Examination

Throughout my school life, I have never really been serious studying till when I am in my college life.

I still remember when I had 5A's for my std 5 exam, my dad was so happy that he is so proud to tell every customer who buy things from the shop. But too bad that I was too small then to understand why dad is so proud of me.

Then when I was in Form 3, I did quite well with my SRP by obtaining 4A's and able to go into Science1 stream. By this time dad isn't too proud of me.

When I was in Form 5, my SPM result is just average but I still manage to obtain aggregate 19 (Grade 1). By this time again dad just said I should have done better. Due to my poor performance in Science subjects, I was enrolled into Arts stream when I was in Form 6.

Parents been very supportive of me when it comes to studies. As long as I am willing to study, they are always willing to fork out the money to support me.

Through dad's friends recommendation, I was encouraged to do my A level at the Goon's institute rather than to study Form 6. So, I went to Petaling Jaya to do my A level.

Unfortunately at the Goon institute, the lecturers keep on changing. Feeling frustrated, I told my parents about it. They asked me if I wanted to come back to study Form 6. So, I went back again to study Form 6.

When studying Form 6, I was struggling with accounts. All the while I have been very poor with this subject. Worst is that the teacher who taught this subject is a real boring person. So, I totally let go this subject.

All the while during my secondary school days, I used to burn midnite oil when exam is approaching. I still remember that I used only 7 weeks to prepare for my SRP. As for SPM, I used 2 months to prepare for it.

When I said I prepare for the examination, I am very serious about it. I do not watch any TV programs at all nor do I go out to enjoy myself. I totally immerse myself in studying except for food, bath or going to the toilet.

But when I was in my Upper 6, even though I know I must use at least 3 months to prepare for the examination, I do not know why I always feel panic and do not know what to do. I just can't concentrate on my examination. Finally, I do not do well in my STPM.

Parents are very very disappointed with my STPM result. I was too shameful to produce my result to them. The moment I gave the result slip to my parents, I can see how disappointed in their face. I felt so bad that I do not know how to face them.

However, parents been supportive all the while. Through newspaper advertisement, I come across a new college for the hotel management course. I enrolled to the 4 year degree hotel management course.

When studying for the hotel course, I was always determined and keep on telling myself I should not disappoint my parents just like the STPM. So, I really keep track of all my subjects, doing all my assignments and update information for the course.

Whenever there is an examination, I will always try my very best to have the best result in any subjects. During any examinations, it is always either Stephanie or myself will have the best result.

And finally when it comes to the real final exam, I was fully prepared for it. I did very well for the exam with an honorable degree for it.

When the day comes on the announcement of the result, I was announced the best student. I was so happy that tears automatically flow down. I have never been such happy before that tears flow from my eyes. This is the very first time. And its very difficult to explain the happiness that I had. I keep on telling myself its really worth the effort throughout my 3 years for the course.

When studying for the hotel management course, one of my lecturer introduced to me the mind mapping technique by Lawrence Walter. I was amazed by the technique that I can study easily and remember facts easily as well.

So, as for examination, it is very important that we use the right technique to study. The best book for remembering facts and figures is by Tony Buzan. In fact, he is the creator of the mind mapping. He intoduces the usage of the left and right brain. With his technique, one can study easily.

During the SARS period where I was unemployed for nearly 3 months. This is the time I was introduced by my former Sunshine travel agent boss to take up the train the trainer course for Tony Buzan's memory course.

The Tony Buzan's memory course has the mind mapping, photographic memory, face and names memory, number memory and also how to remember poker cards.

By studying this course, it will definately help oneself in studies.

Treasure Life...

While I was taking a group of China tourists in Genting Highlands on the 1st October 2008, I met up with Sharon Chua. She told me that Alvin Ng's eldest son met with accident and was in coma.

The moment I heard about it, my body trembles. Why such a bad thing happen to Alvin's son?

I have a family and of course I understand well how Alvin's feeling is. I still remember after we celebrated Christmas 2007, and while ordering for supper, suddenly I recieved a phone call from my mom-in-law. She told us that Jia Chen is having a very high fever and saying that the floor can turn around.

Upon hearing this, we immediately rush back home. While driving back home, Joanne and I did not even speak a word. I am dead worried about Jia Chen because I am very sure it must be a real serious condition, or else my mom-in-law won't call us. I believe Joanne is in the same situation as I am really worry and praying for the safety of Jia Chen.

Upon reaching home, we immediately brought Jia Chen to visit the Pantai specialist centre. And its a real luck that Jia Chen is all right.

So, as a dad I can really feel and understand how Alvin gone through.

Very unfortunately, a week past and the worst news came that Alvin's son past away.

We went for his funeral from the first day. While we were there, I saw Alvin was crying. I immediately feel the trauma Alvin gone through. Its a very rare situation that you will be able to see a man guy like Alvin to cry openly. This really show how sad Alvin is.

We even went for the sent off to the colabarium and the next day we went for the ashes collection to be sent off to the Nilai memorial. Its a real bad situation to see every one in a sombre mood and tears keep on flowing.

At this time, I told Joanne that Alvin will know who his real friend is. True enough that those friends who have been helping around during the funeral till the very last day is true friend indeed.

Alvin's son dead because of motorbike accident at the age of 18.

I still remember very clearly when I was a teenager I was full of bravery and do not know what danger means.

There was once when I was only 15, and I did not even have the motor license, I borrowed 2nd uncle's motor to roam around. I don't really know the mechanical operation of the motor. I accidently pulled the oil too much and stepped on gear one. The motorbike immediately pick up and the front of motorbike flew up. Everyone there was screaming. Luckily I had a good control of the motorbike and nothing happen.

The second incident which I remember very clearly is that when I newly got the license and the new motorbike which was bought by dad. It was at night and I was on my way going back from town to home in Melaka. I was speeding. I want to overtake one of the cars. (At that time the Jalan Mata Kuching is not a highway) So, I just overtake but without changing the gear. (I do not really know that I must change the gear to a lower gear so that the motorbike will pick up better and faster). So, on the opposite side there is a car coming. Luckily that the car slowed down to let me undertake it and nothing happen. It is a real missed for me and that is why till this day I can remember it very clearly.

After I had my motorbike, I used to lie to parents that I will take a bus to KL. Out of bravery and adventurous, I rode the motorbike to KL instead. The reason why I rode to KL is because I love to be adventurous and also to learn the routes in KL.

There was once, while riding my motorbike to KL, suddenly the front tyre puntured. I was speeding at that time. I immediately slowed down and had a hard time controlling my motorbike. My motorbike was swerving like a snake. I was so lucky that I am able to control of the motorbike and there was no vehicle at that time. Or else, I will be in a very bad situation.

Due to this incident, from that day onwards, I dare not to ride motorbike to KL anymore.

So, from here, we should treasure our life greatly. Its during the teenage life that we have more bravery and adventurous than anyone. But please, remember, every move that you take always consider the loved ones around you will be worrying about you.
Don't let your loved ones grieved for you like Alvin's case. Please treasure life...