A JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN

Huh! Anxiety! Anxiety! Anxiety! There are butterflies in my tummy right now! I
was thinking of this competition and I couldnt really sleep well last night.
Anxiety doesnt spare anyone, does it? What more a sweet, young girl like me!

Honourable judges, a very good day I bid you. First and foremost, let me
introduce myself. My name is Syamala Kesavan and Im 16 years old. Today I
would like to ramble on about a topic that hits quite close to home. My topic
today is , A Journey into the Unknown. Oh no! Im not going to tell you a
ghost story. But, the word Unknown is a little bit intimidating isnt it? But,
that is the only word I can think when I imagine my future.

I have always wondered what life has I store for me after SPM. By next year I
would have spent about twelve years of my life in school, having everything
decided for me. It is a well worn path that Im travelling in. I have nothing to
worry and I certainly know that it is a right choice. School is fun. Homework
never is, but friends make life enjoyable and interesting.

School, in general are designed to execute the subject syllabus with precision,
careful planning, and perfect teaching. Rules and regulations are formulated in
a certain acceptable way. Hence, all this while I am told what to do by my
teacher in school and my mum at home. Mum faithfully waits at the school
gate to take over the task of giving instructions which need to be followed
without any questioning or arguments as it would mean disobedience. But, I
wonder how my journey is going to be after SPM.

All of a sudden, hundreds of new pathway will open up before me and I have
to make decision that will affect the rest of my life. Is it going to be STPM,
Matriculation, Foundation or Diploma? Is it going to be Taylors or KDU or INTI?
The some say doing form 6 can get you a place in universities while others say
better enrol in one of the private colleges or universities so that you dont
waste time and get to do the course that you really like. How can I decide,
when I still run to my mum when I have nightmares!
 The thing that frightens me the most is How do I know that Im making the
right choice? Society has made you believe that success has a very narrow
definition. Scoring straight As in SPM equals success. Taking up a profession
like doctor, or an engineer, or a lawyer equals success. Girls getting married by
the age of 27 and having 2 or more kids equals success. Failure on the other
hand is scoring no As in SPM, working after SPM, dropping out of courses after
finding out that you have no passion in them and not getting married by the
age of 35. I cannot be the monkey in tree climbing competition. Im most
probably the earthworm that you need in your farm and I can help you to
burrow the holes in your soil. Am I allowed to do something different from the
others or do I have to follow the norms too?

Being a good girl in my family and in Malaysia is not an easy one. I have act in
a certain way, dress in a certain way, walk and talk in a certain way. Clubbing is
not for decent girls. Tattoos and piercings are a sure No No. Acceptable hair
colour is black and nothing else. Why cant I be different and be good at the
same time?

At this point I need to also mention those concerned Indian aunties who
conveniently remember a good boy from a good family who just happen to be
looking for a good girl from a good family to be made a bride. They drive me
crazy and I swear those aunties are practically ninjas. You do not know where
they come from and where the will disappear to afterwards. Can I remain
single and be free to do what I like to do?

Im confused about what future has in store for me especially after my SPM.
Globalisation has opened the doors to many opportunities or should I break
free, spread my wings and soar high Im not sure where my journey is going to
take me so that is why it is a journey into the unknown. Maybe I dont need to
figure it all out right now. Having a plan is good but sometimes unknown path
come with adventure. So, come what may. Ill be ready for the journey into the
unknown.

Thats all from me today. Thank You.