brexit

Soooo... You ever wonder what PMS is all about? 

Ok, sit back, relax, and let me tell you a story. 

This monstrosity took place just a couple of hours ago, set in a classroom of eight students. Anything the teacher said is in bold.

"Anyone knows why investors aren't very confident to invest in the UK at the moment?" 

Silence. Teacher expects an answer.

I thought about it. Err... dunno... OH wait... Is it because we don't know whether the UK is going out of the EU, so we can't really predict the economy if it DOES exit the EU?

Prolonged silence.

"Anyone remember? We did this (during the) last lesson."

We did talk about exiting the EU, right? But waaaaait what else did we discuss on Wednesday? Ummm something about trains, is that relevant? 

I looked at Thatana and Nelynn. Guys say something! It's been 30 whole seconds of silence. Please save us. If I could turn around without being obvious, I would have undoubtedly looked at everyone else, because goshhh my classmates are super smart, they make me feel extremely tiny every time. 

"Starts with B..."

At this point, I knew for sure that I was wrong. The UK going out of the EU doesn't exactly start with a B, nor does that sentence has any B in it.

"Brexit."

OH. British Exit. Britain exiting the EU.

Talk about the sweet taste of disappointment. 

Fast forward to approximately five minutes before the end of the lesson. 

"What's the formula for productivity?" 

Well, productivity is output per worker, right? So... number of output over number of workers? 

Teacher looked at us, we looked at teacher... repeat 10 times. "Number of output over number of workers."

NOT AGAIN. For goodness sake, Sabrina, next time, speak up. Don't be such a coward, chances are you're right and you'll feel good! And even if you're wrong, who cares! What matters is you try. That's what counts. 

So, next question. "What's the formula for unit labour cost?" 

This is it. It's time. There's no turning back now. You got this, you're larger than life. Do it. "Umm... average cost over number of workers?" I blurted. (Let's all ignore the fact that my "answer" came out as a question.)

Silence. My pail of confidence rolled down the hill. So much for dreaming big. 

"Um... total... cost... over number of workers?" I tried again, albeit fully convinced that I was going to get it wrong nonetheless. Yolo.

"Close. Total cost over output." 

OF COURSE. Of course I would have the worst possible timing. Whyyyy is it that every time I do try, it somehow ends up false? 

But hey, it's no problem, we learn from mistakes... I'm totally chill... whoa wait what... what are my eyes doing? Oh my God, are they... watering? OMG. DON'T FALL. DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELF MORE THAN YOU ALREADY DID. 

DON'T YOU DARE DO THIS TO ME, EYES, NOT RIGHT NOW. 

By the time class ended, I had two whole buckets of water. But phew, there wasn't even a single drop. I'm too cool for that. I blinked them away, feeling cool and composed.

The moment I stepped out of the room, BAM, Niagara Falls. Which lasted longer than I would ever admit.

No, I didn't cry, sheesh, I'm cool. A mere leakage problem was all.

Just them PMS hormones being a drama queen, anyway. *Flips tudung.*

into november

2 months has passed since summer break.

Ok, let's see what I've been doing in this country so far.

Coping terribly with LDR, moved houses twice, endured countless rereading of a very cheesy personal statement, ate too much Ben & Jerry's (I'm taking advantage. Neither Jason's nor Jaya Grocer can beat the flavour range and price here), braved bad Skype connections, figured how to use the washing machine (and the dryer!!! unfortunately I can never tell what I can or can't put in, do they really need that many symbols just to ruin my favourite 2012 Olympics tee), drooled outside the Mulberry store, learnt how to make Nasi Lemak (scratch that, I've forgotten it by now.)

And oh... I almost forgot! Second year of A Levels.

What is life...

cringe cringe cringe

NO MORE SCHOOL FOR THE YEAR WOOOO.

