Hello 2015

I remember last writing a post in August 2014, just finishing an incredible internship experience and making a memorable stamp in my experience growing up. And here I'm sitting attempting to write another decent post 6 months later, two thirds done with my final year. I'm hoping I'll be able to graduate in May 2015, insyAllah and move on to bigger and larger dreams in gaining knowledge. 

I know what with the oil crisis the nation is facing, my peers and I are having doubts and uncertainties in our future. I for one believe that rezeki comes when time is the most suitable for it. It's been a hectic 6 months and I'm enjoying each step closer to closing this undergraduate chapter. I remember starting out college 5 years ago, wondering if I'll ever make it to the finishing line. And now I am merely less than 3 months away. 

I had the pleasure of joining a chemical engineering bootcamp a few weeks ago which aimed to prepare first year undergraduates in tackling the challenging engineering course. And I really had a good time interacting with juniors and sharing my experience. I never had a mentor growing up, and I had to do a lot of figuring out by myself. I've had many a senior who was more than willing to give me advice in passing, and I wanted to contribute more towards the youngsters. The bootcamp allowed me to see how we always have that hope mixed in with fear when starting something new.

And nearing the end, I have that same hope and fear feelings, of what's to come. 

I hope the future is challenging but endurable. 

I hope it is challenging and a humble experience.

I hope it is filled with beautiful and kind souls.

I hope I am smart enough to recognize such souls and not let them pass me by. 

I believe the choices we face after graduation is endless. Learning never shouldn't stop after a scroll has been obtained. Jobs shouldn't be applied just because. And money should never be the main priority in satisfying our desires. 

Here's to wishing the next 16 weeks will fly by and I have the strength to go through whatever God puts in my way. :) 

8 Major Life Lessons in 8 Months

8 months in HSSE, SRCPD has changed my life. It made me more matured and independent, and most of all: to believe in myself.

I think I could sum up my internship cum life experience in a short post. I hope to reflect here in the future and always be reminded of how blessed I've been :)

Lesson #1: Go Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Or else, you'll never venture beyond your normal cliques and meet even more amazing people. You'll never venture into unknown disciplines of work and realise it suits you. 

The world is full of genuinely nice people who care about you. They're not just filled with the ones who hurt us...they're filled with the ones who teach us how to eat lots of durian and still be able to play futsal like a champ afterwards.

Lesson #2: Learn How to Listen, then Talk...

And I mean, really observe and listen to what people are and are not saying. Most of the time, what makes me engage with people much easier, is to pay attention to their body language, facial expression and general aura towards a situation. 

Always spend time to understand where people are coming from, and how they might feel behind it all...

Lesson #3: Never Be Afraid to Laugh a Little....

Life's too short to be too stressed out about everything. Always work hard, make sure you play harder and indefinitely laugh the loudest....

Lesson #4: Embrace Conflicts

They're good! They make you more mature, they make you reflect on your imperfections, and they make you improve. You might think you're not much of a value, but in the end...it's those conflicts with people that make you believe in your own capabilities (and my ability to tame cats).

Lesson #5: Expose Yourself to All Kinds of Work

And I mean all kinds of work. Technical, legal procedures, administration, event management... there are so many knowledge out there for you to grab. Why degrade one from another? One might give you amazing soft skills while the other just makes you look more of a nerd. 

Balance between the two. 

Lesson #6: Treat Others Like How You'd Treat Your Family

 I think I'm lucky in this aspect in the sense that we treat everyone like family here in SRC. People in the 20's age group are my siblings, between 30's & 40's are like my older brothers, and above 50's are like my parents. It's a good base to give everyone the respect they deserve. And hey, some might treat you just like a trainee...but it really shouldn't bother you since you're the brat of the family.

Lesson #7: Have an Outside Life, with Anyone. 

Just like Lesson #3, never get too stressed about anything. Even when you're on a horizontal streak while playing bowling. Always remember, to have fun and enjoy life.

Lesson #8: Carrot Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are Always a Good Way to End an Internship

Seriously, what's not to like? It's a vegetable dessert that's sweet and sinful :D

It's been an amazing 8 months, and I think I got more than what I bargained for :)

Love for Books!

Hey guys! It's been weeks since I've updated anything here. Work has been hectic but not quite like pre-Ramadhan work. It's the holy month again and despite some setbacks which I prefer not to talk about because it's quite depressing (Gaza & #MH17), I am learning a lot during this month. There have been many times I was being tested of my patience and ability to stay calm in annoying situations. I think it's a good month to improve yourself without being influenced to do anything sinful. 

Other than that, I don't think I've done a book-themed post in a long time!

 I have been pretty active on my book instagram (@BookLoves_ lately.

I'm really attached to this project. I get to post book reviews, recommendations and cool book art projects they randomly do on Instagram. And let me just say, there are so many nice booklovers online, I find it pretty cool engaging with them!  :D 

Books read for this month. Highly recommended by me, I enjoyed them so much. 

The new book by Rainbow Rowell, Landline, is a good one I must say. It's a big shift for Rowell from Young Adult to Adult Fiction. Her writing can be improved but Landline is still great a read. 

May We Be Forgiven by A. M. Homes is a dark family-themed novel which surprisingly I enjoyed very much. It was so sarcastic and witty after the depressed first part of the book.

One Day (David Nicholls) was a bit slow but the ending was worth it, I think. It was sad and I love the One-Day date annually concept. Was a very unique story-telling concept.

After Ever After (John Sonnenblick) was kind of a like a mini version of TFIOS for kids. It's a great and sad read which was also light and incredibly easy to read. 

Other than that, I must say baking honey-covered cornflakes is a great weekend activity, besides reading of course :D

I hope they turn out alright!

Before I end this post, here's a photo of (most) of the books I've read in 2014. It's a great thing to reflect on books you've ventured in, and what possible future reads are available next.

Have a great Sunday!