Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
What d'ya know. This girl has graduated with a Masters degree - majoring in Criminology!
Never in my life have I ever imagined myself being able to graduate with a Masters degree, neither have I ever expected that I would have completed a research thesis on a Criminology course.
Being able to fly back to the UK and visit London + Cardiff after a good 6 months of leaving my second home was surreal and it brought back feelings of familiarity and nostalgia. I mean, I've always loved London (albeit hating that place when I first visited during my first year in the UK because I often got lost, missed my trains and hated the crowd). But I got used to it and eventually got the hang of the pace, as to which I am extremely proud of.
When I walked towards the Vice Chancellor to shake his hand, it was the first time where I wasn't too nervous (as compared to my undergraduate graduation). I felt prepared and I shook his hand with confidence, knowing that I've made it through.
I would say, that my experience as a whole was different as compared to my other previous undergraduate coursemates. While the most of them decided to take the bar, I did not (as mentioned in previous posts). I opted to take Masters instead because I didn't see myself entering the legal professional world anymore, some would say I took the easy way out because the Bar is an extremely rigorous program, but for me, I felt I owe it to myself to do something else with my life. However, I am not criticizing the BAR program, I know plenty of my friends who has done it and they have nothing but good things to say about the course. I simply didn't want to do law anymore.
Then why did you take Law as a degree?
I'm not going to lie. I have always wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was 11 years old when my relatives told me that I would make a great lawyer because I would often argue back. It dawned upon me that I was going to be this big shot criminal lawyer who defend people. I kept this dream until college and that's when I realize, that there's more to things in life. I have the freedom to choose on what I want to do. Nevertheless, I still kept the dream of being a lawyer because you know, what's there to lose? I went on to HELP University to do my transfer program there, I loved my lecturers, the modules and my coursemates.
However, the one thing that did struck on the back of my mind was 'Do I really want to be a lawyer?' when I started my internship at the High Court during my first year before I transferred to the UK. In the UK itself, I had strong doubts about myself - the challenges I had to face whilst juggling with my studies and getting used to the system over there was not easy. It was overwhelming, infact. I wanted to do my best for my studies, at the same time I hated everything and I just wanted to go home.
I couldn't do that.
Not after the sacrifices my parents had made for me and not after how hard I've worked to get to where I was.
So, I did what any normal student would do - do my best to study. I stayed in the library for hours (Lol, I was so unproductive at certain times), discussed with a few course mates about things I don't understand and what they don't understand. I sincerely did enjoy the modules I studied (Land law's an exception).
I somewhat made the decision in the back of my mind that I didn't want to be a lawyer when I was interning at a reputable law firm during the Summer back in Malaysia before I entered third year but I couldn't tell my parents. I told myself that I should atleast try and apply for the Bar to see what would the results be.
When the time to apply for the Bar came, I refused to apply. I could see my peers flocking around everywhere, asking one another if they have applied but all I could think was 'I don't care'. I started doing research on other courses, things that would get me interested - Journalism, History and so on. I met up with counsellors and asked for their advise and opinions.
Ultimately, I chose Criminology.
Entering a field where I have no clue about during the start of the semester was an unsettling situation and feeling for me. I knew nobody, we only had 9 people in the course. The modules were new, I had no experience whatsoever in social science subjects - I only had my law degree experience with me and I feared that I wasn't able to use it at all.
Boy, was I bloody wrong.
Regardless of whatever degree you receive, the soft and technical skills you have attained during then would help you in whatever situation that applies. It just depends on how you use it and when you could apply it. Fear not, if you think your degree is worthless. No bloody degree in this world is worthless or useless. I enjoyed being able to learn new things, also applying what I have learnt into my new course.
People often have the perception that doing Masters is easier as compared to other courses or they would often compare it to their own course. It triggers me everytime someone says 'Ya your Masters course damn easy la'. While I don't deny that we do have more free time as compared to probably other courses, but I wouldn't say that we have the easiest times as well. Putting those free time hours in doing research, getting courseworks and tutorials done, pre-readings and post reading materials. Understanding the topics because your lecturers would question EVERYTHING you say.
Plus staying in the UK for another year wasn't so bad. I got to do things I've never done before - volunteer at schools, becoming a leader for the Girl Guides organisation (and attending free movie screenings & plays hehe). But that's another post to talk about.
So yeah, there you have it.
Me, Sofea - the noisy girl who is extremely opinionated in certain things (trying to mellow this down tbh!!) has completed her Masters degree and will be fighting against Education Inequity under the Fellowship Program by Teach For Malaysia.
See ya next post.
Never in my life have I ever imagined myself being able to graduate with a Masters degree, neither have I ever expected that I would have completed a research thesis on a Criminology course.
Being able to fly back to the UK and visit London + Cardiff after a good 6 months of leaving my second home was surreal and it brought back feelings of familiarity and nostalgia. I mean, I've always loved London (albeit hating that place when I first visited during my first year in the UK because I often got lost, missed my trains and hated the crowd). But I got used to it and eventually got the hang of the pace, as to which I am extremely proud of.