Total distance: HeHeHeHe 

Lower Sixth Form Recap

Maths

• love my teacher 
• my only female teacher
• her smile is blinding masyaAllah 
• the only homework we have is to do past papers

Further Maths

• tests started with a good 'ol 80%
• then I made a 44% 
• then I knocked some sense into myself 
• tests were better towards the end of the year 

Physics

• you can be 2 seconds late
• that's 0.2% lesson lost to you
• the jokes oh my God
• HAND IN HOMEWORK 9 AM MONDAY or DIE
• I'm beginning to love Physics
• well except Particles
• why do people study tiny little things 

Economics

• teacher won't progress unless somebody at least try to answer questions
• most of the time I just yolo
• and then cringe later
• I still cringe at stupid answers I made months ago 
• I feel like dying every time

Jokes aside; my teachers are amazing, brilliant and talented educators who are all very passionate about their subjects. 

(cepat cepat cover)

blue skies ahead

Bla bla bla, me mumbling some stuff. 

Endless Horizon, Blue Skies Ahead

Do you recall sleepless nights, group discussions over lunch, copying and trading notes with your classmates last November? If your answers are yes, yes and yes, I'm guessing you are one amongst 455,849 students who sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2014. Allow me to extend a hearty congratulations to you!

In 2014, a total of 11,289 students scored straight As in the examination, a slight dip compared to 13,970 students in 2013. Additionally, there is a decrease in the national average grade (GPN), which measures overall performance in the examination. A lower score indicates better achievement, and for 2014, the GPN was 5.08, a short fall of 0.15 from 4.93 in 2013.

How anxious were you on the day results came out? Did you compare your A, B or Cs with your friends and relatives? Put that aside. Just as every snowflake is unique, there could be one hundred reasons for that difference in your number of As. 

Some of us may have exceeded our expectations, whilst some of us may have not. Be optimistic, for opportunities are endless. I know many wonderful, awesomely talented peers whose true potential cannot be measured with their grades. What matters most is the courage, personality and perseverance to explore the new possibilities beyond SPM, not your numbers and letters. Once you have these three keys checked, you will achieve even greater heights. 

Life is bigger than SPM. Look further, my friends!

http://niexter.nst.com.my/2015/03/

Shut up shut up... so what if I used my housemate's History textbook...

first milestone

I'm proud to announce that I am finally a grown up.

I MOVED OUT OF THE HOUSE OH MY GOD.

Amalin says I'd never experience the whole sekolah asrama experience, but heeeeey, look who's the brave and independent one now, 10 539 km away some more. Heheh.

I am truly ready to face adult adventures, like, you know, living alone, buying a house, riding dragons and all that.

Shush... what's this shut up you'll be back in 3 months you're saying? I can't hear you, sorry.

Needless to say, I'm 10 539 km closer to Colin now.

Um Dad, I'm 10 539 km closer to Colin now simply means I'm going to study hard, nothing to worry about... trust me.

4 steps to 11

Ok guys, 11A+s eh? Easy.

I wasn't in school today, so I pondered about it...

AND I HAVE FINALLY FIGURED IT ALL OUT.

HERE'S HOW:

1. Focus in class

My lab mates and I have this thing called exchanging stories and fangirling in class. So basically, what you do is, you either sing, share something you found on tumblr, or have shushed conversation with the person next to you, passionately telling her about your new boyfriend who apparently doesn't even know you and lives in a different timezone (it's ok, we feel you, Ain's in love with Luke, so is Amalin with Jack...)

We're so engrossed and focused in imagining situations that would probably never happen in a million years in our studies, even the teacher doesn't interrupt.

2. Get enough sleep

courtesy of theramencup

You know how they say that in order to be a top scorer, you've got to stay alert and stuff, and you're gonna have to sleep for at least 6-8 hours to unwind? Yeah? Well, ok, 30 minutes during Sejarah, 30 minutes in Biology, a couple of 30-mins sometime else, and huzzah, before you know it, 6 hours: DONE. This is so easy.

3. Help one another

One of the fundamentals! I teach my desk mates how to bake cookies, Amalin preaches about her precious belongings (including a Petrosains dino), Ain gave a tutorial to my desk partner how to log on into tumblr, all our lessons held during classes. We're all cool with sharing knowledge, they stay in mind longer like that.

