3.30.2011

Decision



Decision-making is something we do hundreds of times per day.  Most of these decisions we make don't fall into the "hard" category, but when they do, special considerations must be made before we make them.  I think making the decision to go USA had killed thousands of my brain cells! I felt so frustration before I make the decision.




You may be wondering, why do it need to think so much after I got this golden opportunity to fulfill my dreams? In fact, many factors as possible must be taken into consideration before making them, as the ramifications could change our lives significantly. There is no turning back once you have made the decision. But how to make those hard decisions? 

I had analysed the pros and cons and consulted a number of lecturers and seniors about it.
The answer is rather quite negative if I am going to USA.The cons: 
After deduct all the holidays, skipping FIVE weeks classes in my third year is equivalent to absence for the half of my semester. That might be affect my overall result. I think they are good in the sense they point out the possible risk that I am gonna face. Assignments, Mid-terms, Lecturesss and Tutorialss for FIVE CORE SUBJECTS! WOW! What they can actually do it advice me to think throughly before the final decision. I admit that I had considered all the possible risk and consequence that I might face. What kind of future do I envision for myself? What kind of self am I trying to develop? What do I want to accomplish in my life? This made me think more and more and moreee before I reply to the US Embassy *which they are calling me to give my final answer*


But there are some positive feedbacks if I am going!The pros: 


Let's think it in a bigger picture, it is a good opportunities to achieve what I want! Five weeks doesn't really affect me in my life. I had nothing to fear or lose because I am still young!
Class can be attended anytime, but this opportunity may be appear only once in my life! Also, I have the spirit to work harder in order to cope with my studies and workload!
I challenge myself to chant 40 minutes everyday to strengthened my confidence and lucksss! I will do any necessary thing to corporate with my groupmates and classmates to make the group assignments run smoothly. The most powerful words I ever heard from Kok Keong is that no matter what is your decision, it is essential to create value!


If I choose to reject the offer, I might regret for not only five weeks but longer. Not going also doesn't guarantee I can score well in my exam. Why don't I take the risk and face it? 
It is even greater if I am going at the same time passed all my exam with flying colours!!


Share with you some inspiring words from Words of Wisdom by Daisaku Ikeda 

Human life possesses a potential deeper than the great wide ocean and vaster than the sky. We may tend to give up and resign ourselves to present circumstances, thinking "There is no way." But by breaking down these barriers in our minds, we can enjoy vibrant lives, filled with powerful life force like the sun.

Our hopes, desires and ambitions are powerful forces existing within us for the shaping of the future. They are the generating forces that create the future. To lose hope or give up one's goals because of the setbacks of the moment is to diminish one's own life potential. Hopes, dreams, faith and a sense of mission enable us to open up our lives.

When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness ceases. The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field--that unstoppable power of hope resides right within your own heart. It wells up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being." Life is a never-ending struggle to grow.




Hardships make us strong. Problems give birth to wisdom. Sorrows cultivate compassion. Those who have suffered the most will become the happiest.

The worst mistake you can make is to give up on yourself and stop challenging yourself for fear of failure. Keep moving forward with a firm eye on the future, telling yourself, "I'll start from today!" "I'll start afresh from now, from this very moment!"



Failure is an instrumental part of every success. Whether our life has been a triumph or tragedy can only be judged at its very end.

Life is a struggle, and ultimate victory is only decided in its final chapter. That is why it's important not to grow conceited in victory or become disheartened in defeat. Those who keep pressing onward toward a goal with tireless patience and persistence win in the end.


Yes, I decided to go for my dreams! 

I am ready to face all obstacles. I am starting to prepare to minimize my difficulties. I am so appreciate  for all the supports from my mentors, family and friends. 

This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, I must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time. 

Effort and hard work construct the bridge that connects your dreams to reality. Those who make steady efforts are full of hope. And hope, in turn, arises from steady efforts. Embrace your dreams and advance as far as they can take you.


I believe when you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. Nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. 


The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with firm determination.


3.25.2011

Dreams Come True!



Can you imagine how strong is my Desire to go USA? After my first application, second applicationS, THIRRRD applicationS, FOURTHHHhhhHhhhh applicationSss and I finally got the Full Scholarship to USA!




Maybe you will ask me: " Mei2, why are you so interested to go USA? You can go whenever you want after you graduated from law school"


There are too many reasons I hope to go USA. I want to experience the campus life especially UNDERGRADUATE life in USA! I want to think out of the box in different atmosphere. I want to go USA without spending my parents money. I want to explore USA about the secrets of all the successful businesses! I want to think creatively. I want to share with them about my lovely Malaysia and my dreams. I want to share with my friends about my feeling after going to USA. I want to take beautiful pictures to post in my blog. The most importantly is the program offered by US Department of State is my INTEREST subject! 
*tsk tsk, I can also buy cheap iPhone 5 and new iPad in USA for my dad and bro yeah*
*tsk tsk, maybe my Mum will buy a Leica to "borrow" me*




