Adiós 2010!

2010 was a year of new experiences. I wouldn't say I've grown up. I'd rather call it a year of struggles to find out who I really am and what I really want to do in the future.

It's odd, most people feel lost after SPM, struggling to choose a path to move on. While I was all relaxed back then, I'm now feeling completely lost. Perhaps this is why some people say, "the more you know, the more you don't know". Oh wait, did I make that up? Either way, that's the point.

Anyway, here's a round up of some events in 2010:

Majoring in Journalism. As many may know, I majored in Broadcasting back in the first year of college, and due to health reasons, I had to quit - and switch. A year as a Journalism student was so much better as it wasn't as tiring as the time I had to do lots of filming work. Being a sophomore in Journalism has also taught me that the society is just not as innocent as it seems. I've also realised that I am a person who wants to write freely, and that somehow, Journalism might just not be my thing. That, I have to say, must be part of the reason why I'm feeling lost about my future.

Badminton Malaysia Open`10. Being more experienced (my third year at M.O), I did more than just sitting, watching, interviewing and writing. This year, I did translations during the interviews with some Chinese players. I even got to know some (more) journalists and broadcasters from some local media outlets. This time, other than Yves our photographer, Don, our editor who speaks Korean, was here too. It was my first time meeting Don (and his wife) in person. Oh not forgetting, our big boss Raphael joined us at the stadium too! I felt it was awesome covering an event with the three men. They're great, experienced and friendly people. MO this year, was a totally fantastic one.

Badminton Thomas & Uber Cups`10. First time in my years at Badzine, I covered a major event live. I've always thought of badminton to be the same in every event, but TUC has shown me that a major event, or rather, a team event is very different from the normal Opens. I talked to more people, gained more experience, laughed hard and cried quietly with the players. It was a silly, yet priceless memory. One that I can't put in words. I'm extremely lucky to have witnessed the very first time my favourite Koreans won the Uber Cup. Now every time I hear 'Poker Face' and 'Bad Romance', I think of my days at TUC`10 (these two songs were played in the stadium everyday).

FIFA World Cup`10. Four years after Italy won the cup at Germany. This time, it was in South Africa. I enjoyed the month by staying awake to follow the matches. What's sad is, it seemed that not many people in my class really followed the Cup, except a lady lecturer. Silly, but I felt sad to see Kaka being sent out of the game with a red card that was obviously caused by an unfair judgment. In the end, it felt great to see Spain winning the Cup, somehow. Casillas was an amazing goalkeeper (though I think Julio Cesar of Brazil is great too). Overall, World Cup this year was a different one, with all the top teams being eliminated earlier than usual.

Hokkaido, Japan Trip. My family travelled to Hokkaido in September this year. A very countryside place, but I loved it - completely. I celebrated my 19th birthday there, where I was surprised to a birthday cake with Japanese-written "Happy Birthday".

Then I met a boy who was also, coincidentally, celebrating his birthday in the same restaurant. When I returned from Japan, it took me some time to adjust into the environment in Malaysia. Odd, it being my home. For a period of time, I felt urgh to see the attitude of our fellow people, I felt unsecured to walk alone on the streets, and I felt reluctant to enter our public toilets. Ha! Well not to that extend, but I'm trying to express how I felt and that's how it turned out to be.

Graduation. Our official ceremony will only be held in June (I think) 2011, but to me, or most people, the last day of our final exams was equal to the day we leave college. We had our photo-shoot, some attended the farewell dinner at night, then we left for our own path, for good.

Internship at HIM. After having experienced journalism based work with badminton, I decided to try out something new, at least before I have to decide on which career path to dive into. So far, since the 13th of December 2010, I've experienced two major events at HIM. First was Hebe's promo tour on Christmas Day, and the second, is the countdown at Sungei Wang where our artists (Power Station and Tank) performed. Till now, I'd say being in this field (music label) is great fun. I got to meet many media people and artists, watched concerts for free, got free movie tickets and most of all, learnt how things are like in a company like this.

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That's about the major happenings in 2010 for me. I'd like to thank everyone for making 2010 special, and thank God for giving me an eventful year with many unforgettable events. I'm really, really blessed in many ways. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

As for my plans/wishes for the new year, I've learnt that it's always better to keep a goal to myself before I achieve it, or I'll turn to give up half way. A goal is always better accomplished when it is not known of, at least it is to me.

Till then, Happy New Year! May 2011 be a better, blessed year!