4. Be brave and ask

Sometimes lectures really are baffling (think Chemistry and Physics?) Say if you're confused of how you should do this and that, don't be shy to ask! It's not like people still eat one another. Cannibalism is so over (never again, na'udzu billahi min zalik). I'm the Common Law and Leverage encyclopaedia, remember? For qestions on 5SOS and One Direction, kindly contact Amalin Kamilah and Qurratul 'Ain. I'm not sure if they have Meet & Greet or VIP passes, but it could be worth to ask.

With all these 4 steps in hand, you're all set to 11A+!


Ok, ok, I'm kidding.

grayscale

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

This year, our Mondays and Thursdays would end at 2.50pm instead of the usual 2.15pm. Here's to wasting spending more time at school :(

Our koko - Malay slang for co-curricular activities - would usually be around 3.30pm to 5pm, so most of the students will just have their lunch and do Zuhur prayers without going home. It's really a blessing to see beautiful girls standing next to one another, performing Zuhur Salaah in congregation, Alhamdulillah.

Here's the catch though: the praying garments are... um... *squeals*

One telekung with torn hem, another one seems like it's been worn since 2009, that one over there has stains all over it...

A very 'picturesque' sight, you see.

Not that I'm complaining, because I may be held accountable as well.

But these are what we can do.

1. Help with laundry. I am pretty sure that the telekungs are constantly being washed by the surau's personnel, but it's always noble to lend a helping hand. Who doesn't like Downy telekungs? Or squeaky clean telekungs that smell like Softlan? Say, bring the pair of praying garment we used home, wash it, bring it back to school. A person uses it, and we'll get free pahala.

2. Donate praying garments. I noticed that during prayer times, there a lot of girls casually sitting at the back of the surau. They're not gossiping /coughs coughs/, of course, they're doing the signature "tengah tunggu telekung". The thing about donating is that we could just give out anything; be it used ones (make sure they're decent and usable) or newly purchased garments. Think sadaqah jariah.

On average, I would say that one pair of praying garment is most likely to be used more than thrice, especially during koko days where some students perform their Asar prayer at school. More people using our telekung = more rewards we get, if God wills.

Take your adornment while praying, Allah says. (Quran, 7:31)

You know, like if you wear Zara when hanging out with your friends (admit it, girls would want to look fab)... what about hanging out with God...

Besides, you know you'd love to prostrate to Allah in something lovely, right?

tearing stomachs with log

Bismillahirrahmanirahim.

Assalammualaikum.

It's the second week of exam aftermath, and so far I've been... well... Alhamdulillah, I'm okay. Heheh.

Our Add. Maths. teacher handed us our papers today, and oh boy, t'wasn't what I expected but I'm grateful for the A, Alhamdulillah.

The questions were just on Indices & Logarithms, so there weren't any simultaneous equation, inverse function thingamajigs. 

What I enjoyed the most was probably the conversation I had with Maziah.

"It'd be super cool to get an A+. I mean, like, I've never gotten A+ for add maths." Yes, I am still hoping for a miracle.

"I know right." Maziah nodded.

Right on cue, the teacher (one of my favourite teachers too) announced, "A guy in 4-" - I wasn't exactly paying attention to his class - "was the highest in his class. He scored 95."

"Oh well, not that I'd want to be a mathematician anyway. I saw his bio on Twitter." I mumbled.

"I know that Add. Maths. is important, but who operates people with log?" Maziah raised her eyebrows. She's a future obstetrician or a gynaecologist... or both?

"Ain probably loves these stuff." I replied, eyes fixed on my own paper. "I'd learn investment and all... and hire an accountant." 

This post isn't meant to offend the guy or to brag. It's generally about the conversation. And yep, I do realise we'll use Add Maths in the near future (tertiary education).

studying: not my thing

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalammualaikum.

"How do you study?"

Riiiiiiight. The question that sends me grinning sheepishly every single time.

"Let me just... eh. I'll..." - this would be me fumbling for words.

