Value of Education?

Was at an Education Fair yesterday, browsing through the 'stalls' to see what colleges are offering. Interestingly, overheard some conversations:

father: no SPM can get into college ah?
counsellor: sorry sir, we need at least 5 credits?
father: pre-u cannot meh?
counsellor: no sir. It's a requirement set by the government.
father: so, no SPM how?
counsellor: maybe some private school may take the student in for O level...
father: ok la.


girl: errr, may I know what kind of degree can I do with just some principals for STPM?
counsellor: how about your SPM?
girl: 2As
counsellor: let's see what we can do
(consulted another counsellor)
: am sorry, but don't think you are suitable for any degree course with your STPM results. Maybe you can do a foundation course instead (which is equivalent or lesser than STPM by the way)? You definitely can get into foundation with your SPM results.
girl: oh ok, err how do I get a loan for foundation course?
counsellor: you can call this number, the person will be able to assist you.


The above conversations are reflective of what the society is chasing after these days - GRADES. Without any paper qualification, one seems not to be able to get ahead in life.
One bumiputra girl with 20A1s is now spoilt for choice - MARA and other institutions offering her scholarship for her pursuit of A level in London.
Some of the students at the Education Fair who came forward with beaming with pride, have 10A1s under their belt, and scholarships are being offered by colleges to these students, whether they need the 'help' or not.

After passing SPM with flying colors, what actually does happen to these students? Do they keep up their 'excellent' string of As or do they just melt into the background of colorful college life and let their grades fly?

Many students who came from renown kebangsaan school and are on scholarship, can hardly write an essay fit for A level. Assuming that they had A1 for SPM English and EST, their grammar is still at the elementary level, not anywhere near A level. It causes one to wonder how did these students score the way they did at SPM? Has something been compromised?
Can one continue to churn out essays that a 5-year-old has no difficulty writing even when one is about to enter into university? Is this an acceptable standard that our society is bearing with, as long as the person has good grades on paper?

Are we producing graduates who can barely speak English and who draft proposals and submissions using 'sms' or 'msn' English? Think about it and reflect whether you are fit to work upon graduation or do you need another 11 years of kebangsaan schooling system to regain your self worth (by the getting 30A1s probably) before joining the workforce?

Demonstration for language sake?

Read or watched with interest and 'amusement' the protesters who marched towards the Palace on Saturday afternoon (seems to fit within the meaning of 'procession' being a body of persons moving along a route). The reasons for their protest?
Science and Maths should not be taught in English as it threatens the sovereignty of the Malay language as the national language?
In any event, the teachers themselves are angry as they have not mastered the English language and hence are struggling with teaching the subjects in English?

Salute their bravery in coming forth to protest on an issue they feel strongly about but I can't help but marvel at how their dirty laundries are aired on national television - since one can't speak the language, one should stop others from learning in that language, and there is no need to improve oneself, but continue to languish in own foolishness? It is amazing that they would even think of coming forward to protest on such matters (being the 'mahasiswa' 'mahasiswi' of our nation, presumably the future leaders). Where is their shame in not being able to even mutter a few words in a universal language? Their defence being to preserve the Malay language? Hope they can stop dozing in their plush pillows of deception but wake up and smell the roses - there is no longer 'ketuanan Melayu' we are global society not just Malaysians!

God, save our nation. We are perishing in our mire of 'tidak apa-ness'.

On blogs

It's been almost a month since I started on this blog journey. Been amazed at how much time people spend reading other people's blogs. We are all very interested in the lives of people but we have no time to really sit down and catch up. Hence could it be that accessing lives through blogs are replacing real life face to face chat?

It's such a beautiful day - the sun hiding coyly behind the clouds, and I was driving along a hilly path, with trees swaying fr both sides of the road, can't ask for more out of life.

So many things to thank God for. No blog can contain the limitless thanksgiving.

