MY FIRST DAY IN IPG KDRI

Nerve-wracking?

The thought of continuing my studies, leaving my family, saying goodbye to my loved ones while knowing that it will take a long period of time before I can meet them again, letting go of my little sister's small, yet warm hand that I wish to protect for eternity, learning how to be independent in a new environment, reminiscing back to my precious memories while being surrounded by my close friends, all of these thoughts knocked on my heart constantly without a stop. Like raindrops, slowly, it drew a line on my face. One that I knew for sure, will return with all of its glory to inform the brain of a particular sentence. "Stop acting to be tough, let it all out" and it did. 

It was hard; the scene of my mother wrapping her arms around me while letting the scarcely, visible tears of hers and the moment I had to bite the inside of my cheeks, forcing my lips to curl upwards while waving my hand to my family until our car was finally out from my sight. Not having any connection to anyone in Batu Rakit, Terengganu was my weakness. The registration went well despite the long, exhausting span of time wasted there. After fulfilling my duty as a Muslim for Zuhur prayer, PPISMP students were called to gather in Dewan Al-Farabi. That was the start of our hell- a challenge that we couldn't forfeit from despite the countless pleads and begging to be set free. 

Punishments could be interpreted as a compulsory item in our orientation as we were labeled as 'problematic' from the first step we took into the hall. PPSIMP students were only allowed to wear all black clothes alongside our formal one during the four-days orientation. For three days, it was as if our physical and mental state were abused with all the screamings and punishments that we received from the seniors. "Why are they being like this?" was my question as I, with the others were doing squad and putting our arms up in the sky. Words of giving up were lingering in my mind, they didn't let my mind to rest or even take a breather. I wanted to surrender, admitting my defeat to this trial but somehow, miraculously, I went through all of it with no problem. 

There were a myriad of complaints and compliments, yet the list will go on because our hearts were wrenching in despair and fear but it was also showered with genuine love and support to the point that we couldn't help but to stretch our lips upwards, showing our seniors a toothy grin. 

A memorable orientation.

Genuinely,

Farah