Frustrating First Semester At UTAR

Was having doubts about coming to university due to a few reasons. I wasn't sure if my family are capable and more importantly, I wasn't sure I wanted to pursue a degree.

Finally I made the decision to further my studies at UTAR Kampar and for once, do well in my studies.

14 study weeks have passed and I'm left with more questions than answers. How do I study this subject ? Why I just won't understand this ? How did they do so well ? Where have all my time gone ? Why am I not happy here ? and it goes on. . .

To sum it up I would say - Environment changed. I did not.

I mean...
>>The marking scheme - 40%coursework + 60%final exam instead of the old 20-80. Got to emphasize more on assignments and mid-term tests or else you have a hell lot to do.

>>The difficulty - Diploma to Degree. Of course it is more difficult. So the same amount of effort, same methods aren't going to work. Need to find the right method for the right subject. I didn't and got quite frustrated at times.

>>The notes - unlike in diploma where the printed books are very much complete text books, here its just a summary of the book in Power Point slides and in certain subjects, aren't enough.

>>The campus - Its HUGE. And that is not good at all. I didn't get a parking sticker which means I have to walk about 10 mins from the gate. And parking is a bit of a trouble even for bikes.

>>The weather - Its very warm. That makes the walking inside the campus quite unpleasant.Attending classes then is a bit discouraging. Hopefully I'll be get a parking sticker next semester.

>>The girls - OH MAN ! it is impossible to concentrate in lecture i tell you...

>>The flexi intake - In certain classes you barely have time to start a conversation with the person next to you. Unless its a subject that requires a group assignment, you can't really meet much people.

Still I don't blame these external factors for the terrible result that awaits. I just want to say sorry to those who have supported and put in hope for me to do well.

And I also promise you all and to myself that I will not let this happen again. I will do better.

I guess holiday plans have to called off. Lost the mood for it.

Grown Up Boys

Recently I had a conversation with my buddy about some of our friends. Talking about now that everybody has grown up and how things have changed ever since. Suddenly he mentioned something that came to me as a surprise.

One of my friend was told to get married after graduation. Sounds funny at first but it got me thinking.

I'm 22 this year, will graduate at 24. Some say, it is best for guys to have kids around his late 20s or early 30s for 2 reasons.

1. To have some time to build up his career and financial stability.(Some people has got cameras to invest in)
2. For the good of the next generation. Better let them find the ovum while they are still strong.

This theory makes sense only to certain people but if its true, me and my friends (of the same age) don't have a lot of time left. Assuming we graduate and start working at 24, there is only another 4 to 5 years left to build up a career and save enough money.And that I'm afraid, isn't lot of time.

As for me its not necessary to get married at that age so I can just ignore all that. But looking at the age gap of me and my dad, its 3 rounds at the lunar calender = 36 years. And for some reason, I don't like the gap at all. Its not just career obstacles that will make things harder. Finding a compatible mate might also take some time.

Time doesn't pause to wait for any one. You will be getting older day after day.

It always good to have some long-term plans. Gives you as sense of direction instead of just being a boat roaming round the ocean.

As for now, I got to make sure I don't delay my graduation. Think I just screwed up one of my papers but I can make up for it.

STUDY >>> EXAM >>> HOLIDAY

13/9 Management Principle 9am
14/9 Advertising and Promotion 9am
15/9 Quantitative Technique II 2pm
18/9 Corporate and Business Law 2pm
24/9 Business Finance 9am

That is my exam timetable for this semester. Its very good. Except the 3-paper-in-3-days arrangement.

Subjects that concerns me the most (due to my terrible coursework marks) are QT,CBL and BF.

9days left to the exam. Hopefully I can make good use of this time, do well in exam. Walk out of the hall knowing I passed and enjoy my semester break. (which I haven't plan).

For the 3 weeks break, I do have a few holiday ideas to consider.

1. Langkawi. The island with the biggest eagle in the world is tax-free and therefore, heaven for smokers and drinkers which I'm not. But still, since its tax-free and mineral water costing more than beer,I might as well try out some expensive liquors that cost ridiculously elsewhere.2. Batu Ferringghi. Rent a chalet right next to the beach and do whatever I want there. I can jog,swim, or just lie on the beach doing nothing. Plus, having seen the smiles on the people who played the water sport there, I think I want to give it a try !3. Genting. Somewhere I haven't been for years. I saw some photos of my friends going there and I think it would be a great place for photography. I also want to step foot in the world famous casinos. And I really missed those thrilling roller coaster rides. Especially SpaceShots that lifts your butt off the seat when it does a vertical dive.4.Your suggestion. The numbers have no ranking arrangements. I haven't decided yet and if you do have an interesting suggestion, it might just be my number1 choice of holiday. :-)

But before all that, I got to make sure I pass all my subjects 1st. As for now, GOOD NIGHT !!!