Each time some light is shed on His word, my heart leaps with joy and I thank God that He shows me who He is. This time it is an interesting thought that leaped up - Ishmael (the father of Muslims) was circumcised at 13, and Muslims boys usually go through the circumcision ceremony at the age of 12 or 13, as they venture into adulthood. On the other hand, the Jews (descended from Isaac, the promised son of Abraham) are circumcised at birth. See the contrasts between the two?

It's no great revelation, but this mini revelation encourages me to dig deeper. There is a wealth of riches in the bible. For those avid Word diggers, feel free to share with me what nuggets you have uncovered.

Interesting day in class, watched an unfolding episode of a tiff between lecturer and students.
What class was it? Not English 101 but A levels' Law class.
What started the tiff?

Nothing life changing, just an innocent question from one male student - "Teacher, in the context of this sentence, what does 'attract' mean?" Lecturer asked whether the student has looked up the dictionary. Well, student answered: "I know the meaning, but in the context of the sentence I don't get what the sentence says". Fine, lecturer explained the word and asked other students to chip in too. Clear.

Then some whisperings in Mandarin between the male student and a female student.
Next question that was shot from the male student: "How about this word 'necessitate'? Is it really 'necessitate' or should it be some other word?"
At this juncture, the lecturer was rather irritated, again, the same student asking about English word, not a legal term even. Hence, it triggered a whole long lecture from the lecturer about how students don't even bother to read up before class and expect to be spoon fed in class, and even after being fed, students expect the lecturers to chew the food for them.

"Does anyone actually read the textbook at all and try to find out the meaning of the word in context with the aid of a dictionary? Or does everyone expect to come to class to get explanation for the teeniest English word?" Blah blah blah, so went the lecturer.

At the end of the 'lecture' not on law, but on students' attitude, some black faces were evident in class, especially on the part of the male and female students concerned. Trying to break the ice or the dead silence, the lecturer asked whether the students would want to quit sulking and get on with class. The female student (admire her bravo!) actually voiced out that the comments were unfair, she did read up before class and tried to figure out what those words mean. Ok, since the 'lecture' does not apply to her, the lecturer asked whether she could accept an apology for the blanket criticism that was aimed at all and sundry without discriminating between those who did some work and those who didn't. Reluctantly, she conceded and really got on with the lecture, participating in class like usual.


What happened to the male student?
Well, well, well, his EGO was bruised. He refused to talk or even look at the lecturer the whole time, his neck must be hurting by now just looking down and writing his notes. Wonder how would this student react later in life when his boss corrects him? Throw in his resignation letter because his feelings are hurt? We'll see.

Between the three - lecturer, male student, female student - which one is the immature one? which one is the mature one and which one lashed out without justification? You be the arbiter.

I read from the best teacher in town's blog that ' "Sincerity" is the key that gives one a "die-die" attitude, i.e. no matter what the obstacles are, one would "die-die" make sure that the desired objective is being achieved.'

I wonder if the students were sincere in wanting to know the meaning of the words or just wanted to know whether they got down the right words so that they can memorise those words for their exams' answer? One of the warning the lecturer gave to the class in the long winded 'lecture' was that one is not to just memorise for exams but to understand the subject matter. If understood, one can use the word in any manner and in whatever form it appears. The lecturer shared her own experience of having done all the memorising in school without understanding until she gets to university and had to sit for open book exams which means there is nothing to memorise, but everything is about application.

Is the lecturer unfair making comments about students these days being less diligent and expect to be fed in every conceivable form? Is it fair to conclude that students have nothing better to do than to study, as there is no need to worry about unpaid bills, loans, how many kids to feed and school?

The truth is even money for petrol for one's car does not have to come from one's pocket, but from pocket money that parents supply. Food is cooked and served on the table, and sometimes dishes need not even be washed. Clothes are washed and ironed, even beds are made by the maid(s) at home. Really, what are the other concerns students have that distract them from studies? Could it be the following:
How many futsal games to go for this week?
How come the most popular guy in college did not invite me to his booze party?
Why does that girl keep looking at my pimple and nose hair?
Why can't I wear an Armani t-shirt and don on a Tag to college like the rest?
How come my family doesn't have an address in Damansara Heights or Bangsar?
Why am I only driving a Proton Saga not a BMW sports? Oh man, this is so embarrassing!