When I walked towards the Vice Chancellor to shake his hand, it was the first time where I wasn't too nervous (as compared to my undergraduate graduation). I felt prepared and I shook his hand with confidence, knowing that I've made it through.
I would say, that my experience as a whole was different as compared to my other previous undergraduate coursemates. While the most of them decided to take the bar, I did not (as mentioned in previous posts). I opted to take Masters instead because I didn't see myself entering the legal professional world anymore, some would say I took the easy way out because the Bar is an extremely rigorous program, but for me, I felt I owe it to myself to do something else with my life. However, I am not criticizing the BAR program, I know plenty of my friends who has done it and they have nothing but good things to say about the course. I simply didn't want to do law anymore.
Then why did you take Law as a degree?
I'm not going to lie. I have always wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was 11 years old when my relatives told me that I would make a great lawyer because I would often argue back. It dawned upon me that I was going to be this big shot criminal lawyer who defend people. I kept this dream until college and that's when I realize, that there's more to things in life. I have the freedom to choose on what I want to do. Nevertheless, I still kept the dream of being a lawyer because you know, what's there to lose? I went on to HELP University to do my transfer program there, I loved my lecturers, the modules and my coursemates.
However, the one thing that did struck on the back of my mind was 'Do I really want to be a lawyer?' when I started my internship at the High Court during my first year before I transferred to the UK. In the UK itself, I had strong doubts about myself - the challenges I had to face whilst juggling with my studies and getting used to the system over there was not easy. It was overwhelming, infact. I wanted to do my best for my studies, at the same time I hated everything and I just wanted to go home.
I couldn't do that.
Not after the sacrifices my parents had made for me and not after how hard I've worked to get to where I was.
So, I did what any normal student would do - do my best to study. I stayed in the library for hours (Lol, I was so unproductive at certain times), discussed with a few course mates about things I don't understand and what they don't understand. I sincerely did enjoy the modules I studied (Land law's an exception).
I somewhat made the decision in the back of my mind that I didn't want to be a lawyer when I was interning at a reputable law firm during the Summer back in Malaysia before I entered third year but I couldn't tell my parents. I told myself that I should atleast try and apply for the Bar to see what would the results be.
When the time to apply for the Bar came, I refused to apply. I could see my peers flocking around everywhere, asking one another if they have applied but all I could think was 'I don't care'. I started doing research on other courses, things that would get me interested - Journalism, History and so on. I met up with counsellors and asked for their advise and opinions.
Ultimately, I chose Criminology.
Entering a field where I have no clue about during the start of the semester was an unsettling situation and feeling for me. I knew nobody, we only had 9 people in the course. The modules were new, I had no experience whatsoever in social science subjects - I only had my law degree experience with me and I feared that I wasn't able to use it at all.
Boy, was I bloody wrong.
Regardless of whatever degree you receive, the soft and technical skills you have attained during then would help you in whatever situation that applies. It just depends on how you use it and when you could apply it. Fear not, if you think your degree is worthless. No bloody degree in this world is worthless or useless. I enjoyed being able to learn new things, also applying what I have learnt into my new course.
People often have the perception that doing Masters is easier as compared to other courses or they would often compare it to their own course. It triggers me everytime someone says 'Ya your Masters course damn easy la'. While I don't deny that we do have more free time as compared to probably other courses, but I wouldn't say that we have the easiest times as well. Putting those free time hours in doing research, getting courseworks and tutorials done, pre-readings and post reading materials. Understanding the topics because your lecturers would question EVERYTHING you say.
Never ever compare your course with another person's course.
Me, Sofea - the noisy girl who is extremely opinionated in certain things (trying to mellow this down tbh!!) has completed her Masters degree and will be fighting against Education Inequity under the Fellowship Program by Teach For Malaysia.
Hi everyone, it's part 2 of Paris!
In the previous post I've talked about my trips around the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and others. I've even posted my youtube video onto that post. However, in my youtube video, I included my travels during my last day as well since it's easier that way and I didn't have many videos from my last day, so I just decided to finish it in one go and make a complete separate video and post for Disneyland!
That's all for now for my adventures at Disneyland. Can't really put my experience into words, so I'd rather just share pictures and even so, I encourage you guys to go to ANY Disneyland in this world because they really offer a unique experience to all of their visitors. (Please do pick a good day to go, it can get really crowded haha, or even better, go really early or on weekdays.)
Signing Off!
In the previous post I've talked about my trips around the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and others. I've even posted my youtube video onto that post. However, in my youtube video, I included my travels during my last day as well since it's easier that way and I didn't have many videos from my last day, so I just decided to finish it in one go and make a complete separate video and post for Disneyland!
Disneyland Paris is relatively smaller compared to the one I've been to in Japan (Plus Japan has Disneysea so they're extra af). However, it's still Disneyland nevertheless.
