Down to my last assignment & tonnes of resume...

As always... I should be doing my assignment.. It will be last one for awhile.. And hopefully i can get it done by today!! It's an essay criticizing other people's projects through the semester.. How fun is that?! What's more, i have to add in some academic journal.. which just means more research!!

ARRGGHHH!!~~

On the other hand, im writing resumes like crazy!! Not only that... looking for job is always hard... haiz.. What a bummer!!~


I just want the semester to end!!!~ PLEASEEEEeeEEEeeEE!!!~~

Damn Uni!~

To this point, I still have about 4 assignments due with one exam on Tuesday.

I have not finished any of my assignments nor have I properly prepared for my exam..

Everything is due next week.. Extensions, extensions, extensions...

What's more im in between job applications and doing tonnes of job resume!~

Im going to go out of my mind soon.. Maybe Im already there!!

*knocks head on the wall*

Anyone care to join me??!~

Missing doing what I love...

I miss doing my passion..

I miss creating, designing and editing of videos, pictures & websites & whatever there is to do in the Multimedia / IT world. Im now stuck reading journal after journal... People say that those who do Honours either makes it or gives it up.. Im almost to the latter point..

It's too much writing and reading. I dont mind the reading but I am no writer. If i was, i would probably have taken a Communication degree instead of a Multimedia/IT degree.
Complaints, complaints, complaints... That's all i can do in order to procrastinate. Why.. Why.. Why.. I Hate honours.. I do.. I hate honours..

What could i have been taking doing honours??!!~~

I seriously need to take a break or something.. Watch a movie ke... AArrrgghhh!!~

My graduation...

Alhamdulillah... I have officially graduated. I have a Bachelors Degree in hand.. I am a Monash University graduate.. And all i can thank is God & my parents!!

It has definitely been a hard 2 1/2 years, dealing with sooo many issues in my life, assignments, projects, extra curricular activities, work... You name it and Ive probably been through it...

My special day happened on 15th May 2008. I spent half the day working @ the little phone shop & the later half, embracing my moment. I remember as I stood there on the stage, all i could think of was... I made it!! I finally made it!!

I have to thank and send hugs and kisses to my parents who were there to see my 5 seconds of fame, my cousin, Liyana for coming down for my graduation as well and my besties, Ruzi, Rauds & Nicola for being there on my special day!! Of course, i chave to mention those who came to congratulate me and take pics with me, Alia, Shirley, Kevin & Rachel-lah... Thanks for those of you who sent your well wishes too!!~

It was great being able to graduate with my friends from my course & seeing them since the last day of Uni.. I never thought I would be this happy to receive a piece of paper but I am... Thank you God for making it all possible!!~

Exams are OOOVVvvvEEEeeRRRrrrRR!!!~

Oh my god!! I can't believe I have finish my final paper!!

I'm almost done!! Almost about to get my undergraduate degree!!~ WooO Hooooo!!~

I wonder what's in store for me next..

Im just hoping to get to do my honours!~ Please GOD let me do honours!! Im just weird. Hehe..

Ceremony for Final Year Grads @ Berwick

I'm really glad i get to attend the ceremony. Had a dispute with some of my idiotic and unreasonable group members and I wish that it never happened. But i can only thank god that i get to go for my graduation. Hope the pictures turn out good!~ Thanks to Beng & Raudz who helped me take all these fantastic shots!~

For more pics, click on the main photo above!~

What's Been Happening!~

Hey guys!~

I'm not sure how many people actually read my boring blog. I have not spend time updating it because at the moment i am hooked onto Facebook. Hehe...

Ramadhan is starting tomorrow, insyaallah!~ I would like to wish all my Muslim brothers and sisters Good Luck with Ramadhan & May Allah bless you in this holy month!

I have spent the last few days working on my project for my Studio. I am working for a Client with my group. We have to produce DVD-ROMs for the Client, showcasing fetel heart abnormalities. I'm not a medical student nor was I ever a good Science student but the terms used in this project gets me more confuse than programming. Seriously, I probably have made more spelling mistakes than I ever made in my entire Uni life. Haha..

I also got my portfolio assignment back from my lecturer & of course, the grade wasnt that grade. Surprise! Surprise! Well, let me know what i need to change!~ I want to get a good grade the next time round!~

Multimedia Anyone?!~

Taking a year off after my polytechnic years in Singapore, I have always thought that I will definitely be continuing my studies. I just didn’t know where and what to do.

