Wednesday, March 22, 2006

The week after

What lies ahead after Spring Break? For starters, no, I did not go to the beach and oogle at hot babes in bikinis cut out of handkerchiefs. Though, now that I think about it, why didn't I do it? Well, of course, $MONEY$. If only I had money. *Daydreams*

OK, I snapped out of it. Well, this week is the week after Spring Break and everything has been going well so far. Light work load, post Spring Break catch-up by the professors (not that they are tired, just that they are letting the students get back on their feet). But good news all the way... so far.

For starters, something bad (REAL BAD) happened over break and of course, since this is a public blog, I will not go into details. But, I managed to resolve whatever the problem was, and hopefully, life can continue normally, now that all parties involved in this issue are relieved that the problem is over.

Next up, taxes. I just did my taxes (Yeah, I actually have important stuff to do!). During the course of this, I found out that the US government actually taxed my scholarship. How ridiculous!!?? What is the purpose of a tax on scholarships? It defeats the purpose of the scholarship. Retarded Americans. Anyways, it is also my fortune that I can reclaim this "substantial" amount from the government, although I will only receive the money god knows how long from now. Well, at least I get the money back. I feel richer.

*BONUS* Well I didn't really expect this, but my class has been cancelled tomorrow and I do not have to wake up at all. But the problem with me is, I wake up anyway. The good part is, I just got done with episode 13 of season 1 of the TV series, Numb3rs. So, that means, I might finish it by tonight or tomorrow, depending on whether Matt is kind enough to send me the rest of the episodes.

Oh well, life is sailing smoothly. About 2 more months and back to Malaysia I go, and in about 3 more months, I'll get to see my darling again.

Thursday, March 2, 2006

Inspire me... Inspire me not...

Ever wonder how does one get inspired? I don't mean motivated as in... motivated to do work when you are procrastinating, but actually inspired... when you feel like you really want to do that something that you know will make you feel great for the rest of your life. You ever had that kind of feeling?

Well, one way we often get inspired is through the experiences of others. It could be as simple as watching a movie, where you see how someone had to go through hardships to achieve the extraodinary, the feel good kind of movie where the ending is always happy. For example, a movie like "Miracle", where the US Olympic Ice Hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in the 1982 winter olympics when it was thought to be impossible. Anyways, watch it and you will understand. Another such movie would be "Remember the Titans". That is about American Football but the idea is similar.

But what I am trying to point out today is that, recently, I have been inspired by numerous people just by what they have said to me. As mentioned, I am not talking about mere motivation here. But the professors at Bucknell, make an effort to know your work and try their best to inspire you to do the best you can. That's what makes Bucknell different. A lot of people never spent the time to get to know their professors in universities. We tend to regard our professors as just mentors who are there only to impart knowledge upon us. However, at BU, the professors are more than just teachers. They are your friends. I will not go too far as to explain what exactly did some of my professors say to me that inspired me. But when I think about it further, I realize that it is not just the things that they say, but the way they say it. It is kind of gesture, the kind of sincerity and the kind of expression in their face that shows you that not only do they want to help you succeed, but it is their pleasure to see that you actually get where you want to go.

In other words, the professors at BU help you realize your dream. By realize, I do not mean help you find your path, but actually guide you along it. I have not been to any other university besides Bucknell. Hence, I cannot claim that Bucknell has this edge over other universities. However, having such great professors at Bucknell makes me honored to be here. In addition, in the Spring of 2007, I am hoping to study abroad at Melbourne University, one of the top universities in the world. I look forward to the difference in experience, and enrichment that I will get over there.