There are times when I just wish that I could be like one of those girls who'd say, "Oh, I do this and that, plus I make sure of this and that... yadda yadda yadda," confidently.

If you think that this post boasts effective study methods, let me advice you on one thing: close it.

It's not.

My best friends would know just how lazy I am.

Let me show you the truth.

1) Liars

After the final day of Summative One, this was Ain and me;

"Oh my God this was the most horrible thing ever. I should have studied like a month earlier or something."  

"Yep, for Formative Two, I'm going to study way way earlier. No more last minute-studies."

Three days before Formative Two, this was our conversation;

"Wei it's so scary I haven't studied anything."  

"Omg me too! It's okay, bantai can lah." 

So much for dreaming big.

I guess some would say that studying a week or a fortnight earlier would be good. I don't know, I have never tried this.

If I used that method, I would've forgotten 50% (or 100%) of the little details by the day of the exam. Haha.

So I choose to study the night before. That way, I'd be able to retain a lot more.

So that's why sometimes studying at the last minute is okay and I love doing it... or that's probably because I'm too lazy. Pfft.

2) Eh let's watch movies

My parents rock.

Now, if you think that my parents are always beside me saying "Honey, you can do this. It's only a few more chapters." or "Please study, I will buy you a lot of ice cream!" or "Come, let me help you with Chemistry," well then, you're confused of somebody else's parents.

In my case... it's the other way round. When my parents see me revising, they'd be like;

"Eh what are you doing, you've been on that way too long."
"Hey let's check out this Hansgrohe tap?"
"We're going shopping. Come on, let's get you a new pair of shoes."

Oh yes, the occasional "Let's go watch movies. There's this new movie that seems to be cool blablabla-"

And then the despicable thing was, I'd say yes.

But hey, isn't it good to relax? (I do understand that watching movies is probably lagha, do correct me) Really, if you're all too stressed out, it's pretty hard to keep things up there, especially phospholipid bilayer or meiosis or some other weird stuff that I have absolutely no idea about.

And besides, not studying sometimes make you feel really guilty, and you end up studying after getting home because weiii you don't wanna fail.

3) The Duchess of Procrastination

It is a well known fact that I'm really, undeniably, extremely, without-a-doubt, drop-dead annoy lazy.

Even if there's a month before the deadline, I'd still send it in on the final day (or the day before to make me look diligent and goody-two-shoes).

You won't see me sitting at the study table with a 500ml bottle of Spritzer. I don't do that. Freaky. I try to memorise (it stays longer if you memorise and not read) whilst laying on the sofa, posting on Twitter or crushing candies on Candy Crush. Even on exam days, I stay up late... not to burn the midnight oil studying, but to game. Heh.

x

I enjoy being educated but school is a definite NO. When it comes to creative writing or journalism however, oh I love my laptop to death.

Please make lots of du'a for us! We'll be sitting Formative Two next week, starting 29th of July.

or you could just wake me up from my deep slumber when it ends. 

p/s: for study tips, please kindly contact Qurratul 'Ain. She's good. Bhahaha. 

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.

mesmerising...

Published on 18/04/2013 on nsmz

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalammualaikum.

Last year's Legoland endeavour is in today's NST. 

Grab your copy now.

sweetness of Imaan

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Assalammualaikum.

Our class was assigned to an article on the sweetness of Iman. This what I did.

The Sweetness of Iman

Anas bin Malik reported, the Prophet p.b.u..h said, 

"There are three qualities, whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of Iman. To love Allah and His Messenger more than anyone else, to love a slave (of Allah) only for the sake of Allah, and to hate returning to infidelity after Allah has saved him from it as if he would hate to be thrown into the fire."

That tangy taste of Skittles followed by a luscious sweet finish, making you feel on top of the world as you pop them into your mouth. But the sweetness of Iman? It's way beyond that. You would never be dead on your feet spreading Da'wah. Ever.

How?

