THOUGHTS DURING QUARANTINE
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| A panoramic view of modern Kuala Lumpur skyline. |
While I was trapped in my hotel room during my mandatory quarantine, one of my favourite things to do is to stare outside my enormous glass wall and gaze at the magnificent skyline of modern Kuala Lumpur. My favourite building in this city is the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Although I’m a Malaysian, I don't often go to Kuala Lumpur. The city was never a place for a ‘kampong’ boy like me. Life, however, always has a way of surprising you. Here I am, staying in a luxurious hotel with the best view of the concrete jungle (fully sponsored thanks to the generosity of my sponsor - the Hornby Trust) - alhamdulillah (all praise be to god), what more could I have asked from you O’ Allah. This reminds me of a beautiful verse from Surah Ibrahim (Verse 7):
"And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more."
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| A room with a view - The iconic Twin Towers of Petronas, Kuala Lumpur |
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
Towards the end of my quarantine, I couldn't help to think of it as a blessing in disguise. It was the much-needed break that I didn't know I needed. Disclaimer! - I am not trying to romanticize the quarantine period that I’ve been through. Staying in your room for 14 days all alone without seeing your loved ones or even being able to quickly step outside for some fresh air does have its psychological effects on some people. For me, I was thankful that these 2 weeks of self-isolation enabled me to rest and let my mind recover from my studies before I resume my work. It was a transition period for me to reflect on my journey and my personal growth not only as a person, but also as a student and as a teacher. I truly am thankful for this eventful one year.
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| Life in a suitcase - Looking forward to go back home and finally be reunited with my family and friends |
EVERY END IS A NEW BEGINNING
On my last day of quarantine, I watched the sunset set in this modern metropolis for the last time. The sun slowly fades away from the view from my room. Although I don’t know where life may take me from here forth, I would like to remain optimistic and be positive amidst all the uncertainties that are happening around me. I want to believe that better things are waiting for me in the future than the ones that I’ve left behind in my past. As Dr Richard Kiely (Hornby Trust Vice Chair) once told me during our weekly Friday’s virtual meeting. ‘make no mistake: a Hornby scholarship is not a gap year. It is a foundational one.’ There is no telling what the future will hold, but if 2020 is any indication, it surely is going to be a wildly colourful time.
Comments
First, congratulation on your extraordinary achievement, Sir. I am truly shocked. I am Lim Jia Yang, one of your students from 5 Brilliant SPM2018 SMKUT. Currently, I am studying at University of Malaya. I would like to ask Sir Kamal a favor to have a short conversation for my English Assignment. I will be really grateful if Sir reply to me. Thank you very much.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IK8nSagb6uzob8t3hoGpqcJ_1LniQ3S1/view?usp=sharing
I remember you! You're such a wonderful student and I enjoy teaching you very much. Sure, I would be more than happy to have a short conversation with you. Here is my email address kamal@adtectaiping.edu.my
I wanted to look through your blog to have some hints for my teaching and coincidentally I was able to read your thoughts of the time when you were in quarantine.
All my studies had not been the same without my friends that supported me throughout the term time. We were a crew on the same boat. Learning was indeed a social process,
and I very much value the time we spent interacting, arguing and studying on this boat
together. I really cherish the time we spent together and hope to see you again someday in the near future!! Stay safe and wish you all the best!!!! :) Yukie
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