It did not take me long to figure out where I want to study. In Australia, of course! But what did I want to do? Something IT-ish. I have always been fascinated by the wonders the IT world has to offer and I know, for sure, I will never get bored with doing IT. So the next few months were spent researching on what is the best IT course for me and which University to go to.

Programming? - NO WAY!!

Networking? - An option but not really. I’m quite tired of it actually.

Computer Science? - Erm.. Maybe not!!~

And then Multimedia came into the picture & I fell in love right away. You see, ultimately Multimedia gives you a broader pathway to go on in life. You get involve with graphics designing, animation, 3D, websites, databases, flash, director, movies, short stories, script writing, games, programming, business, video and sound editing, project management, directing. The list just goes on and on.

Not many Australian Universities offer the course, hence making my choices of Universities limited. Finally, it was a struggle between Deakin Uni & Monash Uni. (Let’s just focus on Monash) The Multimedia degree at Monash offered 4 majors:

Applications (which is the main one)

Enterprise (includes Business components)

Games Development (create games, games & more games!) and

Programming (the name says it all!!).

After more mind torture of what to take, I settled with majoring in Enterprise because I was interested in doing the Business aspects of it without having to actually do a Business degree as well, which this course allows me to do so.

Voila! In six months, I have chosen my course, Bachelor of Multimedia Systems (Enterprise) and the University I’ll be studying at, Monash University, Berwick campus. Now comes the hardest part: Convincing my parents I will be fine in Australia, by myself, in the next 2 ½ years.

Adjusting to Life as an International Student

I first arrive in Melbourne, Australia as an international student in July 2005. My first day was spent sleeping on my bed at South East Flats, which has been home ever since. I woke up some time in the afternoon, hungry and alone. Without doing much, I found my way to the Campus Centre, where I ask for directions to the nearest town, to grab some food.

The next few days were spent doing Orientation Week at Berwick Campus. O-Week it seems is where I met and made a lot of new friends. It was also during these few days where I figured how to use the public transport system, bought my own groceries, found Halal food (yes, it’s easy to get Halal food here!!) and did some shopping for my new room.

One of the few things I had to adjust to was getting use to the constant weather change in Melbourne. Usually in Singapore, a top and jeans would be sufficient enough. Now, I have to wear 3 layers, a jacket and scarf and don’t forget to grab the keys before locking the door (a habit I only mastered after my first 3 months).

For the first time in 20 years, I am living by myself, far away from family and friends. Feeling homesick is something an international student will always have to go through especially when special events such as birthdays and festive celebrations come along (more specifically, Eid Mubarak!). I had to start learning how to manage my time properly and handle my finances appropriately. More importantly, I had to make major adjustment to the slower speed of living that the Australians are accustomed to.

Public transport and early closing times of shopping centers were a nuisance as there does not seem to be any night life in the suburbs. As an international student, I have to pay full fare prices to use the public transport, which till today I find it ridiculous (But of course, that is another whole issue by itself!).

It was also in the first six months where I had experience being discriminated by the locals. Unexpectedly, I only had my Australian friends (also locals) to fall back on and to give me the strength I needed to move on. This has taught me a very valuable lesson: It does not mean that a group of majority treats the minority the same way.

I have to admit that my first six months in Melbourne was not easy. I went through a lot of hardships and life lessons which I am, surprisingly, thankful for. Many people, my age, do not understand what it is like to move to another country by yourself and having to adjust. People change because of the lessons they learn while they are here, which eventually is for the best. Surviving through all these experiences is only made possible with the help and support from my family and friends back in Singapore.

Blogging for Monash University

Hello to EVERYONE who has been coming in to see my blog and getting no NEW entries!!

Firstly, i apologise for the absence in the blog. I have been busy blogging away in another one. Hehe. I am a Monash blogger. I blog about my experiences and life for Monash and the best part is i get paid to do that.

What a fun way to earn money!~

Well, my time is up now as a Monash blogger so i will be returning to my world of NIKESWEET soon.. Of course, the next few entries would be recordings of the blog entries that I have made in the Monash blog.

Life now in Melbourne is pretty busy with Multicultural Week, a week that took me months of planning. Keep a lookout for news and pics!!~

Talk to you guys soon!!~

My Infamous 5 min..

I was selected to present my ideas and experiences about the IT technology that is happening at Monash Uni. The main idea is: How has my experience affected the way i learn and study and What were the differences between my previous tertiary institution, Singapore Polytechnic and Monash University.

