*This is the first post I’m writing from my hostel, Kolej Penginapan Jambu in IPGM Penang!
Well, I arrived here yesterday which was 4th July (5th TEYLians Anniversary). It was a kinda mixed feeling coming back here yet I was excited. Too bad, my excitement was gone with the wind when I saw my room. It was damn dirty, dusty and filthy. Actually, I can’t really find really appropriate adjectives to describe it! My sweet roommate, Kamini has already swept the floor three times before I saw the room. But still, it looked horrible! Imagine that! This is my 11th sem which means 11th room and cleaning this was the worst! Though tired after the entire cleaning and unpacking process, we went to Tesco the same evening to get some stuff for our room which was really considered urgent necessities. Crashed last night with a relieved feeling!
Tadaaa! The most anticipated day has finally arrived. Woke up really early but still feeling tired! No choice, by hook or by crook, we had to be on time for our INDUCTION! Yess, we had a One-Day-Induction thingy. I was in fact really delighted to see my lecturers after such a long time! Ohh gosh, the most interesting start to the day? We had to hike the steep hills of Bukit Coombe in order to reach the lecture hall and as expected, we were grumbling all the way! It was way too exhausting! One sure thing, hiking those hills are gonna help us to shed at least some kilos! :D Our lecturers were glad to see us back there in one piece too. And so, like freshies, we were given welcoming speech from the Director, the Head of Department of Language Department, and several lecturers. I felt that underneath the guise of smile, they were actually kinda worried about our behavior and attitude when it comes to assimilating and adapting back to the Institute culture. Well, I personally do feel that I myself have gotta assimilate and adapt to the environment, e.g: fixed class time, assemblies, uniform, totally formal attire etc.
Then, came the most “interesting” slot which was from the Discipline Unit – the rules and regulations! I can’t remember all but there are really some that are currently gelled in my brain! Lol!
• Be at classes by 8am. Late 10 mins – perbicaraan Akta 174. Ok?
• Wear court shoes – can’t even show any fingers ( no peeps toe, no wedges, no sandals)
• Interesting one – kasut warna gelap shj! No warna-warni it seems!
• Can’t own any CDS, DVDs or anything berbentuk hiburan. Die.
• Curfew time – 11pm sharp! Main gates and hostel gates will all be locked! Which means, we won’t get to lepak-lepak at café or at our friends’ room in other hostel after 11pm.
• Cannot make noise in cafeterias. LMAO.
• Ohh yeah, they mentioned about Punjabi suits that must be worn with not seen through dupatta and can’t be fashionable! Puhlees!
• And, many many more! One ridiculous one was HAIR! Boys with short trimmed hair was ask to make it even shorter (SAM was one of the victim) And non-Muslim girls, tie your hair without centre or side lines! Excuse me?!
I was really astonished listening to all this! There were many other rules that we considered ridiculous! Of course, we are 11th sem students and the pioneer batch in maktab, yet these rules? Even, these rules were not exposed to us when we registered in 2005. ^^ Then, in the afternoon, we had team building activities under the hot scorching sun but we really had fun! Interesting and hilarious games!
The process of assimilation and adaptation begins now! Now, I am even more worn out. Haha. Nites!!
