Dear Maong-ians,

Its kind of embarrassing for a person who always complained about the school to write
something for the school majalah. I always complained how hot and humid the classroom
was but in the end, I could still take a nap for the whole period (sorry teachers!). As a prefect,
I complainted every Wednesday and whenever there was majlis as the preparation was
extremely tiring although I never ever quit. I complaint how noisy my class is, but I somehow
miss the pasar malam-crowd of my class. Yea, no matter how much I complained, all these
had become moments that are forever frozen. I have no chance to experience it anymore.
Ive been missing it dearly, be it the moments or the school. I miss you, Sungai Maong.

Allow me to reintroduce myself. I was an ex-Maong-ian of batch 2015. I m currently studying

Foundation in Art, Design and Architecture Stream in the RMIT University, Melbourne (most
probably doing Bachelor of Communication Design when you are reading this). Basically, Im
dealing with all the art, design and architecture stuff in this course. There is no exam BUT we
have to deal with tonnes of assignments. We have tasks due almost every day. I just finish my
first trimester (about 3 months) and I have done a total of 11 assignments. Its really tough.
So, to all the juniors out there, you will suffer like hell if you take a design course, thinking
that there are no exams.

Unlike others, Im very lucky to find out what I love and what I want to do for my future career
when I was still in Form 4. Since then, I started involving myself in all the design stuff in clubs
activities, joining art classes every Saturday and most importantly, I dared myself to be the
editor of Majalah Cemerlang 2014. All these were not easy but I had overcome it because I
love it. And there is always people who judge me: A science student why study design? No
use one. You have to study engineering or doctor, or if u cant, study business lah! Design
cannot earn money one. Definitely, a designer doesnt earn more than a doctor or an
engineer, but I am not aiming to be rich. I just want to do something I love and to earn enough
for myself and my families, thats all. So sorry, I am not that ambitious to be a millionaire.
With this, I want to thank so much for my parents who are so open minded, giving me the
rights to choose my own future. Once again, to all the juniors out there, if you love designing,
go for it! It may be tough but if you really love it, it will be worth it in the end, and I strongly
believe it.

Ok, thats enough for the studying stuff. Melbourne is a very developed city. Unlike Kuching,
there are various types of public transportation. I could say that most of the time it operates
systematically. So, I have to take the train and walk to school every day, which use up around
30 minutes. Its considered a very short distance since Im not living in the city area. Some of
my friends have to take train and bus or tram for about 1.5 hours to reach school. The city is
so developed that I couldnt forget my expression when I first entered an art shop full of the
professional art stuff as I never see it in Kuching. There are a lot of restaurants, shops and
streets that are well developed too. Honestly, although I have culture shock and homesick for
the first few weeks, I was so lucky to meet a group of awesome people in church who help
me to overcome these. We gather a few times every week. We have dinner together, hangout
together and go to church services together. We often have trips to different places in
Melbourne too! We enjoy uni life! Im very grateful and blessed to have these bunch of people
who accept me into this crazy group and help me to overcome my homesick. Also, I want to
thank a special friend who always cheered me up and supported me whenever I need help
during my homesick period. You know I am talking about you, so I will not mention your name.
Yea..I love my life in Melbourne. It stops me wallowing in the sweet memories of my past and
encourages me to see more wonderful things in the future.

Being far away from home, makes me appreciate things around me. I never realised Im a
blessed child before I went overseas. I never did my own household back in Kuching so
yeahits all D.I.Y when you left home. I am so lucky that I am now living with my elder
brother, so we can help each other when one of us is busy and I am the one who was always
busy. HAHAHA! Besides, I also learned how to appreciate what I have. I left Kuching one day
before the SPM result was released. I wasnt able to enjoy that exciting and unforgettable
moment with my friends, somehow I find that I have missed out so many things with them.
Just when I realise we could only meet up and hangout together next year, still a long way to
go until I come back, I suddenly regret on my decision to go overseas. But we cannot have
everything in life. In order to get something you love, youll have to sacrifice another thing
that is equally valuable. Even if I didnt go overseas, we can hardly meet each other again like
how we used to in secondary school life. We all have different pathways and directions to go.
However, I will forever cherish every memory we had together wherever I go. I really
appreciate what I ever had, and what I have with me now, be it friendship or my studies.

I love my life in Melbourne but Kuching will always be my home, no matter what. Home is
always the best place in this world. Before I sign off, I would like to wish all the juniors the
best in your future undertaking. If you wish to go overseas, try your best to achieve it! It will
definitely change you into a better person. Im hoping to hear another Maong-ians story of
life abroad. If you want to know more about me, follow me on Instagram (owenbill_0912)!
See ya!

God bless SMK Sungai Maong.

Love,
Anonymous