CHAPTER 2: Forging New Friendships

Up until the point where my story begins, my social circles before living in Asrama had remained quite stable, consisting of the same group of friends I had been with since the beginning of Year 1 in primary school. It was only in the later days of Year 5 and Year 6 that I began to make a few new friends due to changes in our class composition.

These new friends, I should note, also came from my FELDA village, although I won't reveal the specific FELDA location. Those who know me would recognize the name of my beloved FELDA village, but for those who don't, such details need not pique your curiosity, as it would be similar to your own.

When I joined the Asrama fraternity, I found myself surrounded by a diverse group of friends from various parts of Johor. Initially, I struggled to form strong bonds with those from outside my district, finding it easier to connect with those who shared my geographical origins. Perhaps that's just the way life works, but nothing was certain.

It was only when I met Min (a pseudonym) that I formed a genuine friendship that went beyond my longstanding FELDA connections. Before that, my interactions with fellow students were mostly superficial, based on dormitory proximity or chance encounters. However, a chance encounter with Min while I was sitting alone on a bench near the badminton court brought about a heartwarming surprise. Quickly, we established a camaraderie rooted in shared FELDA of him memories, and our bond grew stronger over time.

My social circle expanded as I progressed through my formal schooling. Fifteen other Asrama students joined the afternoon session with me. The diversity among my new friends at school was eye-opening, as I hadn't expected to meet so many non-Malay students. Despite my initial surprise, I found them approachable and modest, typical of semi-matured teenagers.

Among this group were five Asrama first intake peers, students who had been part of the school since its inception at the beginning of the year. Their help during our early days in the Asrama was invaluable, and remarkably, they didn't hesitate to spend time with us, despite already forming bonds with non-Asrama students from Johor Bahru. Their unwavering commitment to the FELDA spirit left a lasting impression on me.

Each of my new friends had their unique qualities, but one incident stands out in my memory. It was an encounter with Kaido (an alias) after a Ramadan Al-Quran tadarus held in the Asrama surau. After the prayer, I followed my peers outside and saw Kaido, taking wudhu’ at a tap. As I joined him silently, he suddenly burst into laughter, his jovial laughter echoing as he continued to wash his hands.

In a casual tone, he asked, "Did you pass gas earlier? Is that why you're taking wudhu’ again?"

From that moment on, I couldn't help but associate Kaido with flatulence every time I performed ablutions. I hope he forgives me if he ever comes across this writing.

CHAPTER 1: The Beginning of a Life's Journey

A bright and glorious Saturday morning arrived, appearing much like the countless Saturdays that had come before it. Little did I know at that time that my life was about to undergo a profound transformation on this very special day.

At precisely nine o'clock, after a brief stop at the Hutan Bandar restaurant area, my family and I reached the revered grounds of the Asrama. Despite the prominent presence of the RTM building on the horizon, finding the exact location of the Asrama proved to be a challenge, eluding our determined search.

The directions provided by our FELDA representative back home were frustratingly vague, only mentioning its proximity to RTM. Despite our sincere efforts, we found ourselves trapped in a confusing maze, lost in endless circles.

It was fate, in the form of a kind gentleman who bore a resemblance to my father, that finally took pity on us and showed us the way. His compassionate intervention spared us the embarrassment of aimless wandering, entangled in confusion. His gracious guidance led us on the right path, and we were no longer lost, making our way to the Asrama without further confusion.

As the Asrama came into view, a deep sense of stillness settled over me. I stood there in awe of the significant changes that awaited me. I took in my surroundings, noticing the relatively small size of the Asrama, which contrasted with its profound importance.

Accompanied by my father, I hurried into the office building, where I encountered a group of fellow newcomers, their faces filled with eagerness as they embarked on a new chapter in their young lives. My father efficiently handled the necessary bureaucratic procedures while I watched with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Inside the office, a tall and impeccably dressed figure welcomed us with a warm and hospitable smile. He exuded confidence and trustworthiness, immediately putting us at ease. My father and this gentleman engaged in friendly conversation, punctuated by moments of shared laughter and camaraderie.

As I diligently completed the required paperwork, my attention was drawn to the expansive hall in front of me. I couldn't see it in great detail from where I stood, but its resemblance to a dining hall left no doubt that it would play a significant role in the days ahead.

This moment marked a monumental turning point – my initiation into the dormitory. My parents had already said their goodbyes, leaving me surrounded by unfamiliar faces. A mix of emotions washed over me – a blend of nervousness and uncertainty, disorientation and dizziness, fatigue and hunger.

An empty bunk beckoned, and I decided to make Dorm 3 my new home. The dormitory, for the most part, was empty, with many students gathered in the common room on the lower floor, engaging in lively conversations with their senior peers, no doubt.

Suddenly, a fellow student, with a sleek Walkman in hand, approached me, and I greeted him with a shy smile. He, too, was a new Form 1 student and a roommate in Dorm 3. As we exchanged pleasantries, we introduced ourselves to each other.

As the day unfolded, more students trickled into the dormitory, and I became increasingly self-conscious and uneasy. Starting a new chapter in life was no small feat, but I was fortunate to have a fellow FELDA friends by my side. The fact that familiar faces were nearby provided some comfort in this unfamiliar territory.

The influx of Form 1 students was overwhelming, and memorizing their names proved to be a daunting task. Even after our initial introductions, remembering their names proved to be a challenging endeavour, requiring repeated inquiries about their identities.

Interestingly, many of these students had reluctantly adopted unique nicknames that were unfamiliar to me. This phenomenon remained puzzling, but I decided to embrace their chosen monikers, which reflected the intellectual prowess and creative flair of this group of Asrama students.