As i look back throughout this year, i believe the year 2008 can be summed up to me as 'the year of first times'! Here are some highlights of how 2008 has treated me:
1. Graduated with a degree!
Yup, after spending (more than) three years of my life in UTAR, i've finally graduated from there with a degree in Mass Communication (Hons) Journalism.
After many nights of burning the midnight oil and rushing assignments like there was no tomorrow, i'm kinda relieved that i'm done with this chapter of my life. Many things have i encountered, and many experiences have i learnt. But i believe one is a student for life, as learning is a lifetime process.
(from left) Ernest, myself and Rowen.
Me and my papa.
Like i said before, my dad is proud of this achievement of mine. He even puts wallpaper of the four of us with me in my graduation gown in his laptop.
If you ask me whether i'm proud of UTAR or if anyone should study there, here's my reply.
"Why not? What do you have to lose?"
But i wouldn't say 'it's my choice', as it's my father's choice. Seriously.
2. First job: Feeling Sun-ny!
I'm glad that my superior called me to offer me a job at the place where i interned two years ago.
I believe my job does not only involve reporting and writing, but also a lot of reading, researching, communicating and also putting things into perspective, making it easy for people to understand.
Coming January, i'll be one year old in this line, and five years down the road, i don't mind making this my career. But nonetheless, i need to be a better person - more focused, disciplined and hardworking in my line of work.
3. BN denied of two-third majority
With the power of democracy at work, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kelantan and Kedah are now under the hand of the Opposition - DAP, PKR and PAS... forming the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) states. It is indeed a political tsunami. READ HERE.
The General Election this year really speaks the thoughts of the rakyat. But now, will their new leaders be able to deliver what have been preached, what the people want? I guess we'll see how things will work out for 2009.
4. The Love of My Life.
Melissa D and me at Church Camp in Bukit Merah Lake Town.
Five wonderful months have passed and i couldn't ask more from God for bringing someone as wonderful as Melissa D into my life. I'm indeed very blessed to have a loving girlfriend, who loves me for me, and inspire me to be a better individual!
I don't think she's a perfect person, neither am i. We're both flawed beings, and we need God to help us through our daily lives... and we embark on this journey of courtship, leading towards marriage. There is something new to learn everyday... and life-long process of learning.
I just feel so darn happy being able to spend time with her, and loving her. Just waiting for that one special day to come... one day. I just want to be married to my first girlfriend, and with God authoring our lives, i'll do whatever it takes to make us happy; through good times and bad times.
I love you so much, Melissa D!
5. Being on the island
This is the first time i'm living in another state, away from my family in KL. When my boss asked my opinion of being transferred here to gain experience, i was all up for it. And true enough, there was a vacant in the bureau, which beaconed me to replace it.
It was a little frightening in the beginning, but my colleagues, counterparts and newly-acquired friends on the island made my feel comfortable. Not to mention the food, view and comfortable lifestyle this island has to offer.
Looking back, it was a good move. Honestly, besides my family and friends in KL, i've got nothing to look forward to back where i'm from. I'm determined to make myself here and settle here as well, away from the hectic, dog-eat-dog jungle from where i come from.
6. ISA arrest
It was a shock to the nation when a reporter, a blogger and state executive councillor were arrested under the Internal Security Act in Sept.
READ HERE for more on the news.
It was said that the Sin Chew reporter was detained for her own safety. And later, the same person who gave the statement said he didn't give out the order of arrest. Living in denial, anyone?
Somehow, i believe the act is still abused, but is it still relevant? Well, maybe.
7. Black Man in the White House
Many expected that Barack Obama would beat John McCain to be the 44th president of the United States of America. There was a mix reaction worldwide, from joyous celebrations to talks about he being the antichrist!
We'll see how USA would be with him around....
8. Many first times
I can write down a list of many first time i savoured with my love, from being at church camp with her, to caroling and celebrating Christmas with her and her parents and many more, but i don't want to bore you with the details, or make you all 'geli' with it.
But i just feel so darn happy; doing all this together with her!
To sum it all up, I thank God for every breath i breathe and every waking moment. 2009, i'm looking forward to that.
"Hello, good morning, how ya do?
What makes your rising sun so new?
I could use a fresh beginning too
All of my regrets are nothing new
So this is the way
that I say that I need You
This is the way
This is the way
That I'm learning to breathe
I'm learning to crawl
I'm finding that You and
You alone can break my fall
I'm living again, awake and alive
I'm dying to breathe in these abundant skies...."
Love & Peace!~
BC?