I must seriously admit that i was really, really nervous the entire time.. Well.. The audience mainly consisted of senior management and ITS consultancies.. Woah.. i hope i gave a good impressions.. And that was my infamous 5 min.. Wasnt as scary as i thought it would be... =)

Exams are OVER!!~

So i FINALLY had my one and only exam today & boy was it tougher than i thought it would be. Geesh.. I am still hoping i get a D overall. Here's to praying!!~

Anyway, after ma paper, my mom & I head on down to Chadstone. Did some shopping, here & there. But then, the shops close early @ 5pm so i thought why dont we go watch Shrek. Me likey, likey Shreky. Hehe. I also bought the Shrek hairband. It's so cute & funny on me!! *LOL*

The movie was pretty good, other than the very weird voice by Justin Timeberlake for the character Arti. Ok.. Wont dwell on it much cause i'll prob give a review about it soon!!~

Good luck to all those who still hasnt done the paper OR will be doing it pretty soon!! STUDY HARD!!~

Logistics

Logistics is one of the fundamentals of opening up a company or running one. The movement of finished, semi-finished products or raw materials between warehouses, stores or factories are vital to any company. How are these things being moved?

By air? Rail? Road or Water transportation?

How would the delay of such logistics affect the running of the business. Would having customer service for customers and suppliers be an value added thing or just a nuisance to organise? What about inventory management? Should businesses constantly be on the verge of doing inventory check all the time? Is it another value added event for businesses?

What about Performance Measurement? Should companies always measure their performances of the business? Would that be of any help in order for a successful business? What if they need help? Would they consider on getting procurement or do outsourcing? Isnt that the same thing i just said?

Overall, what about the environment? What happens to the environment if people are not careful about what they use or produce? How would that help sustain life on Earth?!

All these questions for my exams. Am i able to answer them in time for the paper tmr?! It's 1.45pm now @ Melbourne & im blogging..

Studio is OVER!!~

The past few days practically went by with nothing much but studio work. It was an absolutely crazy time this year where we, Multimedia students, get work up to finish off our studio work. My group has been working on ours since like forever. I reckon that we did the best job that we could. I always believe that even though we can always do abit more better, i think that whatever we can produce, is the best possible outcome. I mean, look at the time frame given to us. I dont think i even have time to do another unit, if i wanted to.

Im just really glad that everything is over. There are a few people who are really keen in watching the DVD project. Which is actually making me nervous. There are some parts that i would change if i could. But of course, with the limited interviews and time that we had, i still think that what ive done is still pretty good. I dont know why some people are getting upset over it. I know in my heart, this is what i did. I love doing it. I dont mind doing it all over again. Seriously.

Well, till next Semester..

Gippsland ISA Ball!!~

Ok.. Im guilty.. I went to another party.. It was more of a ball and guess what?! It's @ Gippsland. And if you havent already know, that Gippsland is about 2 hours drive away from where i stay. Yes Im crazy.

Though i have to say that i have no regrets about going to the ball. Firstly, there were a tonne of familiar faces @ the ball. And i did manage to catch up with many of them. Got to meet a few "important" people in Monash like say the President of MUGSU. Haha.. I guess that is one of the best people ive met in the party. The performances by the committee was really heart warming as you can see they put in alot of effort to make sure everyone is well fed and entertained. The food wasnt that good but i cant complain much as i didnt eat much. Hehe.

At the end of the party, each took turns photographing with their national flag and i joined in with the other Singaporeans. I felt odd being the only one from Berwick but all is well.



The drive back home was tiring as i was still high from the party. Ben was nice enough to keep talking to me about crap. Loads and loads of crap. Hahaha.. I must say that getting to drive the new hybrid car, half battery, half engine operated was really, really fun. I love that it is a new car and the fact that the gears are just so different from any auto or manual car. I guess the best thing about the car is that it is environmentally friendly and fuel efficient.

Congrats Gippsland ISA for putting up an incredible ball!!~

Gippsland Trip & ISO

Spend the past few days with ma Berwick peeps. We went to Gippsland for fun and to meet the Gippsland ISO. I was suppose to go there alone to do some research for my Studio project but then all ma frens wanted to tag along, so we made it a BISA trip! Hehe..

Me being me on the train ride to Gippsland!~

Finally reaching Morwell 1 1/2 hr later..

Berwick ISO @ Gippsland campus

Got to take the shot..

