This morning, I woke up for no reason at half past four. It's two hours before I'm supposed to wake up, then I realised, it's been a month since I arrived in Cardiff.
The one month has been an overwhelming one. Arriving in Cardiff, I felt lost. I've been in UK for two years before this but when I finally got my luggage into my room and finally sat down, I realised I have to start all over again, and that scared me. What if I don't like Cardiff? What if I don't like my course? What if I can't make any friends? These are all old fears, but only this time I don't feel I have to confidence to confront them.
Fortunately, I managed to find my way around, and on the second day of the course induction, I met a Malaysian girl, Syafiqah. Then I was introduced to Salina and Ellen, and since the four of us are doing BSc Geology together, we formed what people will call a clique, a "comfort group". We exchanged numbers, but I didn't warm up to them until recently.
On the second week of the course induction, I went on three field trips, most of which involve a bit of climbing, DofE level. I have to say I'm not as fit as I thought I am, and the fact that Salina had experience climbing the Himalayas while the three of us huffed and puffed our way up did not help. In addition to that, I forgot to bring my compass, which make learning how to locate myself on a map difficult. Until now, I still only have a vague idea of how to use a compass.
Third week into my course, I suddenly realised all my lecturers are slightly crazy, mostly in a good way. They are all deeply passionate in their specific area and that is always a good thing, ね? I also managed to clean my room up so it look somewhat presentable, but my wardrobe is still dodgy full haha. I think I have too many clothes. Whoops.
I've been delaying saying this, because although this information is somewhat public already, there are still a lot of people kept in the dark. So, umm...basically...I...have a boyfriend. Yeah. Please don't take this news badly, he's a Bruneian, it's a long distance thing. I have no idea if this will work out, with both of us busy and all, him with his ITB and me with my uni, but we're willing to give it a try.
Please, if you know who he is, treat him well. He is a good person, I'm not saying this because I'm his girlfriend (I'm still getting used to this idea of being his girlfriend) but because he really is. I'll spartan kick anyone who disagree with me. Nah, I kid. *grin*
I'm gonna be on my way Bye bye my younger days Now wipe your tears away~
Just when I thought things couldn't get any more worse, they did. What is this world coming to? I'm not sure what to feel anymore.
Early exam confusion: Probe into possible leaks By Waleed PD Mahdini
Following the discovery of a local private school setting an internationally-accredited examination hours earlier than the scheduled deadline, it has now emerged that two other public secondary schools had also made the same oversight.
The Oxford and Cambridge Examination Board had set this year's Chemistry paper for half past four last Thursday afternoon for the country, which had been set specifically to synchronise with other countries across every time zone around the world.
However, with the discovery that two other schools had also set the examination deadline earlier than other schools, it is now obvious that there apparently had been a communication gap between the schools and the Ministry of Education's Department of Examinations, which is responsible for setting the schedule and timetable for examinations.
An official from the Ministry of Education has confirmed that an investigation is underway to find out the cause of the communication failure and that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
In the meantime, according to an informed source at the Department of Examinations, the protocol for a breach in the examination schedule will mean reporting the incident to the Oxford and Cambridge Examination Board by the Ministry of Education, as well as submitting evidence proving that the examination questions were indeed 'leaked'.
As the examination questions had been 'leaked' in Brunei, which according to sources was the first time it has happened in the Sultanate, this year's Chemistry examination could be compromised worldwide.
Early exam sitting causes chaos By Waleed PD Mahdini
Concerned parents have voiced their displeasure over an early unscheduled sitting for an 'O' Level Chemistry examination on Thursday afternoon by a local private school that led to other students receiving the questions via phone and SMS.
The scheduled time for the nationwide one and a half-hour long 'O' Level Chemistry examination was set at half past four on Thursday afternoon. However, this timetable was not followed at one of the private schools, which decided to start the examination earlier than schedule.
This resulted in the students sitting for the Chemistry examination at this school to finish ahead of students in other schools. For some enterprising or loyal friends, they took this advantage to communicate with their friends and share with them the questions of the examination.
Upon learning of the mix-up, some parents have informed the Weekend Bulletin about the situation asking the authorities to investigate the matter and consider a re-sitting of the examination.
"How can the school allow this to happen? Aren't they supposed to follow a schedule that has been set down by the Ministry of Education? This is outright cheating," remarked one clearly outraged parent, who wished to remain anonymous, when he explained the matter to the Weekend Bulletin.
"I think the Ministry of Education should seriously look into the matter and I hope that they will also do something about the confusion that has been caused," said a woman whose daughter sat for the Thursday examination, adding the question: "I think the school should have at least quarantined the students until the rest of the students sitting for the examination finished theirs. I find this completely irresponsible of them. They should have been aware of this situation."
Most of the parents that were approached by the Bulletin agreed that they intend to take the matter up with the authorities of the school in question to demand an explanation for their oversight.
"I wouldn't blame the students. Of course, as a parent, I would half expect them to do that. What disappoints me is the carelessness of the school authorities. Why should other students benefit from this time rearrangement?" observed another parent.
The Ministry of Education could not be contacted for comments.
Source: Borneo Bulletin Weekend, Local News 10232010
