Priorities

I finished early, stood up and quickly handed in the Midterm Paper to my TA. I walked outside, burden lifted. And then I remembered.

"Oh my God, I haven't done my Maghrib Prayers"
"Ya Allah, Maghrib tak solat lagi"

I quickly stride towards the 18th Library, where there's a small corner which you can perform your prayers. Somehow after my prayers, I felt at ease. I managed to pray just in time*it's not a good practice*.

I'm glad I remembered to pray, glad that I decided to hand-in the Midterm Paper early. Since the exam was at 6 in the evening, 'running' from my usual schedule and at the time I'm still getting used to the time zone here in Columbus. Somehow I almost forgot, that I haven't perform my prayers.

"Oh Allah, thank you for the reminder"
"Ya Allah, nasib ingat.."  

Though I didn't exactly got the results that I wanted for the midterm. I didn't regret going out early. It just proves that I've got a whole lot more to learn, and a whole lot more work to do. Glad I managed my Maghrib prayers in time.

I guess everyone will have this 'moment of choosing' in their lives sooner or later. Just make sure which comes first peeps :).

Ups and Downs

Just as I'm finally able to truly make sense of what I'm learning in Physics*literally, then came the results of Calculus midterm. I had to admit, the pressure was immense. Most of my time was used to make sure I'm staying on track.

But to be honest, I'm kinda glad actually.

I took this as His way to ensure my feet is always running, on the ground. It was tiresome, with the meetings and all. But I don't mind*sometimes I do haha penat kot, because this ensures my primary niat coming to Columbus keeps going. Though sometimes I do complain, I felt silly whenever I think about what I'm actually complaining before.

Opening up does helps though. At first I was kinda reluctant. It wasn't easy as I expected*okay maybe I overestimated my self in this xD*. Working in groups helped me, a lot. I struggled at first, brainstorming words in my mind each time I talk with my classmates here. Also looking up Google Translate whenever I'm writing summaries or reports in a group.

Glad it didn't stopped me from talking though*hahaha.

I admit, sometimes I'll be at lost of words when I talk with the people here. And most of the time I'll have a Google Translate Tab opened up on my browser whenever I'm writing reports. But I'm coping with it. Slowly but surely.

All I did*and still doing* was try, try and try.

I believe anyone who goes to another country either to work or learn, will never really truly 'live' if they don't ever mingle with the locals. It's up to you yourself though, to decide.

I think I should be more grateful, given the chance to learn in a world class environment. This golden opportunity needs to be spend to the fullest. I'll show gratitude by giving my all. That's a promise I'll do my best to keep.

Barakah

Earlier today during one of the mass lecture, I saw someone who was deliberately playing with his gadget. While the professor was teaching, the guy was playing some kind of game without any focus on what's being taught upfront.

This really brings me back..

Back then, my teachers constantly remind us on how important 'berkat' is. Whether you're an accomplished student or a weak one, berkat or barakah is still the most important element. Especially from one who teaches you. It's necessary to have a good relationship with our teachers, as to gain the teacher's 'berkat' on what she/he has taught us.

And I agree.

I remembered seeing my friends back in school, back in college  whom play with their phones in class. Not that I am the one who bestows 'berkat' among people, but how do you expect to really understand what was being taught by the teacher when you're busy with your phones, your gadgets?

Furthermore as a Malaysian myself, I know that generally Malaysians get offended easily. You wouldn't want to get on a teacher's/lecturer's bad side. Though they do not show it, believe me that most of the time they know that 'you're not in the class at all'. On a personal level, I myself would feel*at least a bit* offended when someone I'm interacting with is busy with other things when I'm actually trying to relay something to them.

"And still you complain tak faham lah, kelas bosan lah. And bila dapat markah rendah, blame benda/orang lain"

Sometimes it's just the slightest of things, 'berkat' perhaps? Wallahualam. Try standing in the shoes of a teacher, and you will know what it feels like. Trust me, it's not a feeling you would want to have while teaching.

The best thing to do I believe is to 're-adjust' your niat before each and every class, that usually helps when I have to go through long and 'sleepy' classes. If you missed anything, take the initiative to meet up with your teachers or lecturers. They will be more than happy to help out. And if they caught you doing something your not supposed to in class*e.g. sleeping*, quickly apologize.

Apologizing won't hurt a fly, and believe me, you'll feel much better afterwards.