A humbling experience

Powerful lesson learnt today:

I admit I lack good driving skills. And this isn't about the men are from mars and women are from venus and how men have excellent spatial and motor skills etc.

I hardly drive eventhough I've had my license for two years. For some reason or another, I just don't seem to be... capable of exceptional vehicle-maneuvering abilities. Today at 4pm, when sending my mom off to the train station and picking up my little brother from school, I almost got into an accident. At the junction in my neighborhood. You're driving 30kmph and still you don't notice the car coming from the other side; completely my fault, I know, because I wasn't focused. Naturally, my mom screamed. She had the right to do so but then with my raging hormones, I got a bit agitated. Throughout the journey, I was "driving too fast", "didn't have the lights on" (because it was raining), and "should brake because that car infront has stopped right in the middle of the road". My mom was -of course- always right but by the time I got back, I vowed never to drive again.

Then I realized I got to pick up my younger brother who'd only be done by 6pm. I told Ahmad to do it and he agreed. But at 6, he was too stressed and told me go pick up Safi instead. I was mumbling and grumbling and did not want to involve myself in accident with the mindset that I was already in. I got in the car and started driving- with Ahmad as the copilot. It was raining, it was a huge JAM because it's 6pm and it's KL. The traffic was horrendous and a journey which should only take 20 minutes took 1 hour. I got frustrated with the cars weaving in and out and the volume of vehicles did scare me. I fumed about on "why on earth does safi has to have whatever he has til 6pm where the traffic is so horrible???" When I finally reached school, I imagined Safi was going to demand why I was late since my mom said to pick him up BY 6pm but it's already 630pm. He was lying on the steps and when I arrived, he got in the car. I didn't say anything. He whispered tiredly, "Hey", got in the back seat and then said softly; "Thank you for picking me up."

And just like that, my heart melted. My angry-infuriated-upset mind did a complete 180 and almost brought me to my knees with that one phrase of gratitude . I bowed my head in shame. It was, I think, one of the most powerful lessons I had ever learnt. One of the most humbling experiences for me. Something I'd share only to remind people: if you're in my condition- be patient and don't assume. and if you're in Safi's shoes- to be understanding, like how he was.

In my heart, as I glanced at him sleeping in the back seat, I whispered, "Thank you for being so cherubic today, little brother. Thank you Allah."

Carpe Diem! [updated]

Things to do during my 1 week long holiday:

29th March-4th April:

TheStar-HSBC-ESU PSC

• Prepare for speech with the theme "Speculation of Our Future" for TheStar-HSBC-ESU Public Speaking Contest Semi Finals on 9th April @ Kota Damansara
• (emailed but got no reply) Appeal to the Star so that I can be final speaker for this PSC since I also have an exam at the same time and date (9th April)

MMUTMC

• TME on 7th April
• (done!) Email others on the upcoming meeting
• Prepare ISC Speech at Division level for 3rd April

Palestine Awareness Campaign CUCMS

• (done!) design banner:)
• research research research

BURSA Malaysia

• (written) Have been invited to give an inspirational speech to High Achievers of SPM and PMR students about life after high school etc
• 2nd April at Bursa Malaysia:)

CUCMS Musculoskeletal Block

• (delegated!) Next block is about muscles and bones; and I'll be the block leader for half of it:) start delegating, studying and memorizing early! Hundreds of muscles, bones, ligaments, etc to know. We'll be looking and dissecting cadavers next week! Exciting:D

Others

• Book Shopping Spree at MPH!:D
• (accomplished!) Make popia
• (will never be accomplished) Lukis puas-puas.
• Anything else I missed out?

Yes!

Honestly, I've been meaning to update my blog for a very long time and immediately blogging the moment I'm free. Well, after two weeks, I found the moment. Because I am on a one week long holiday! 7 more days for blissful relaxation...

