My name is Nabila. At 16 years and 7 months old, I went to Sabah. Mainly cuz my dad was posted there. We've always been moving around quite often. We've never even stayed at a place no longer than 4yrs and a half. By average of 4years, we'd always move to a new place. So here I am in Sabah. KK to be specific. Before migrating to Sabah, I was in KL. When my dad first broke the news that we were moving to Sabah, I was in shock. Shock like (aren' t there any place else?). I mean, during the days, all that worries me is how would i be communicating with the people.
So on the first day I set foot in Sabah, I was alredy up speaking and practicing Sabahan language. With the assumption that each sentence would end up with a 'bah'. Worse, i sound more like an Indonesian than a Sabahan. The taxi driver who was taking us to our home just giggled. I mean, if i were him, I'd do the same. Silly me. I enjoyed every second the first day. The view I had on my way home was exhilarating. There was the Centrepoint Shopping Complex. A walk further there was the Wisma Merdeka. Continuing on, there was the sea view on the left. Where you would see not only the spacious view of the sea with little boats floating about, but when you look right, you'd see the Sabahan's pride, the Mt.Kinabalu. My neighborhood was OK. Clustered terraced housing area.
The next month, I was admitted in a small, cosy school in Likas. First few weeks, coversation was kindda hard. It was easy for them to understand me, but it took a while for me to catch-up. Poor them, I'd sometimes ask them to repeat what they say. Just so i would pick up their words. But it wasn't long. They no longer have to repeat their words. I love my school days. The students and teachers were very welcoming. As a student, you wouldn't miss being grounded. I remember during form 4. Almost the whole class got into trouble. Those who didn't bring the book intended, nor assigned their homeworks would have to stand outside the class under the burning hot sunshine for an hour. I wasn't excluded. The classes nearby just looked upon. As if there's anything they'd do to help. By the end of form 5, every second was precious. My classmates even made a gathering and picnic at the Tanjung Aru beach. Saying that would be the last time we'd be together. Correct. Even till today. We've never even gathered everyone from our former classmates. It was our routine to make a reunion each year, and each year the number just gets lesser. We've went our way.
Right after SPM, my family and I mounted up Mount Kinabalu. It's an experience that can't be expressed in words. To tell you the truth, I regretted every second when climbing. It was unbearable. The torture i faced. Especially on the first 200 meters. I kept murmuring to myself "What did I do wrong to have to face this kind of torture?". It was a mind and physical challenge. After 6 hours of mounting, I finally reached the resthouse. It was the procedure to climb from the starting point to the resthouse, and can only continue the climb to the peak at 2am. Once i reached the top, it was speechless. Mainly cuz i was out of breath. But it was the most beautiful view I've ever seen. I saw the whole of Kota Kinabalu. The clouds passing by. The breezy wind blowing over my face. I forgot every pain I faced on the climb. I mean, it was so worth it. It was a memory to cherish forever. And I'm looking forward for another climb.
I took a year off before entering a local uni. I did apply for a part time job. But only for 2months n a half. Some personal issues. By the end of 2007, i was happily and succesfully been accepted in uni. Happy enough for i failed on the first intake. Business Studies have never been my interest. But my parents say it's a good chance. Like it or not, it's what I'll be struggling through for 3 years. I'm in my 2nd year, and I have to say. I do enjoy every moment. Facing accounting subjects was a little worry, but I managed to overcome it. Business Law is my latest concern. But I'm determined, and I'm facing it. I've always put negative thoughts on something new. But turns out, it isn't that bad. It just seems bad cuz you're the one who think it is. So I'm determined, and I'm always trying out new things.
The latest experience..is where I am right now. I applied the exchange student program thing last semester, and here I am in Kuching, Sarawak. I put on quite a positive thought before I arrived. You see, too high expectation will let you down. It was hard for the first 2 weeks. This wasn' right. That wasn't either. Some things was just not right. But on the third week, I'm slowly blending in. Not much of an enjoy yet, but not bad. I'm still putting high hopes on my stay here.
The point is, I'm here to gain a whole new experience and learning new things. It's all part of learning in life. If I don't start now, it'll be too late. Learning things should never be delayed. There's still a whole bunch of knowledge out there waiting to be explored. It's just a matter of courage and determination. I have to live my life to the fullest.
Cambest jer