Berwick & Gippsland ISO

Having dinner @ Pakenham Thai restaurant

The next day we had an ISO training session @ Clayton. I had to overnight @ Berwick again so that we wont be late and they needed a second car cause there were many of us. Im very happy that my entire committee went for the training, except one who had to go back and do military training for his country.

Chilling out @ the Council Room

Girls from Berwick!!..

After the event has ended at about 5.30pm, most of my com went back to my place and demanded that i cook for them dinner. Which i did of course!! Hehe.. It has been a good easter break so far!! Guess i have to start doing my assignments soon!!

Filming @ Clayton

Highlights of today:

- Filming @ Clayton Campus
- Meeting a guy who i think is really, really smart!!
- Feels what its like to be a student @ Clayton
- Having ma Berwick classmates hanging out @ my home!

I have to say that Im thankful that I go to Berwick and NOT to Clayton. Clayton is wayyy too big & i feel some of the students are snobbish. They dont seem to mix around as much as the Berwick peeps, nor do they smile that much. It could possibly be because that they dont know who i am or the fact that im not "one of them". Which kinda seperates Berwick and Clayton in a major way.

Overall, it was fun hanging out @ Clayton campus for once. Though i did miss Berwick. Funny how Clayton is home to me but i dont feel @ home in the campus. Hehe. I guess, something is wrong.. Somewhere...

Rock Climbing, BISA & Ultra Outdoor

Oh my god!! I just came back from Rock Climbing and boy, am i tired & pumped @ the same time. Haha. Though i am pretty dissappointed in myself cause i still dont have the stamina to continue climbing. But it's alright.. Im still proud that i went up halfway.. Hehe..

It was probably one of the best event cause i get to go with ma frens from BISA. Almost all the committee members went on the trip and some international students. It was pretty good actually. We went to the same place i went last year, Hard Rock. After 2 hours of climbing, all of us were tired and hungry. I thought of heading down to Kayu which is nearby but apparently its closed on Monday. So what else but Mackers. How boring huh?! But what to do.. Hungry liao.. Hehe..

It has been a good night, spending it with good friends. But more importantly, i didnt need to drive all the way back to Berwick and then back home. Ruzi is SO nice to give Parid a lift home. Hehe.. Love you girl!! Well, Rock Climbing rocks especially in the company of friends. You guys should try it..

Me belaying.. Rock ON!!~

BISA Committee members!!~

BISA Afternoon Tea

This would be BISA first REAL event for Semester 1, 2007. I can only hope that there was enough promotion despite the lack of posters and flyers around campus. All the committee members have agreed to wear Black for the event. It was nuts just running around before the event started.

Personally, I think it was a well organised event. Nothing went wrong, other than there wasnt a sudden surge of people most of the time. It just happens from time to time.. Which was cool actually!! There were so many leftovers that we didnt know what to do with them. Overall, i think BISA did a FANTASTIC job and i hope that future events would be just as good or hopefully much, much better!!

GO BISA!!~

First Day back @ Uni!!~

Everyone seemed to have started Uni already except me. I only have classes on Weds and Fris so it only make sense that Im abit behind everyone else. I was determined not to be late on the first day of class. Yet, somehow i forgot that it was a Wednesday and there is always a slight jam towards Berwick Uni on that day... Hence, making myself late 10min. What a waste of time!! Nonetheless, i walked into class as if nothing happened. Haha.. I wasnt the only one late anyway!!

First class was Entertainment & Interactive Technologies. It was all about doing research, research and more research. I was to report on the topic of my choice about what i had found out and to give presentations, presentations and more presentations. Sounds easy?! I hope so!! It seemed that I was the only international/asian student in the entire white class.. Not that im being racist but it was pretty damn obvious. I was frustrated that none of my close frens were there.. Only to found out that they were in the class next to me.. Yup.. i had chosen the wrong class to be in.. Hence why i ended up all alone.. Pity me, please!!

The next class was @ 1pm. It was Studio and this year, i had my group settled. They were my group members from last year and we have agreed that we work well with each other and wanted to stick together. It took us awhile to decide what project we wanted to work on. But in the end we managed to agree on something that we like to work on. If all goes well, our lecturer would allow us to go ahead with it. *cross fingers*

So that pretty much sums up my first day in Uni. It has been a busy, long yet productive day for me. I know when my assignments are all due. And i pretty much know that if i dont score a D in each of them.. Im pretty much in deep trouble!!

SO how was your first day back @ Uni??!!