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Monday, December 31, 2007

Spare a thought for your parents

This story which I heard about - only serves as a reminder to all of us to spare a thought for our parents. (Meanwhile, the persons so named in the story has been altered to protect the identity of the family. However, if it hits yourself, then please do the needful to your parents)Here is how it goes..


Mr and Mrs S have two sons. They loved them very much, they are willing to sacrifice a lot for them. The elder boy, A wanted to study. He felt that if he studied a lot or as high as possible, he would be the star in his family. B, the younger son, on the other hand, has always been the mother's pet. He preferred to earn more money, as much as he could. Mr S is working as a deliveryman, and he is close to his 70s. Mrs S is working as a seamstress, and is in her mid 60s. They lived in a one room flat.

A upon completing his SPM, told his parents that he wanted to continue his studies. He got himself enrolled in one of the private colleges in Malacca, but after a short while, he left, he said the lecturers were not up to his standard. He then persuaded the parents to send him to KL, by saying KL had more and better opportunities for him. And so he went. After 2 years of study, he returned with a diploma and now fully charged to start working. He started working in a small firm. One day, his boss asked him to assist the delivery guy. He was asked to carry the goods from the van to the firm. A was annoyed as his spanking white shirt is now dirty. A returned home and told his parents that that job is not suitable for him. And so he resigned. A spent several months at home, looking for a job. After he came back from an interview, he told his parents that one of the main reasons he could not get a job until now, is because he didn't not own a car. And so Mr S withdrew money from his EPF and bought his son a second hand Kenari. A was not happy. A's friend told him a bigger car is better than a smaller car. A's friend suggested a Waja instead of the Kenari. Mr S stressed that his financial status only covered that amount. Anyway, A is now quite contented with it.

And now, comes to B, the younger son. B a bit more outgoing than A, told the father that he wanted to start a handphone business. He said, its good money, small capital and good market. Mr S however, didn't respond to that. Hence, B a little unhappy, went to work for another company, this time selling accessories for cars. Since A got a car, B also wanted one. B used the mother as a middle person between him and the father. After all the persuasion and sweet talk, Mr S took out more money to pay for the car's deposit. B didn't want a second hand car, he wanted a new car. And so the new car arrived. No longer than a week, the car was "missing". B was terrified as he knew his father would scold him. He kept very quiet, pretending to be ill and lying in bed. Mr S sensing something a miss, asked the elder son to find out the reason. It seemed that B was involved in an illegal car racing. The spanking new car was hit! Both Mr and Mrs S has not sat inside the car yet!

Anyway, all these has happened for quite sometime. The car has now been repaired, of course came from the insurance. The moral of the story is, "please spare a thought for your parents." Yes, they love you unconditionally but please don't abuse them.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Is it a moments' folly or a well-thought out plan?

While gaining experience at the corporate sector, I became more of a "people person". The term "people person" was given to me by my former Personnel and Administration Manager (now Human Resource Manager). During my interview with her with another person, she noted that I was more towards people and I like working with people. As such began the first change in my career. And now, in the "next change", out of the corporate world into the education industry, I noticed many things relating to youth, of which, I find very disturbing and alarming.

1) Relationship with older generation

I may be wrong in this. (Comments very much accepted) Many young adults (those within the age of 16 to 20) do not get along well with their elders (parents, grandparents and other older relatives). The term "generation gap" does it exists? Is there really a difference in opinion and thinking? I do agree that the environment has changed. But does that make a huge impact until the younger generation can not get along with the older generation. From my observations, I have noticed and heard these comments / remarks:

a) The parents are always the last person to know of their problems
b) My parents do not understand me
c) My friends say that going out with parents is not happening
d) We want to try new things
e) We are adventurous people
f) We want to be happening people

Many young adults tell me that they seldom confide in their parents. As they are afraid that their parents might nag at them, thus spoiling the mood at home. Personal issues like boy and girl are deemed to be "shy subject" or a "no no subject" to be discussed with their parents. Problems with their cliques at school is another issue that they will least discuss. Many a times, they will seek solace with their friends. I do agree that friends can play an important role. However, if the friends lead this person astray then what happens? Shouldnt the parents be in the know? Some of the young adults will say that, my parents will kill me! (metaphorically speaking) So they say, better tell my best buddy.

I have a story to share. A friend's friend shared with us her story. She was led astray by a playboy. She thought she was the most luckiest person. The guy was a rich man's son and so had the privilege of owning sleek cars and has a house of his own. They dated for a very short period. All of us were shocked when we were given the red card. Ten years later, they are apart. What I am trying to say is during the courtship, the parents were against the relationship saying oil and water dont mix but she was adamant saying thats her prince charming. Her "rosy world" lasted just a few months. Her prince charming was spotted with another person. And during the hard time, her parents were the one that brought and nurtured her back to sanity. She is doing pretty well now.

The moral of the story is, your parents are the one that will stick with you through thick and through thin. Never ever go against them, understand their reasoning. They have tasted more salts than you!

2) Starting a relationship

Meeting people is interesting. Finding someone that understands, cares and gives you all the attention is what many are looking for. However, finding THAT person is not as easy as it seems. As the axiom goes, never judge a book by its cover, likewise, when you meet the first person, never pass judgment without knowing this person properly. You could have missed what could have been a good friendship.

Many young adults like the lure of luxury, fast cars, fine dining and fame. After awhile, does all these stay? I once watched a film about a very rich girl, she fell in love with a monk! As the story goes, the monk is very handsome and so the rich girl fell for his good looks. The monk told her this,"now when I have my youth, you love me, what happens when I grow old and become wrinkled, bald and toothless, would you still have the same love as now"? Despite watching this movie 10 years ago, this part of the story line still remains vivid.

The moral of the story is ,"go slow". Enjoy your youth, take your time and develop long lasting friendship and relationship.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Life Long Learning Process

A student spends a good proportion of their time in places of learning. 6 years in primary school, 7 years in secondary school and an average of 4 years as an undergraduate. This brings a total of 17 years, 19 years if including 2 years in nursery. If the student were to continue to the masters and phd programme, this will bring a total of an average 26 years.

Education does not just stop. Its a life long learning process. As the chinese saying goes, "che dao lao, xue dao lao," it basically means "eat till old, learn till old."

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Friendship

Most undergraduate programmes spreads over a period of 3 to 6 years depending on the nature of the course. During these time, students are expected to mingle around and get to know their coursemates better.

Friendship does not consider skin colour nor your religious beliefs. it considers your sincerity.

The get together bonds friendship.
The bonds helps students go through the trying times of studying. The madness of completing 6 assignments, the cramping of all the motivation theories and quest of getting good GPAs.


Graduation

Graduation seems to be one of the most important stages in a youth. These are some photos of students graduating. Notice the smile in their faces.




























The feeling of excitement spells in their faces. The undergraduate days filled with tests, assignments and exams. Even their families looks relieved!

Graduation also represents another important phase in a youth's life. Its the platform to the real world. While in the college or university, life evolves around books, library, librarian, lectures, tutorials, lecturers and also the internet. All these are only superficial compared to the real world.

In the real world, whatever learned from the many lectures or tutorials will be put to the test, with the results showing in seconds.

As the graduates embark on the real world, lets wish them great success in their future endeavour and may they have a good career ahead of them.


(This is the last batch of UNN students graduating from the college. Have taught them for 2 years, hence feeling satisfied and happy that they have finally graduated. )