taking the next step

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalammualaikum.

This was published somewhat months and months ago, but I had only found out about it now. Still looking for the copy... in case anyone does, do inform me please? Hahah.

Headline: Taking the next step

Publication: NST

Date of publication: Feb 7, 2013

Section heading: School Times

Page number: 018

Byline / Author: By Sabrina Zaid

BUCKLE up guys, Form Four is going to be a topsy-turvy ride, I said to my best friends, Amalin and Ain as we gathered at school for the first time in 2013. It was a new phase of our lives as students. We were now in Form Four.

Every year, our school organises an orientation programme for Form Four students. Aimed at assisting us adapt to a new class, the programme was held over three days. On the first day, our orientation began with a brief introduction to the new subjects we would be engaged in. Undoubtedly, the thought of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Additional Mathematics gave us the willies.

I couldn't help but remember how hectic our schedules were when we were in Form Three. Preparations for PMR had us running on fumes.

A facilitator's voice interrupted my train of thought. He was in charge of the ice-breaking session. In order to determine which group we would be in, a game was given us. Each of us had to draw a random piece of a puzzle from a huge pile. There were many sets of puzzles, and I had to search for my peers who possessed the corresponding tiles to the one I had. Once assembled, the pieces should form a national flag. I was fortunate to have found my teammates in a flash. Meticulously, we constructed the puzzle and, to our astonishment, the Brazilian flag was formed.

As we proceeded to the second day, I felt butterflies in my stomach. Our experienced teachers had arranged personality tests for us. The purpose was to guide us in choosing our stream, whether it would be the Science or the Accounting stream.

Luck was on our side, as our teachers provided detailed information regarding available streams. They explained the career opportunities, which were extremely essential for us to achieve our ambitions.

The evening approached, and there was another game - Battlefield. This time, it was us versus our facilitators.

The approach was simple. Facilitators threw water balloons, and we dodged the balloons. We played the role of Palestine and felt a tinge of repentance in our hearts. We learned how crucial solidarity is and that unity is strength.

On the final day, the respected school counsellor, Ayah Haji, gave us an illuminating speech. He advised us that Form Four is not a honeymoon year and it is imperative for us not to settle things at the 11th hour. As the saying goes, time is gold. After all, we can't possibly turn back the hands of time.

As the programme came to an end, excitement soon overcame my fear of being in Form Four. I was determined to turn over a new leaf. Not only did the orientation benefit us, it also made our first days of school most remarkable.