Alhamdulillah, we have safely arrived at SK Long Kesseh
after a tiring, adventurous five-hour journey from Miri town. I departed from Tawau
for Kuching on 11th of March 2013. I arrived at Kuching at the night
of the departure. The next day, Yan’s family held a prayer (kenduri doa selamat) in Kota Samarahan.
Only his family and relatives were invited. The prayer by the congregation was
a heart-touching for me as it made me missed Abah so much when I heard some of
the ayats that were recited; as Abah has always been reciting the same doa (prayer) when we prayed together.
Looking back, I was Abah and Mama’s adventurous-turned
relaxed daughter as I had a huge life-changing moment in my life after I
finished my SPM examination. I went to school every day by myself and return
home at the end of the day, repetitively for consecutive five years. The thing
that I now realised and very grateful for is that when I was in secondary
school I did not stay in the hostel. I was ignorant of how hostel life would be
like. I am my parents’ only daughter who stayed at home during my secondary
schooling years. I had more time with my parents than my other brother and
sisters do.
When I was in school I admit that I really admired my
English teachers whom I think were the most brilliant people I have ever met in
my life. The English words uttered fluently from their mouth mesmerised the
little me. I found that their solidarity with me was even closer when they
speak English. I felt more respected. My Mama was one of them. We did not
really communicate in English orally but when we texted each other we would be
using English. When I first knew that I would be pursuing my studies in TESL, I
was excited as I had my wish granted. It was a course that I really have my
full interest in. I also received an offer for Mass Communication course in
UiTM which was my second choice. I wanted to improve my English proficiency;
therefore, TESL and Mass Communication really caught my attention. The only
thing was, Kuching would be my destination if I accept TESL instead of MassCom.
To be honest, at that point of time, I was actually more excited to go to
Kuching as it would me first time stepping on the Borneo Island which was
indeed a place that was listed in my to-go-list. Thus, cross out MassCom and
book ticket to Kuching for me!
I knew TESL was a right choice for me as this course
offered me and my other fifty six course mates an opportunity to go overseas.
This TESL course in IPG Kampus Batu Lintang was a twinning programme with
University of Otago, New Zealand! All we need to do is to pass the foundation
years and first year of degree final examination with flying colours and off we
go!
Alhamdulillah, praise be with Allah the Almighty, I
passed my one-year-and-a-half foundation years and I get through my first
degree year examination in Kuching and was all set for New Zealand. I flew off
to Dunedin, New Zealand on 8th of February 2010 and came back to
Malaysia on 23rd of November two years after. I went back to Kuching
on 2012, to finish my final year of degree. It was five years and a half in
total and that made me away from home longer than my other siblings.
Writing again soon, insyaAllah. Miss Nurul is now here, SK Long Kesseh!