I did not expect much when I applied for this scholarship. Applicants from the whole Malaysia are competing to be one of the 18 candidates from all around the world. Yes I am luckier than winning a lottery. I simply wrote an essay and application to US Embassy via e-mail last November 2010. When I read again my application a moment ago, I found out my personal statement had many grammatical mistakes. I even realized I wrote some funny content about my desire to go USA eg Googlemei -.-"  Then I did not received have Any reply until the end of February 2011. The embassy of US said my application will be sent to Washington DC for the final selection. I dare not to tell my parents because I am afraid it will be a false hope again. Today, I got a surprising e-mail that I have been selected to represent Malaysia to the honorable Study in the US Institute program for student leaders! :")




This program is mainly discuss about the new media and politics. This institute examines major topics in journalism including the concepts of a free press, First Amendment Rights, Law, Freedom of Speech, the media's relationship to the public interest and media business models. This program underscore the impact of new technologies on journalism, and gives participants new skills such as editing photographs and video online, using social networking sites like Blogger, Facebook, Twitter and publishing personal blogs. Ever since I started my blog around October 2010, I fall in love in online publishing. I believed the new media will be a very powerful tool in the near future!




However, I am not sure whether to accept the offer or reject it =/ It is because this program will be tentatively held around June to end of July 2011. If I am going to USA, I have to skip my classes for 5 weeks (1/3 of my entire course). For your information, my third year in law will be very challenging (Company Law, Land Law, International Law, IT Law, Equity & Trust). 


The only way to overcome my challenges is working hard before the new semester started. Moreover, chanting is my great power to overcome all my challenges and obstacles. The most importantly, I need helps from my coursemates. Last year, when I skipped four weeks classes to Cambridge UK, I think I made my friends unhappy :"( I really hope my friends will keep me update everyday, record the lectures and tutorials for me. I am so sorry to trouble you! But will you help me if you are my coursemate? 


Anyway, I am so happy that my dreams come true :') I hope everything can run smoothly so I can go to USA successfully. (See: Decision)


If you can DREAM it, you can DO it!

Dare to Dream!




3.23.2011

Peace

.

If you tell me that you are praying for world peace two years ago, I might think you are a faker.

But now, praying for the world peace-disaster free-no war-and the absolute happiness of every mankind is my daily prayer.



All of my friends and families had replied my message that they are safe now. I finally got the news from my beloved host family! What a relief :)  But the main concern is to prevent the core nuclear plant from exploding.


I hope every people in every part of world will be safe and sound :)

3.11.2011

Don't Complain, Just Work Harder



What a good Friday because I have NO CLASS today! I spent my whole morning finishing "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch ;) This book has taught me a lot.  It shared with the reader many practical life tips. Here are some of the most important tips from this book.



1.     Remain Optimistic
The author reminds us optimism is a very important trait for people to have.  He tells the reader optimism will enable them to endure more.  He also says optimism is a better mindset to get you through the day. 

2.     Enable the Dreams of Others
The author reminds us it is very important to enable the dreams of others.  The author was always trying to enable the dreams of others and was very successful in it. I think I should really encourage my friends and my boy not to give up. Practicing Buddhism or other religions is the way to obtain absolute happiness ;) Remember to always help people in need!

3.     Dream Big
The book teaches us that we should give ourselves permission to dream and to fuel those dreams. That's what I have been always doing! Hahaha! I have always been dreaming of Party in the USA!

4.     Don’t be Afraid to Ask
The book teaches us to always ask for something.  It reminds us that asking for something can never hurt.  It explains that in most situations people will get a “yes.”  Never too late to learn something new. Be humble ;)

5.     Remember there is “More Than One Way to Measure Profits and Losses”
When the author was younger, he took a family trip to Disney World.  He and his sister bought a Disney salt and pepper shaker.  When they left the store, the salt and pepper shakers were dropped and broke.  They took the shakers back to the store and the Disney employees replaced them a new one. The employees took total blame for not packaging the salt and pepper shakers well enough.  The author’s family appreciated this so much they went back regularly and estimate that they spent around $100,000 at Disney.  
6.     Romancing the Brick Walls
The author reminds us “The brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it bad enough.  They are there to stop the other people.”  This is what exactly I have learned from Daisaku Ikeda from Soka Gakkai International, he said life is a constant battle against deadlock. As long as we are alive, as long as we continue challenging ourselves, we are bound to come up against difficult obstacles that need to be overcome. If life were all smooth sailing, if we never encountered setbacks, that in itself would be a sign of stagnation. I found this website is very inspiring! (Words of Wisdom)

7.     Not All Fairy Tales End Smoothly
The author reminds us things will not always go perfectly.  Remember even fairytale moments have risks.  They need to take these risks but also be prepared for them to not end in the way they initially expected.  Back-up plans are important in the event a situation goes wrong. Life is about how you handle Plan B! I felt so thankful in my exam this semester, but I did not fulfill my Plan A. I admit that Result is important, but it is not everything. Thus, I have decided to take very challenging subjects-Human Rights, Intellectual Property and Ethics this semester! I want to challenge myself, I want to share with my friends! Good luck to me okok! I felt gratitude to have my lovely family who never give me any pressure, they just constantly give me support and encouragement to achieve my dreams! I love you!
I bought this lovely calendar in London yeah!
8.     Make a Decision: Tigger vs. Eeyore
Everyone need to decide if they are going to be a fun-loving Tigger or a sack-Eeyore.  People love being around a fun-loving Tigger not a sad-sack Eeyore.  We need to pack as much fun into our lives while we can.

