Establishing the Marching Band

I like to try working with something new every single day. That is why I could not stick with routines, whether at home or at work. I will try out some new things especially at school where it is blessed with kids with full of potential. It does not have to be perfect. It just has to be something new and fresh. That is why I love my job as a teacher so very much due to the chances gained in trying out new things day in and day out.

This time I managed to establish a marching band for our school. In just one week, 30 students were given the newly bought melodicas and drums to rock on the Oh When the Saints song at our annual sports' day. At first, the challenge was that there were not enough musical instruments like drums and melodicas. Even the drums were in such a poor condition.

I then discussed with some music teachers and the Head of Music Panel about the problem, which later approved by our Headmistress where she ordered 10 new melodicas and 3 drums. I was actually relieved that she approved my request in spite of its last minute nature. Soon after all the musical instruments received, I started training them with the song, the only song they will be playing during the opening ceremony.

The initial plan was the band would be playing for a short slot, but it turned out to be them playing all the way through the marching parade. I was quite nervous at first, but luckily they nailed it. We even played impromptu the short version of Superman Theme for the flag hoisting ceremony.

So far, I had received positive feedback from the teachers and the parents where they lauded the effort of establishing our very own marching band, moreover it is established in a primary school. I would like to thank all parties involved in making this marching band a reality. InsyaAllah we will try to put on more effort to present the best performance in future. | ͰM

Road to PhD

Alhamdulillah, after series of checking on the application status, I finally am accepted to be a PhD student in Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), my alma mater where I used to pursue my postgrad years as a Master student. This time around I will officially register on September 6, 2017 for PhD in Biology programme. Now I will spend approximately 3 years of my life more in Bumi Suloh Budiman. Couldn't wait for it!

Frankly speaking, I wish to further my study abroad. Initially my dream was to further my study at University of Northern Colorado in PhD of Biological Education but it seemed quite impossible as I am racing with my time. It is the matter between these two, to hold on and wait for future overseas chances or finish this up as quickly as possible. So, I decided to put the first thought aside and pursue with the second one. Now, it does not matter where I study, as long as I have the patience and perseverance to complete this winding journey full of obstacles and hindrance. 

But still, I am proud to be homegrown. With the advancement of technology and globalised sources of information, it seems like there are no big difference between studying locally and abroad as we still can access to the same knowledge and information. Thanks to the internet. So those who do not have the opportunity to further your study abroad, be proud that we are HOMEGROWN. PhD life, here I come. | ͰM

Cycling in Putrajaya

This time I had a chance to bring my bestie aka lab partner, Timah to roam around the administrative capital city, Putrajaya on the bicycle. We started our cycling at 6.15pm, which was quite late and ended up right after the Maghrib call of prayer. So, not so much places were covered this time where we were only managed to cycle around the grand Putrajaya Boulevard. Nevertheless, cycling on with this not-so-fit body was quite a challenge, especially when ascending and descending to and from the park next to the Jeti Putra. Thought I had enough cardio covered for a month with that. Still, there are lots of places that I need to explore in the next cycling trip. Couldn't wait for that! | ͰM