REAL STORIES

I was just an ordinary and typical Malaysian boy who blocked his imagination and dreams light years away from his mind. But, I had changed my attitude until I found The Secret – The Law of Attraction. It really lifted up my imagination and inspired me a lot.

Before 2008, October, I had never thought of studying overseas just after my high school. I started to change my mind set while I saw my buddy, Ghoon Hoong had gone all out to fight for his dream to study in the United Kingdom. Then, I found out about the education system of the United States where it would be the paradise for me to discover deeply about my passion and a perfect platform for me to learn from multiracial people from all over the world. Furthermore, the most exciting thing is that the liberal arts education system provided there and I was glad that I found it out.

After months of thorough research and deep thinking, I had made up my mind and I told my parents that I wanted to go to the States for my undergraduate degree. I remember that my parents were surprised of my intention and felt sorry because they could not effort me to be studying there. I explained to them that I would be funded by the college or the university itself if I am admitted. I went to so many talks, exhibitions, education fairs and seminars (anything about studying in the United States.) – That’s how bad I wanted it. I found out that U.S. colleges/ universities will not accept someone merely because they got a good score on the SAT. It takes so much more like the application essays, teacher evaluation letters, school report transcripts as well as the short questions’ answers. My chance was slimmer which I was definitely applying as an international student who applies for financial aid as well. The chance of getting a place is like finding a specific needle in the Pacific Ocean. But, I knew everything it took and I used the knowledge to my advantage.

Not long ago, I met a couple of counselors who counsel students in applying to the top universities/ colleges in U.S., including Ivies. I introduced myself via email and didn’t really pay too much attention on it. A few months later, they replied me and I was really exuberant when I saw their email pop up in my inbox. It was really a gift for me. Later on, we met up and chatted about an hour long. I told them about my family financial status and I was so surprised and grateful that they promised in giving me comprehensive counseling for FREE! On that day I met them, I knew I had attracted them into my life because I had been thinking for it intensely for quite some period. I knew I had opened my path to my dream and they are the key people who would help me realizing it. It’s so COOL!

After few more months, we finalized together my shortlisted of schools that I am applying. In my heart, my first choice on my list was St. John’s College. I love it due to its unique philosophy of liberal arts education. I told everyone I talked to, new friends and old friends that I would be attending the St. John’s College. The response was almost ALWAYS the same: “Wow, isn’t U.S. universities expensive? Don’t you have to be very smart? Isn’t it hard to get in?” They would wish me good luck in a “you really need it” tone. I never let this sway me.

Before every day I slept, my e – calendar would remind me of flying to Annapolis on 2010, AUGUST 22 for St. John’s College 2010 FALL intake. I felt elated with power every time and slightly wet in my eyes. (because I could FEEL the JOY with so much intensity – how would I feel when I came to that day?)

When it came time for me to apply, I was more stressed out than I had ever been in my life, but I still continued to tell people that I would be going there. Sometimes a thought would creep in my head, saying: “What if I’ve been telling people that I am going there and then I don’t get in?” Every time I’d stop and say “No, I will not let myself think those thoughts and I would continue to imagine and feel the feeling of coming home and seeing the acceptance letter sitting on the table. I would also imagine the dramatic moment, when I would have my family and friends saying Good Byes when I am about to board the plane to Annapolis for St. John’s.

On 2010, AUGUST 22, I was in KLIA Airport waiting to board the plane to Annapolis. When I read back what I am writing today, I felt every feeling that I had felt previously in my mind – only magnified.

My parents, who have been supporting me even they did not really understand what I am pursuing, they are now here for me and waiting together with me for my plane to depart. My best buddies, who have been my spirit light to keep me enlighten and stepping on my spiritual feet, they are also here to give me Good Bye Hugs. Last but not least, even my lovely and helpful counselors are here to wish me luck. Seriously, without their support, no matter emotionally, physically, or spiritually, I would not reach where I am now by my own.

I feel so happy and grateful now that my dream has come true. I have never wanted anything more in my life until now. I have never KNOWN something more intensely. I KNOW that St. John’s College is the place for me, is my home in the States ( I guess the Universe knows too.)

Guan Tyng

Written: (9/21/09, 0138 hr)

Edited/ Typed: (9/22/09, 0220 hr)

My Dream.. My Goal... My Aim... Here I come!!!!

JUNE 27, it was the day I departed from my home city, Ampang to a very rural and small town to enroll myself to a local public university, UniMAP.

At the first few weeks, I felt miserable and frustrated, by the slow pace mentality of the people here, I felt that I came to a wrong place where people do not practice punctuality, I felt lonely and no one here could share my views of life and my way of doing things.

However, my view changed as I went through many things in Perlis.

I performed at the Orientation Night where my singing skills were appreciated ; I joined the Bakti Siswa where I got a foster family in Kg. Cermai Jelepok; I joined SUKSIS (Volunteered Core Polis Force) to find back the value of punctuality.

Even most of the activities, lecture classes, laboratory experiments and etc. are far out of my expectations, I am grateful to be here. Here I have the precious opportunity to challenge myself to work with poeple who have different perspectives of time management as I understand that not everyone in this world is that concern about punctuality. Not everyone had a chance to be trained to be discipline and to be passionate.