9.  Don’t Complain Just Work Harder
I think this one is most important point after reading the whole book. Too many people keep complaining including myself. I used to complain the class sucks instead of thinking what I was wrong. Complaining does not accomplish anything but working harder will accomplish everything. I will work harder to achieve my Plan A okok! At the same time, don't be a nerd, remember to enjoy your life to the max! Be happy with what you are doing! The purpose of life is to become happy! The purpose of life is to challenge and triumph over the darkness of misery.
Huggies my friends!


I hope this article can give you some inspiration, do click the link below yaaaa!


3.08.2011

Giving in Silence



Billionaire Quotes

Passing down fortunes from generation to generation can do irreparable harm. In addition, there is no way to spend a fortune. How many residences, automobiles, airplanes and other luxury items can one acquire and use?
Herb and Marion Sandler, former Co-CEOs of Golden West Financial Corporation and World Savings Bank
“People wait until late in their career to give back. But why wait when there is so much to be done?”
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won’t make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if that money was spent in Africa – and it’s about getting a balance.
British entreprenuer Richard Branson

Is the rich world aware of how four billion of the six billion live? If we were aware, we would want to help out, we’d want to get involved.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates

“If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%.”
American industrialist Warren Buffet

My father used to say, ‘You can spend a lot of time making money. The tough time comes when you have to give it away properly.’ How to give something back, that’s the tough part in life.


According to the STAR newspaper, the richest individuals has been quietly supporting philanthropic causes. I am admiring those who practice the art of giving. And most of the successful individuals are giving in silence. They are really low profile. 




Berjaya Corporation Bhd founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan pledged to donate at least half his wealth (USD 1.25 bil) to charity through the “The Giving Pledge” campaign that was initiated by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, his wife Melinda and investor Warren Buffett.







Jay Chou, the famous pop star and singer from Taiwan is a good example of giving in silence. The media reported that he only donated 50K for the China Earthquake. Many people critique that his was stingy. He did not make any declaration about it. But subsequently, he was found to be the most generous people who helped the needy as he had donated 42000K in the Earthquake! Thus, the real essence in charity does not need any promotion but giving in silence.

There are too much example of low profile philanthropher who had been contributing much to the humanity and mankind. Let's be one of them in the coming years ok! Hoooorey!

3.06.2011

The Last Lecture


Have you ever heard of "The Last Lecture"? I got this book yesterday and gonna finish ASAP! After finish reading, I will definitely write a summary about this book yuuhoo ;) 

I heard it from my dad but I've never read before. The writer Randy Pausch-a computer science professor and a father of three, is asked to deliver what would hypothetically be a final speech to their students before dying. It is also quite similar to the novel "The Last Song" about how a father care for her daughter-Ronnie by composing a song before his death. 


Anyway, I hope you will enjoy his last lecture!


P/S: My new semester resolution are : read more books and write some reviews to improve my English, exercise to keep fit, participate in Soka Gakkai activities and one debate competition ;) Good luck to me!

Learning and SHARING <3!

See ya! XOXO

3.05.2011

Justin Biebeeeerrrrr!

Gossip girl XOXO!


Bieber boyyy is dating with Selena Gomezzz! WOW!


When Gomez was young! haha~
She is a mix Italian and America!


Selena Gomez was born in Texas, USA (22-7-1992). She started her actress and singer life from Disney Channel Series. Gomez begin wearing a purity image since 2004. She is a huge animal lover! 


Bieber Boyyy is handsome!
I think Selena is taller than him? haha!
His residence in California is epic!
Justin Bieber was born in Ontario, London (1-3-1994). He is a famous Canadian R&B singer, songwriter and actor. He gained his popularity since 2007 when he was 13 year-old in his You-Tube "Ne-Yo" Video. My friends thought he was a girl by listening his song in the first instance. Haha! Cute boy!






Rumors of Bieber and Gomez was first surfaced in early December 2009 when they were spotted on a date at IHOP. Gomez denied any romance with her fellow teen icon. Since the first got out, the two have tried to play it cool, presumably because they did not want to alienate tons of fansss by admitting they were in a relationship.




But hey have been caught canoodling in the Caribbean in January 2011. *Sorry Gals*




There is no denying of their official relationship by attending the  Vanity Fair Oscar party and walking the red carpet hand in hand! Look they are wearing couple dress!




Gomez kept her face covered as she arrives at Maggiano Little Italy restaurant for Bieber;s 17th Birthday Party in LA, California (1-3-2011). I wondered why is she covering her face? She shall be proud of having such a super star as boy friend! 

Unfortunately, the star always do not have privacy at all in their relationship. Their action was always under all the flash lightZZZ and being magnified. As a consequence, most of the rumours has turned out to be break up in the end. So how long do you think this couple will last? 

Famous "International Language" to protect his love. how sweet ;)




 XOXO!