Of course, this is again a very gross and broad generalisation of the student specie. Many out there are working part time and studying part time to support themselves in getting through ACCA, LCCI, LLB. Money does not grow on tree, these students even give tuition to younger students to earn enough to pay for their examinations fees. I salute this minority who is learning to live the real life even at a young age, they will go far, at least in grasping the meaning of sincerity and endurance.

"My parents don't hear me out, they just jump to conclusions before I finish sharing my problem. They start giving me advice that I don't need."

"I have tried talking to my parents, but they just don't seem to understand. I give up, now I shut myself in my room to avoid having to talk to them."

"My dad, instead of encouraging me to study, actually hurls a lot of insults at me, which makes me feel small."

"I want to do well in my studies to honor my mom - she has sacrificed so much for us. Yet, I am so fearful that I can't do well. Although I tried, the results are still not good enough."

Have you heard these comments from your peers or have you yourselves made such complaints either verbally or in your thoughts? At one point of our lives, we have gone through conflicts, and the most painful ones are those encountered at home, with parents who are supposed to love us unconditionally, who are supposed to protect and provide for us, but turn into our worst foes.

What has changed? Was it like that all the days you were growing up? Were there better days before? At which point did one party shut the other out? Questions to examine.

Watched with sadness the episode in Desperate Housewives where the mother has been trying to communicate with her son, one of the twins, but he kept giving her a monosyllabic reply. In her desperate attempt to regain the son whom she 'lost' she went on the chatline and befriended him, calling herself Sara J. They became good friends in no time and he fell for her, and of course she had to 'gently' reject him, but she accidentally signed off the chat with "love, Mom". It is a very real phenomenon, that parents and teenagers find it hard to get through to each other.

Parents feel that they are being locked out of their babies' lives (yes, no matter how old you get, you are always a baby in their eyes) and kids feel that the parents don't ever listen when they share their hearts. Which party is at fault? NONE.

Both really still love the other, but do not know how to express that love.

Remember when we were young, our parents used to cuddle and kiss us a lot? When we grow older we tend to 'resist' those show of affection, but when they do respect our space and leave us alone, we actually start missing those cuddle moments. If your family is not the 'huggy-kissy' type, do you remember the last time you were hugged or you hear any one of your parents say "I love you"? Again, whose fault is it? NEITHER.

We just grew up. Then, does it mean grown ups don't need even a pat on the shoulder once in a while? Read this excerpt from an article on the benefit of a wholesome hug:

"Everybody loves a hug

Hugging can do wonders for a relationship. Watch your bond with your children strengthen as your hugs increase. Everybody loves a hug, not just your children. Extend your hugs to other family members as well. You find it difficult to hug your sister because it's not part of your greeting ritual and you feel awkward? Remember, the person who is the hardest to hug is usually the one who needs it the most."


Remember that parents cannot meet every need we have as a human being - only God can. Deep within us there is a longing to be loved, but we douse the longing with poor substitutes - cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, sex, porns - all to one's destruction, leaving the void within even bigger and harder to fill.

Start small, if you think you will wait for your parents to change, the day may never come. Why don't you take the first step? Hug your mom or your dad today. Hold their hands, give them a kiss. After all those years of receiving, maybe it's time to give back. Remember, the person who is the hardest to hug is usually the one who needs it most.

Teenage Sex (Part 2)

Baby-faced dad, 13, raises "broken Britain" fears

LONDON (AP) - Ahhh, Britain. The land of Shakespeare and the Beatles, Churchill and the Queen. Rolling green hills, groovy London shops, hip plaids splashed over raincoats and umbrellas.

