders and continued reading my book which I have stopped half way through during the last visit --> Tuesdays with Morrie. Good book. Inspiring. Read another book --> SunZi Bingfa : Selected Insights and Applications. Really good book.

Having a great day with Phil today. He's such a great man. He pretended to be my dadii today and I be his little gal. lol~ I really enjoyed his company^^

300

Whoopi! Home at last ! Can't wait to spam online!

I won't be back to college till next Mon.Poof! Let go all my duties ! This week, we are hunting for student leaders for the orientation week. Below shows the committee members :

Chairman : Tan Kok Loong

Vice Chair :

(1)Ng Joo Sim

(2) Chow Weng Leong

Secretary : Ch’ng Hui Juan

Asst. Secretary : Cheah Xinqing

Treasurer : Cheam Yean Ling

Public Relation :

(1)Ng Li Li

(2)Lee Phei Phei

Food & Beverage :

(1) Yeoh Zheng Phei

(2) Ong Wei Yong

(3)Remy Wong Vui Khen

Games Coordinator :

(1) Yeoh Thiam Chye (Telematch)

(2)Teoh Jing Cheng (Treasure Hunt)

(3)Choo Wei Siang (Sports)

Event Manager : Low Yit Shin

P.A : Cheah Hoong Min

Lighting : Tan Sing Kuang

Physical Arrangement : Kong Teik Keat

Stage Assistance :

(1)Khoo Teng Seang

(2)Kong Mei Chia

MC : Tan Ai Vee

Booklet Design/IT :

(1) Eng Wei Hong

(2)Soon Yyi-Lyng

Student Leader Advisor :

(SOT)Cheong Zhi Shan

(SBS) Wilson Wang Chong Keat

Well,I am not happy with this committee.My ideal committee should consist of people from outside SWC ( other TARCIANS). There are so many talented and skilled students outside SWC, why can't Kok Loong just take them in? They can make the Orientation more successful than what we will be having in the future. There are quite a number of SWC members that do not contribute anything (for SWC), so,I don't think they deserve to hold a post in this project.

As for the past 3 days, according to Joo Sim, there were not many students who applied to be student leaders.The response was not that good. Many said they do not have time. I really hope I could train them up a little^^

I scored all As' for my second semester's exam, mom gave me a small treat. Went to eat oyster noodles when we were on the way back from college. Really delicious, but,it was a bit too costly (RM4.50) and there were not many oysters.

From there we went to Queensbay Mall for a movie - 300. The movie was touching, motivating and inspiring. The movie's plot is as follows :

A group of Persian messengers arrive at Sparta, demanding Sparta's submission to King Xerxes. Outraged and offended at their behavior, King Leonidas kicks the messengers into a pit and resolves to fight the Persians. He visits the Oracle, explaining his plan and offering a customary payment in gold. The priestly Ephors, having been bribed by Xerxes, interpret the Oracle's message to mean that Sparta should not go to war, so as to not interrupt the sacred Carneian festival.

Nevertheless, Leonidas gathers 300 of his best soldiers to fight the Persians (selecting those who have already sired children). As they march north, they are joined by a group of Arcadians and other Greeks. Arriving at the narrow cliffs of Thermopylae (or "Hot Gates"), in sight of the Persian army, they build a wall to halt the Persians' advance. Ephialtes, a hunchbacked Spartan whose parents had fled to save him from customary infanticide, approaches Leonidas, requesting to redeem his father's name in battle, and warning him about a secret goat path that the Persians could use to surround them. Leonidas turns him away as his inability to properly hold the shield would create a weak spot in the phalanx.

Before the battle starts, the Persians ask that the 300 drop their arms. Leonidas responds "come and take them!" The Spartans use the phalanx formation, and hand to hand combat, to fight off numerous waves of attackers, including an elite group called the Immortals. The 300 defend their position for a number of days and suffer few losses. Xerxes, impressed, approaches Leonidas directly and promises him wealth and power in exchange for his surrender. The Spartan king declines, saying that he will instead make the "God King" bleed. Shortly thereafter, an embittered Ephialtes reveals the goat path to Xerxes, and is promised a lucrative and powerful position in the Persian Empire.

Back in Sparta, Queen Gorgo, upon the advice of a councilman, attempts to enlist the influential Theron to help her persuade the Spartan council to send reinforcements to Leonidas. Theron agrees to help, but demands that Gorgo sleep with him; Gorgo reluctantly assents. Meanwhile, the Greeks realize that Ephialtes has betrayed them, and the Arcadians decide to retreat in the face of certain death. The Spartans refuse to follow, respecting their laws. Leonidas orders only one man, Dilios, to retreat and use his rhetorical gifts to tell the story of the 300 to the Spartan people, ensuring that they be remembered. Dilios reluctantly leaves with the Arcadians. At Sparta, Queen Gorgo appears in front of the council, but is not supported by Theron, who furthermore accuses her of adultery. The Queen, enraged at this betrayal, manages to kill him by snatching a sword from a nearby soldier. Persian coins fall from Theron's purse, and the Council denounces him as a traitor and unites against Persia.

At Thermopylae, the 300 are surrounded by the Persian troops. Xerxes' spokesman demands their surrender, saying that Leonidas may keep his title as King of Sparta and become warlord of all Greece, answering only to Xerxes. In defiance, Leonidas throws his spear at Xerxes, and cuts his cheek, thus delivering on his promise to "make the 'God King' bleed." Xerxes signals for his archers to fire. The remaining Spartans are killed in the hail of arrows, with Leonidas dying last. Dilios eventually returns to Sparta and inspires the council with the bravery of the 300. Finishing the tale of the 300 a year later on a new battlefield, Dilios concludes that the Persian army, who defeated a mere 300 Spartans only after great difficulty, must now be terrified to face 10,000 Spartans and 30,000 Greeks from the other city-states. The roused Greek host heads off to fight the Persian army, beginning the Battle of Plataea.