My dream is to get myself to St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, United States. This dream was once dissolved; luckily, I know a few of inspiring friends and counselors. I am so happy that they understand me and keep on pushing me to pursue my dream. Most importantly, my parents and my brother are always with me, supporting me either financially or emotionally. Albeit they all do not really understand what kind of application process I am going through now, they always trust me and provide me whatever I need to be able to strive for my dream.

In UniMAP, though I do not have anyone who are as understanding as my close friends and my family, I still have some friend who I can hang out with. I wish to show my gratitude to all my peers and seniors who know my plan and keep on asking about my progress, some even give me a little verbal support.

Lately, I have been reading a book, The Success Principle, written by Jack Canfield and Janet Switzer. The book said that we have to see everything in our life as an opportunity. So, I just follow it to be an inverse paranoid. And, this kind of attitude make me feel great as I encounter everything here in my life. I see my bad bus service (which often late) as a great opportunity to train my patience; I see my lecturer using Bahasa Malaysia to teach the English as a chance for me to train my mind in translating the lecture every minute in the class;

Now, I am TAB-ing (Taking A Break) to write this post. After TAB-ing, I would recharge myself with the support from my friends and family, with the advices of my counselors and with the passion of chasing for my dream.

Haha... it is a very dreamy dreamy day... :)

Chocked "KUALA LUMPUR"

This is an article born of two "busy-body". We sent it to the Star Metro but until now it's not seen. So, I just post it here first to share our views with you.

Info Gathering: Tan Guan Tyng
Written by Cheh Ghoon Hoong

The recent initiative by Federal Territories Minister, Raja Nong Chik to revamp the KL transport system is laudable. People yearn for a congestion-free KL and thus a more efficient transport system is needed. Action speaks louder than words. I hope that this long-awaited revamp would take flight instead of ending up on the drawing board.

The frequencies of buses and trains must be increased. There must be public buses at least every 10 minutes in urban areas and every 15 minutes for suburban areas. Areas with low bus frequencies are viz., Hulu Langat, Damansara, Puchong, Segambut, Kepong, Sentul, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam. On the other hand, the frequency of the KTM Komuter must also be increased. The KTM Komuter is available every 20 minutes on average but it is too long for many people. Besides, the schedule itself is not accurate as the train often arrives late. It should be available at least every 10-15 minutes. I suggest that KTM should adopt the computerized system used by the Kelana Jaya LRT. The computer systems, if implemented, must be monitored at all times to prevent long delays caused by breakdowns.

Apart from that, I support the idea of having an autonomous centralized authority to operate the transport system. RapidKL has utilized the Touch ‘n Go card as a travel card but it can’t be used in other buses such as Metrobus and SJ Bus. Why not use the Touch ‘n Go card as the main Travel Card for all buses and trains like what Hong Kong is doing with their Octopus Card? In addition, there should be cheaper fares for Travel Card users so that more people will travel by public transport. Besides that, the daily price capping system in London ought to be considered too. Daily price capping is the most that will be charged a day when one uses the Travel Card a.k.a. Oyster Card to pay as one takes the bus, underground, etc.

Next, public buses should not stop at places where there is no bus stop. They get annoying when they stop at certain areas to pick up passengers. Furthermore, people may not know where to board a bus as there is no bus stop there. If that place really is a bus stop, why not construct a shaded bus stop there? In addition, maintenance in the train service is poor. Stations should have more maps and clearer directions. The announcement system and countdown timer at some stations have already spoilt. The blur announcements in the trains only made matters worse. Frequent maintenance must also apply to public buses to minimize breakdowns.

Last but not least, the progress of any changes in the transport system must be made known to the public through the mass media. The people need and have the right to know what the authorities are doing. In my opinion, the publicity concerning this issue still has plenty of room for Improvement. For example, the recent talks about the Plaza Rakyat abandoned project must be publicized properly so that the rakyat can keep track of it.

A better transport system means a lot not only to tourists but especially to city dwellers who are forced to endure frustrating traffic congestions daily. A lot of people are pessimistic on the revamp of our transport system. Hence, it is up to the authorities to earn our confidence back.

《初恋》

《初恋》（不能说的秘密 - 改版）
作词：陈冠廷
作曲：周杰伦

第一次看见你的脸

在我脑海依旧清晰可见

从前未有过的感觉

在我心里开始慢慢浮现

最美的不是下雨天

而是曾与你度过的时间

上学每一天

看着校门口等你的出现

#（CHORUS）

这首歌唯独为你一个人而写

那画也充满了我个人的感觉

你用你的言语

对我冷漠淡言

不知道你究竟对我什么感觉

这首歌唯独为你一个人而写

或许命运的签只让我们遇见

你是我的初恋

我曾经的暗恋

你是我最爱我这一生之中。。。
最深刻情恋。。。
##

尽量不与你在相见
尝试忘却我对你的单恋

自从对你表白一切
让我心病好转了许些

不要再想念你的美
更渴望能有一杯忘情水

事实的画面
我对你的感觉完全没有退减
#

这首歌词是我在2008年5月有感而发而写的。。。
哈哈！ 直到现在才把它放上网来。。。