Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. 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.
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!
Today marks my last day in the UK for the year. It has been a long roller coaster ride and each year, we always learn something new about others, things and most importantly, ourselves.
This year I have discovered my love for chinese leaf (lolol Ikr), learn't more on people's behaviours, a new course which I enjoyed, immensely. New friends which I've made along the way and old friends who has been there with me on my journey. It never ceases to amaze me how wide the world is, yet how small it could be.
I have managed to accomplish so many things this year and needless to say, I am proud of myself for doing so. However, I must ofcourse remind myself that there is always room for improvement and I shall use 2018 to complete the things which I have not completed in 2017. After all, it's just a normal day once more with a different number to the year.
Here are a few highlights to my 2017;
With this, I would like to end my 2017 chapter and flip to a blank page to start noting down my 2018 journey which I have no doubts would be filled with new adventures and challenges.
Here's a picture from the Coldplay concert I attended and it describes how I feel at this very moment.
Signing Off.
This year I have discovered my love for chinese leaf (lolol Ikr), learn't more on people's behaviours, a new course which I enjoyed, immensely. New friends which I've made along the way and old friends who has been there with me on my journey. It never ceases to amaze me how wide the world is, yet how small it could be.
I have managed to accomplish so many things this year and needless to say, I am proud of myself for doing so. However, I must ofcourse remind myself that there is always room for improvement and I shall use 2018 to complete the things which I have not completed in 2017. After all, it's just a normal day once more with a different number to the year.
Here are a few highlights to my 2017;
- Completed my dissertation thesis work which focuses on Dating Abuse amongst Malaysian Young Adults!
- Visited Paris and went Glamping with my close friends.
- Attended the COLDPLAY concert in Cardiff!!!
- Got a part time job as a Barista in a Vegan Cafe [The Moos Cafe]
- Stayed in a house filled with crazy people and loved them as much.
- Stayed in the UK during the Summer and enjoyed it!!
- Became a Girlguide volunteer leader and made new friends along the way.
- Joined more volunteer organisations and the DeafBlind UK organisation.
- Explored more of UK!
- Executed design works for MSSCF.
- Completed the script for Festival of Diversity XV for MSSCF before I left.
These are pretty much the highlights of my 2017.
With this, I would like to end my 2017 chapter and flip to a blank page to start noting down my 2018 journey which I have no doubts would be filled with new adventures and challenges.
Here's a picture from the Coldplay concert I attended and it describes how I feel at this very moment.
Signing Off.
Part 2 of Swansea is simple, really.
We woke up early in the morning and Britney had already prepared breakfast for us hehe aka American breakfast with vegan sausages, beans and fried eggs! [No pictures cause the weather sucked and we had to eat in the small hut]
Our first destination was supposedly the Gower but we found out that the tide would only lower at 11am and come back up at 5pm. So we headed off to Three Cliffs Bay and spent considerably an amount of time there!
And tas' me giving myself a praise because I made it! haha. Also, I can't justify how tired we were. Albeit the fact that the hike was not as hilly as brecon beacons but because it was such a long walk and extremely rocky since we're actually walking through the sea, just without the water haha.
When we got back to the main point, we got ourselves ICE CREAM because WE DESERVED IT!
We got to the Mumbles just in time for dinner and unfortunately the restaurant we wanted was closed for some reservations or something. So, we opted for an italian restaurant. hehe. Pastaaaa.
We woke up early in the morning and Britney had already prepared breakfast for us hehe aka American breakfast with vegan sausages, beans and fried eggs! [No pictures cause the weather sucked and we had to eat in the small hut]
Our first destination was supposedly the Gower but we found out that the tide would only lower at 11am and come back up at 5pm. So we headed off to Three Cliffs Bay and spent considerably an amount of time there!
After Three Cliffs, we had lunch at a nearby cafe with our packed sandwich lunches!!
We then headed off to the Gower once more! [More hiking for me lol wth]
I swear, we hiked up atleast a 90 degree hill and down as well. Just to get to the 'devil's hole' which we didn't reach in the end because the tide was coming up and it was too rocky for us to hike properly. [LOL, maybe next time Celeste!]
And tas' me giving myself a praise because I made it! haha. Also, I can't justify how tired we were. Albeit the fact that the hike was not as hilly as brecon beacons but because it was such a long walk and extremely rocky since we're actually walking through the sea, just without the water haha.
When we got back to the main point, we got ourselves ICE CREAM because WE DESERVED IT!
We got to the Mumbles just in time for dinner and unfortunately the restaurant we wanted was closed for some reservations or something. So, we opted for an italian restaurant. hehe. Pastaaaa.
YAY! Got to walk on the pier since it was closed on the first day we got there due to a fire case.
and yes, regardless of whatever people tell me. This, by far is one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen in my life. [Apart from the ones I saw in Japan and Sabah]
Pancakes and fruits for breakfast! We got the pancake mix from Tesco hehe cause nobody aint got time to start from scratch. Plus this suits for vegetarians.
Omg!! After forever, I get to finally update my blog. TL;DR: My laptop crashed and it went into the repair shop for nearly a month and a half then it came back damaged -.- so the shop had to replace my laptop with a new one with less storage. So, I will have to wait to get back to Malaysia to upgrade it.
Signing off!
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