Anyway, updates on the past two weeks, main events happening:

1. International Speech Contest Area C1 (Wednesday 24th March) @ Shell Cyberjaya TMC

I've had 5 months to prepare for this. But I only wrote the speech one day before. And as I practised til 11pm, my dad called me and said, "Alia, I think you need to rewrite your speech." Well, I didn't have to REDO the whole thing again. The message still stuck but I DID have to change the theme. In fact, I felt so stressed and so much under pressure, I wanted to cry because- I practically had just a few hours to prepare for a speech at a competition.

But something so amazing happened that morning. I started re-crafting my speech at 630am. I opened my mail just to check out the goings-on; and there was an email from someone- stating that they had banked in RM500 into my bank account for my Smile Train cause. I was so touched, so beside myself with amazement, so deeply moved that it immediately energized me! Because you see, my speech for the competition was about helping others.

My speech titled, "Ordinary people, extraordinary miracles" was about the power of helping others. I related it to my Smile Train project. And basically how you will never ever EVER know the consequences of helping people and the cascade of events that follows even with one small act of help. It's ordinary people like you and me doing small things of helping other people; and us never knowing that it's exactly the type of miracle that the other person might so desperately need. It's this person who banked in the amount for my cause, who gave me that extra boost of motivation -the miracle I so desperately needed that day- to keep me going.

I won Champion speaker for that day. Indeed, it was... a miracle. Thank you:)

Well, my speech was not perfect. I went a bit too fast at the beginning; but of course me being very nervous, I couldn't exactly control at the beginning; but managed to pace it later on in the speech. My dad says it still needs tweaking. But I think I must have done a satisfying job because all the MMU TMC (Toastmasters Club) members were nodding and smiling at me while I delivered the speech:) We've made our mark at Area C1 because Taufeeq (from our club) won Champion for Table Topics contest (impromtu speaking) and James (also from MMUTMC) won 1st runner up for the Table Topics contest too- the topic was "What's the best advice you'd give to newlyweds?" Interesting, aint it?:p

From left: Muhammad A. Labaran (VPPR), Ariff Ahmad Azam (SAA), James Chow (TT 1st Runner up & Treasurer), Alia Nadhirah (ISC Champion & VPE), Taufeeq Amin (Champion TT), Megat Zahid (President), Chee Hong, Chee Pung

Next up, ISC and TT contest at Division level, we'll be representing Area C1 this Saturday 3rd April at UMW Shah Alam!

2. Endocrinology Finals (26th March)

We had our endocrinology finals on Friday. While everyone was focusing on revising on Wednesday night, I was working on my ISC speech. While everyone studied for finals on Thursday, I was busy with the Emcee Workshop that MMUTMC was organizing which would be held on Saturday. Only at 8pm did I actually start studying. By 11pm, I was already getting sleepy.

Finals the next day I barely managed to stay awake during the theory exam. Well, it was better than Microbiology so I think I can stand a chance. Alhamdulillah OSCE (practical) was okay. Strong reminder from Ayah; there's no point in joining extra-curricular events if my studies aren't stable. Prioritize, Alia!

3. EMCEE Workshop (27th March)

Greatest lesson I've ever learnt. Not from the workshop itself- but from organizing it. This is our first attempt at organizing an event in order for other people to know more about our club. Ironically, external people attended the workshop instead of the students. Jon Tan, the program facilitator, I would have to say, is extremely professional. Although we, as the organizers, did have many shortcomings, I think with his help, we managed to pull it off.

Honestly, with just 5 of us (Zahid, Pink, Ariff, James and I), it's amazing at how much we've accomplished. I know how much each and every one of you have sacrificed so much just so that this event is up and running. I promise next time we'll surely have it running smoother and with better preparations. I'm proud of you guys anyway:) Long live MMU TMC!