Cut to the reality of 2009: the highest teen pregnancy rate in western Europe, a binge drinking culture that leaves drunk teens splayed out in the streets and rising knife crime that has turned some pub fights into deadly affairs.

Ahhh, Britain.

In the latest symbol of what some are calling "broken Britain," 13-year-old Alfie and his 15-year-old girlfriend Chantelle became parents last week. The news sparked a flurry of handwringing from the media - and even ordinary folk admitted it didn't help that Alfie barely looked 10, let alone 13, as he cradled his newborn daughter.

Alfie's father, who reportedly has nine or 10 children of his own, gamely promised to have a "birds and the bees" chat with his son to prevent him from producing a second child before he grows facial hair.

Somehow that was not reassuring.

Sir Bernard Ingham, once press secretary to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, told the Associated Press that people from across Britain's political spectrum are in despair over the country's social breakdown.

"It's an indication that we've lost our way, that people don't know the difference between right and wrong," he said of young Alfie. "The plain fact is society can't proceed on this basis. I think this is an indication of broken Britain."

Ingham said Britain's binge drinking and youth violence reflect the same general fall in standards and discipline.

"I think in time there will be a swing against this permissiveness," he said, noting a shift from British debauchery in the 18th century to Victorian straight-laced standards 100 years later.

Binge drinking has produced a rise in liver disease among Britons in their 20s and the unpleasant reputation of British "lager louts" at holiday resorts across Europe.

On any given night, London residents can see drunken teens staggering through the Underground subway system. Usually their friends help them, but sometimes collapsed teens are left on their own until police or transit staff intervene.

The rise in knife crime harkens back to the 1950s "West Side Story" era in the United States. The number of robberies carried out with knives rose 18 percent for the third quarter of 2008 compared to the year before, according to government figures released in January.

Too often now, public disputes have ended in teen stabbing deaths. Rob Knox, an 18-year-old actor in a "Harry Potter" film, was killed in May, while Ben Kinsella, the 16-year-old brother of a television soap actress, was stabbed to death in June. Both were trying to break up fights in London. Other, less well-known youths have also died in knife fights.

All this was bemoaned, but the final straw came this week, when Britain's intensely competitive tabloids focused on the young, clueless Alfie.

Alfie's daughter Maisie was reportedly conceived when he was 12. Chantelle's parents let the lad spend the night with their daughter, 14 at the time, at their public housing unit near Eastbourne, 70 miles (113 kilometers) southeast of London.

There are still some questions about the birth. The Sun newspaper did not say whether any tests were conducted to prove the boy's paternity, and The Sunday Times reported that at least two other teens claimed to have slept with the young mother.

Alfie told The Sun he plans to look after his newborn daughter. But in a heartbreaking interview, the boy admitted he didn't know what the word "financially" meant and acknowledged he doesn't even get an allowance.

While some saw a larger portrait of society's ills in Maisie's birth to underage parents, others called it an aberration.

"I think it's really shocking and sad," said Duncan Lees, 36, a caterer. "I think it's really wrong. But it's not like it happens everyday. The fact that it's making such a headline is something in itself. I think it's good that everybody is saying that it's wrong."

He did blame the youngsters' parents for failing to properly look after their children.

"You have to ask what their responsibilities are to their children," he said.

There was also an element of class consciousness in many reactions - not surprising in a country where status is often based on where you live, what car you drive and whether your children go to private school.

"I think it's very sad," said retiree Risdon Nicholls. "But they lived in a poor part of Eastbourne. That's not common practice in the rest of Eastbourne, which is a very smart town."

Nicholls said the British media was exploiting a one-time situation.

"They make it sound as if we're going to the dogs, and we're not," he said adamantly. "This is still a wonderful country - but it's clear standards have dropped."-AP

What is our response to the above article? Phew! It's only Great Britain, nothing to do with us, we Malaysians are safe. Really? Maybe, it's already here, but in the spirit of MALAYSIA BOLEH! all is under wraps? Only THEY know, we are just ordinary citizens, "tak tau"...