Cheing was right. Leonidas's words were really powerful, really effective, really meaningful.

After the movie, we continued to go to Jusco and bought sushi (to celebrate!). Yummy!

The day ended with a smile ^^

20 March 2007

Attended Microsoft Access lecture in the morning at 9am. Will be having theory and practical test on that subject next week, so Joanne, 화이팅!!!!!!! After class, went for SWC duty (enroll student leader), at the same time, I used the college’s wi-fi to access to internet.

I want to be like my brothers, so intelligent and wise. I suddenly realized the importance of knowledge. Without the basic knowledge, it’s really hard to converse with people. I am so glad that I could talk to Jennifer about Australia Grand Prix results when were in MYOB tutorial. Besides, I found out from The Sun Newspapers that, exercise will enhance one’s memory, help to create new brain cells.So, I need to exercise more! Work hard yo !

During the morning lecture, Kelly announced to the classmates that Kwang Lin received a love letter from some anonymous girl. The letter was left on his car’s wipers. Kwang Lin allowed me to read that letter. Geesh, the love letter was really good! LOL~Not too sure what Ah Lin will do with the girl, afterall, he has had a girlfriend.

Watched drama as soon as I arrived home after college. I love a sentence that says : As long as you’re breathing and living your life, you have no right to regret or feel remorse over what you have done. What has passed, even just a few seconds ago, is and will be history. Yeah,I guess that’s really true. Feel remorse when you think it will make you a better person. Otherwise, just forget it and live your life.

Didn’t dine in with Auntie Amy tonight. Went out to Yean Ling’s house to have a chat with her and her friends. She had a Zhang Xiao Xian book in her hand. Told her I loved that author too! Introduced to her a few other books like Narnia, Dan Brown’s books, etc. From her house, we went to Subaidah and I had Naan Tandoori Set as my dinner. Yummy. It was quite delicious. Enjoyed it. Oh, how I wish I have a good camera phone, so I can take good photos everywhere I go. The Naan Tandoori Set cost RM6 and my medium-size teh ice cost RM2. Satisfying dinner ^^

From there, we moved on to Island plaza. Yean Ling’s housemate went to FILA shop to buy some clothes. To my surprise, Soo Pin (my ex-classmate in college) and Gary (first runner up prom king) are working in that shop. Soo Pin stopped studying in Penang TARC but will start a new course (graphic design) in May in KL Main Campus. As for Gary, he works part time (from 5pm). Treated Yean Ling a cup of hot chocolate from Dôme. This was the first time Yean Ling tasted hot chocolate and I told her it would be better if you drink this during winter time – cozy

Once in a while, I really love to give my friend a treat. My friend feels happy and I’ll be happy too. But, I must bare in mind that, I cannot be too wasteful and spend like no one’s business.

It’s past twelve now. Need to have some rest, I’ll be in library tomorrow, revising my basic taxation. Good luck, Jo ~

Good night, mom and dad.

Good night, Father. Thanks for blessing me a happy and peaceful day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Buffet Steamboat with Teacher

Spammed online the whole morning, read up a bit of news on the internet. Gee, Malaysian news are damn boring.

Slovakia's economy is catching up. The country revalued the currency (koruna) against the Euro - as a measurement to cool down the overheating economy (aimed to contain inflationary risk). Myanmar is attracting many foreign investments in energy sector.

My high school teacher asked me out this evening, though I rejected earlier. I needed to revise my Basic Taxation (boring subject, tax cut...). But....could not resist going out for a free treat ^^ lol..

We went to a few places before going to the restaurant. My teacher's car hit a sharp curb, the tires seemed deflated. Went to patrol station to inflate them. She did not know how to do it, so I did it for her ^^ FIRST time.

The restaurant,well, is located by the roadside (busy road), and the compound of the restaurant is really small..Gosh, parking problem !!Some even need to give their car keys to the person-in-charge, so they can move your car anytime ( if blocking other cars).

The food..it's actually buffet steamboat, Rm26.80 (USD 7.64). Not too bad,a variety of seafood, meat, vegetables..**burp**...really full. I would love to take my mom there someday^^

The Mind

The mind,
where the ruler is the mentor himself,
holding the key to everything.

The mind, it may be like a prudent artist,
sketching out the one-way path,
though creating junctions and crossroads,
when boredom bites.

The mind,
it may be like an unscrupulous hypnotist,
a devilish delusion,
a taste of malignity hangs in the air,
at the second when darkness prevails.

The mind,
it may be like a surreptitious spy,
unveiling one's hidden character in the dark,
digging up his murky desires,
compiling his wildness dreams.

Decoyed by innocent curiosity,
beguiled by a sinless lure.
Uncertainly extended his hands into the thick illusive mist,
where right and wrong stood a fair chance.

There,
a vague line appeared.
Between
the tiny whisper of reason,
and the ocean of blind consciousness

The choice was authorized.
Again,
plunging into a familiar abyss of déjà vu,
It's the mind's bottomless kingdom,
where flashes of the past conflicted with the present.
It is the maze of deciphering thoughts,
A task to unmask feelings,
A test of truth,
And
the ultimate verification of one's decision.

© Jo@nne

(Comments are welcomed)