4. MMU Game Fest, Go Green Family Day, Malam Kuntuman Kasih Charity Dinner by Young MERCY (28th March)

Attended the Game Fest at MMU. Of course, there were a lot of computer games etc which absolutely didn't interest me. There were board games too, surprisingly. There was this one EXTREMELY cute game- which I can't remember the name... It's about sheep and moving them around according to the mission given. Anything cute and colourful immediately attracts me:P

Got back to Ampang and then attended the Go Green Family Day at Ampang- organized by our neighborhood. My dad being the head organizer, his children were all busy helping out. I didn't stop walking about, played with Sofia and Muadz, and running here and there. Fun-filled packed 2 hours.

Finally at 8pm, we headed to the Grand Dorsett Hotel for the Charity Dinner organized by Young Mercy (my seniors- CUCMS 2nd years). Alhamdulillah, it was an enjoyable night. For the organizers, it must have been very hectic- but for us, the audience, at least for me, I think it ran very smoothly and professionally:) Congratulations all of you! I'd just like to say in advance, please support us when we 1st years organize our event for next year:P

And this is what happens when you've not blogged for so long. It takes an hour to update for your past week. Wow. I think I've accomplished a few things I've been wanting to do for this past week. MashAllah, perhaps one of the most busiest weeks. But hopefully each and every one of them blessed by Allah...

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark." Michelangelo. (sent from my dad)

alia nadhirah

Sometimes when I'm in that distracted far-away mood, staring into space trying to figure out how best to approach a challenge, while frowning and putting on my scrunched up face, I let out a loud sigh and stare with melancholy at one corner. I scratch my head and say, "I can't do this." or I close my eyes and feel "This is impossible." or I blink the tears and think, "This is really difficult..."

And when Puteri Nur Aqilah is there with me, she takes one look at me and says: "But you're Alia Nadhirah!"

And those 3-4 words are enough to make me smile. When she says that; it's like "Alia Nadhirah" is an entity that never fails to succeed; someone who always finds a solution to something and always "can". It's like: "What? It's difficult? But it can't be- because you're Alia Nadhirah." Like Alia Nadhirah can challenge, is not afraid and can confront any situation. When I feel that things are so hard, I remember her words. It's like, my name is branded and associated with hope, with perseverance and determination.

It may sound conceited or overconfident. But it's more of belief in oneself. Of our own capabilities. When I think that what I'm facing is impossible, her words remind me that, "it IS possible. And more so because you're the type of person who makes things possible."

Thank you Aki:) You don't know how much those words mean to me.

Public Speaking Workshop

I've been meaning to update on this but has hardly found the time. Until now. Because Mandarin class has been cancelled- for today.

Well, I passed the audition for the public speaking competition and a workshop was held the next day for those who were shortlisted- 32 of us. This public speaking competition is organized by The Star, HSBC and ESU (English Speaking Union).

The workshop consisted of how to have a good opening, body, closing, delivery, and impromptu speeches. Of course, there's only so much you can do from 9am-4pm. We watched a video of the winning speeches at London and there was an invited speaker- the runner-up for last-two-years' competition and she talked about her experience in London. A lot of input, but the time went by so fast because we also had to do a lot of output (we're not allowed to have nothing to say since we're a room of public speakers).

I tell you, it is a completely AMAZING and WOW-ing experience. I mean, I've been attending Toastmasters and mingling around people much older than me, 20's 30's 40's +++. But this is the first time I'm attending a public speaking event with participants all around my age. And yes, they are really really really good. Some are debaters but each and every one of them- when they open their mouth to speak, it just completely blows my mind when I see how AWESOME-ly they speak. And most are even younger than me- around 16 etc. Some touched the mind, but the best ones touched my heart:)

Made a new friend- Nicol. He speaks extremely fast, yes- but EXTREMELY energetic, enthusiastically and excitedly all the time. When I found out that he does social work and wants to become a Peace Activist (haha sorry for letting it all out here, Nicol)- I was extremely impressed! There aren't that many people who has these kind of mindset; glad I met someone of the same wavelength:)

Really, it was a really productive day and I was all set for the Semi-Finals which would be held on the 9th April.