One may love his parents, siblings and best friends. Some treasure their beauty and wealth. How do you do it, loving Allah and His Messenger surpassing those of whom or which you dearly love? Being a Muslim, it is imperative to establish a close relationship with God. Remembrance of prophet Muhammad, contemplation. If only we reflect and ponder upon the sins we have accumulated. 

It is absurd not to love anyone or anything. Mutuality happens in all parts of the globe - from the north pole to the south pole. Have mutual love for His sake. Besides, when affection is centralised for the sake of the One and Only God, relationship complications will be averted as well. 

Allah is the saviour. He saved us. When one returns to Islam, despise returning to infidelity, despise kufr, despise sin. Do not be harsh to the disbelievers however, detest the act and guide them. Repent sincerely and wholeheartedly, after all, without a doubt, Allah is the all-forgiving. 

And when one found these qualities, he, if Allah permits, has found the sweetness of faith.

sms sembrong

Assalammualaikum.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Well, isn't this a surprise. HAHAHAHHHA.

I couldn't stop laughing in the car because...........................................

However, a few minutes ago I googled up the school and hey, it's spanking new.

It looks pretty awesome!

And they actually treated Pizza Hut to students who happened to get straight A's for their UK1 (I have no idea what UK1 is). Just like in DABB where students are given the chance to dine with the Pengetua.

The school is so lucky to be well-equipped.

And the ultimate brownie point? I won't have to sit for Formative One, people!

There's only one issue - I don't do hostels.

in a toilet

Assalammualaikum.

Having been studying in the same school for the past three years, I have best friends whom I have gotten attached to. We were acquaintances, but as time progressed, they grew under my skin.

It's a kind of funny story, how we met, I mean.

2010

"Eh tu Swatch ke?" said a girl with a fair complexion as I washed my hands in the school toilet.

Surprised with the question, I turned my head towards the gleeful girl whom I have never spoken to before. She gripped my wrist, brought it closer to her, and examined the colourful, striped watch.

"Ni edition bila?" she asked, referring to the year when the Swatch was released. I raised my shoulders and pouted.

The girl twisted my hand very slightly and said "Oh, 2008!" I nodded, I never knew that.

After getting her question answered, by herself, mind you, she politely excused herself.

That was weird.

As the new year began, we became friends. Not close, just friends.

Months passed and we grew close. Me, her, and her best friend whom is my best friend too.

We share the same passion - books, messing around, having fun, cookies. Having the same attraction to Swatch seems a little bit cliche though.

Frankly speaking-or typing, whatever, how can you not love those good-looking straps?

We are in Form Four now, and Swatch-wearers are almost everywhere in school.

And did you know? The person who started it all, was her. The girl who freakily grabbed my wrist and walked away.

So today during BM class, I pointed out to her best friend and my best friend, who owns a Lime Rebel by the way, "Swatch is getting too mainstream."

The young lady nonchalantly replied, "I know. Let's get Tissot."

Ahem.

anticipation

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum.

I was just making my way out of the toilet of Room 1302, when my dad calls me out loud. I see. He's been reading a the Star article on the laptop.

Friday December 14, 2012

PMR results out on Wednesday

"What's your angka giliran?"

"Uh.. tak ingat... BJ somethingsomething or BD somethingsomething."

Promptly, I googled up my school's code (is it called a code?) and found out that it was a 'BD'.



Later at the airport while waiting for MHxxxx

I knew he was bored, and so was I. I rummaged through the backpack in the hope of finding something useful. I suppose something sparked inside of him as he suddenly bolted up and sat uprightly.

I cocked my eyebrows questioningly.

"You wanna try and sms 15888 now?" he asked.

"I thought it only starts on the 19th of November?"

"You never know..." he grinned slyly.

"LOL okay then." yes, I literally said lol. He occasionally utters the word too btw.

So he typed PMR followed by my IC number and index number and sent it to 15888.

A few seconds later his phone beeped. This time, he raised his eyebrows.

He longed to see "9A" or "Congratulations", and when he opened the message, what appeared was...

"Perkhidmatan bermula pada 19 November 2012."

Pfffffffftttttt.