Managed to hop on the rides - Hyperspace, Rocky Mountain and the Haunted House ride. Hyperspace was amazing btw, like I'd go on it over and over again if the line wasn't too bloody long. We even got to see Mickey Mouse (YASSSSSSS mission accomplished) and watch the Disney Parade in the evening where I saw all the Disney princesses. The actor who played Prince Phillip was ridiculously good looking. Wth, how is that even possible.
Played one of the Buzz light year game and I won HAHAHA. So funny cause C and I were being really competitive about it.
Got to meet my favourite Mickey Mouse too. Although Idk why I look super stunted in this pic.
Managed to score myself a hoodie as well, and the size is catered for 14 year old kids! LOL.
Signing Off!
I should really make it a habit to stop posting last year's trips during a new year. January, February & March's gone while April is in, well how time flies, doesn't it.
I went to Paris in May last year (2017) when everyone was busy sitting for their exams :P
Day 1:
The Louvre was in itself astonishing and different from most of the museums I've been to. I made a mistake by purchasing tickets, so uh everyone please note that if you are students studying in an EU country or UK. You don't need to purchase tickets!!! *Noob AF
Yes, I saw the Mona Lisa painting which was shield with a bullet proof glass. Rumour has it that it isn't the real Mona Lisa painting. I tried to squeeze myself through this huge crowd to get a good picture of it but I opted not to post it here just so you could see it for yourself when you guys visit Paris one day!
After the Louvre, we headed to our next destination aka The Eiffel Tower of Paris!
We didn't go up to the top but we hung out at the park opposite the tower and were constantly bugged by gypsies. I don't want your keychains, leave me alone!!
To be real honest, Paris is an easily accessible city. Very much like London, but... in France instead. LOL. Ok not very funny. The Eiffel Tower is nearby everywhere, so we could just easily walk to places (if you are rajin enough haha). But we definitely took the MRT from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.
Before heading to the Church of Notre Dame, we stopped by the Shakespeare & Co. Cafe + Bookstore!! I was looking forward to this ever since someone told me about its' existence and it's only 3 minutes away from our destination!! The cafe was vegan *brownie points!!* If you knew me, you would know I love vegan food. Hehe.
Notre Dame! If you don't already know, the Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame was based on this Church and the drawing of this particular Church in the movie itself was accurate, precise and beautiful. Disney's done the Church justice imo. There was also a pastry fair nearby lolol.
I went to Paris in May last year (2017) when everyone was busy sitting for their exams :P
Day 1:
My friends and I decided to take the train to Paris, because why not! It would be a different experience and it's less taxing as compared to flying.
We took the train from London's King Cross station and obviously got our passport checked before we boarded the train. The train ride was smooth and super comfortable as well. As you can see in the picture, there are two cups of chatime drinks on the table. Me being me, I figured that we had atleast 4 hours before having to board the train so I made my friends go to Chinatown with me to get a cup of chatime for brunch!! HAHAHA.
Anyone who knows me well enough would probably be shaking their heads, expressing how disappointed they are in me because I can't let my cravings for my beloved roasted milk tea from Chatime go.
We got to Paris and I could immediately feel the polluted air. LMAO. No offense Paris but the one thing I hated the most about my trip there was the air. I was shocked that it was dirtier than London. Oh, and when we arrived, it started to pour. Thankfully our airbnb was close by to cafes and restaurants so we managed to get ourselves a few bites for dinner!
Day 2:
We got to an early start and boarded Paris's Metro Train (MRT) to head towards the Louvre Museum!!
Typical breakfast, I loved their croissant!! I usually don't like pastries but it was really good!
Yes, I saw the Mona Lisa painting which was shield with a bullet proof glass. Rumour has it that it isn't the real Mona Lisa painting. I tried to squeeze myself through this huge crowd to get a good picture of it but I opted not to post it here just so you could see it for yourself when you guys visit Paris one day!
After the Louvre, we headed to our next destination aka The Eiffel Tower of Paris!
To be real honest, Paris is an easily accessible city. Very much like London, but... in France instead. LOL. Ok not very funny. The Eiffel Tower is nearby everywhere, so we could just easily walk to places (if you are rajin enough haha). But we definitely took the MRT from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.
Before heading to the Church of Notre Dame, we stopped by the Shakespeare & Co. Cafe + Bookstore!! I was looking forward to this ever since someone told me about its' existence and it's only 3 minutes away from our destination!! The cafe was vegan *brownie points!!* If you knew me, you would know I love vegan food. Hehe.
After hanging around Notre Dame, we walked towards the Berthillon cafe (told you everything was nearby!!) because my French friend told me the ice cream was good and ofcourse we had to try!
Verdict?
8.5/10 (I still very much prefer mcD's ice cream, sorrreehh)
Walked around and enjoyed this scenic view.
It rained for awhile after that and we had to seek shelter at a nearby mosque which was nearby the place we wanted to eat!! Hehe. It wasn't all that expensive and we got to split the bill :p
Had dinner and headed back home straight after to get ready for the most important day of the trip!
DISNEYLAND!
A little sneak peak for part 2 :) hehe.
Signing off!
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