Until I realized what was happening on the Friday, 9th April.

Because I had given my work to Syafiq months ago that I would emcee an event; I profusely apologized to him and really really have to thank him on my knees for being so understanding since I have to back out of the emcee-ing.

Until I realized that I actually have a Musculoskeletal test that day as well. At the same time. My heart fell- again. So, it's either I have to back out on the test or the semi-finals. OR have both... So I'd have to appeal perhaps for the semi-finals so that I can be the last speaker or something. Just hope it all works out...

That's it for now:)

shortlisted

6:45pm I entered my parents' room.

My mom: Alia, they called your dad.

Me (at a total loss of not knowing what she is talking about): What?

My mom: You've been shortlisted as one of the 30 participants for the Public Speaking Competition. So you'll have to attend the workshop tomorrow. How come they didn't call you first?

Me: Well... well, I placed two numbers. First mine and there weren't enough space so just in case, I wrote Ayah's on top of mine... *looked at my dad all wide-eyed* Ayah, is that true??? What time did they CALL???

My dad (just woken up) : Yeah. At 530pm.

Me: X)

What a pleasant surprise:) Alhamdulillah. So, workshop it shall be tomorrow:)

"If I could turn back time...

... I would not."

My opening line for the The Star Public Speaking Competition this morning.

My mom asked me to enter last year but I was too reluctant because I felt that I wasn't good enough. So I told her that I'd enter this year. Which I did. When I came across the ad in the news paper just the day before my microbiology finals, I cut the entry form, filled my details, got my mentor's signature, got my dean's signature, got the college's stamp, posted it with the RM10 requirement and mailed it straight all in about 40 minutes. Efficiency, I like:)

So I got the letter to audition today. If I passed, there would be a workshop which I would attend tomorrow. And then go to semi finals at national level, and then the winner would go to London to go for the ultimate finals:)

When I arrived at Segi college, I saw my name was the 3rd name. Bad news, good news, who knows? But I'm used to it. At the briefing, I handpicked at random a title which I would have 30 mins to prepare and 3 minutes to deliver. I unrolled the paper: "If I could turn back time". *smile* The girl beside me whispered, "You're lucky."

When we entered the hall, I was one of the first 10 speakers. I realized I WAS lucky because the guy who sat next to me got "Global Economic Crisis" and the other guy next to me got "Fear". Other topics were "Sports", "Me Myself and I", "Recycling", "My Ideal Life", "The Beauty of Malaysia".

There were 100 participants today and they need to shortlist to 30. If you're in for the semi finals, the judges put up a green card. If not, it's red. If not sure, it's yellow and you have to wait til the end of the day to know.

Well, I gave my opening line. Not as much of an attention grabber as I wished. Proceeded on with a story about "the worst day of my life being the Youth Leadership camp where my champion brother overshadowed me in his awesome speaking skills wherein I cried in the end and wished that I could turn back time. But then had I turned back time, I would not have become the person I am today." The bell rang right then and I was so shocked because That was 2 minutes already?!? SO I had to quickly wrap up and state my closing which was call for people to "Make decisions that would make you not wish to turn back time and that if it was something you can't do anything about, live a life of no regrets."

I got a yellow card.

I knew it already the moment I finished because I totally lacked content. NO POINTS AT ALL! I went on and on at the introduction about my personal story- I've been practicing so much on 7-minutes speeches that I didn't time myself properly. And also lack of delivery- I tend to stay in one spot. Language was okay.

Thank God my dad was there to continuously tell me "It's okay", else I would have screamed at myself in frustration. It's all in the process of learning and having fun!:) Which I did enjoy myself.

It's 6pm. The competition is already over and I didn't get a call. There must have been some awesome 90 other participants today. Ah, next year insyaAllah will come. And an awesome speech I shall deliver!

For now, gotta focus for 24th March. Participating in upcoming Area C1 International Speech Competition!>_<