Life within the Asrama had undergone a transformation, becoming more enjoyable, and I relished the newfound ease. Each day brought the joy of returning to the Asrama, filled with gratitude for the rich experiences it offered.
As I settled back into the familiar routines, I found comfort in the familiar surroundings, routines, and even the simple acts of daily life like showering and prayer. I believed that Allah had hidden wisdom to share with me, and I was determined to uncover it. Day after day, I embarked on a quest to understand the meaning of this intricate tapestry of existence, finding solace in the bits of wisdom that began to reveal themselves.
My relationships with fellow students, especially the girls, flourished as I delved deeper into their world, seeking to connect with them on a more profound level. My role as the head of the Education Bureau within the Asrama played a significant role in facilitating these interactions.
I initially considered the Education Bureau as a somewhat ordinary affair, but I embraced the role despite my initial reservations. The previous year, I had been a committee member under Maro, the most brilliant student of that era. My elevation to the head of the bureau was a surprising turn of events, not a reflection of any extraordinary academic prowess on my part. It had come about as a result of a random incident, rather than any planned action.
Nevertheless, fate had its own ways, and this year, I became the head of the Education Bureau. This position allowed me to form a stronger connection with Puan Zaidah, who hadn't paid much attention to me before. This change happened because of a sudden improvement in my academic performance, which had previously gone unnoticed by her.
My nature had always leaned towards humility and modesty, and I had a tendency to maintain a low profile. Shyness played a role in this preference. Even in moments of success, I avoided the spotlight and didn't draw attention to my achievements. I had no inclination towards showiness and often wondered if my reticence bordered on self-absorption.
In the previous years, my interactions with Puan Zaidah had been minimal. However, this year was different, as she became more affable towards me. It was known that I was her number 1 supporter within the Asrama, particularly with the Education Bureau. As the bureau's leader, I saw this as a golden opportunity to gain insights into organizational leadership, despite my limited prior experience.
The Education Bureau had a range of responsibilities, going beyond the usual routine. It was involved in formal Asrama events that included all students. While my fellow bureau members didn't contribute significantly, I took on my responsibilities diligently. These activities included scholastic contests such as debates and speeches.
My primary responsibility was to prepare the stage, which took up most of my time. From crafting backdrops to designing, printing, cutting, and putting up letters, shaping polystyrene, using colour schemes, and attaching each component to the wall, I undertook these tasks with minimal help. It was a complex process, but it provided invaluable experience, now a memory.
My role as the head of the Education Bureau allowed me to explore my artistic side. I was tasked with creating banners to decorate the Asrama courtyard, a task that initially seemed daunting but couldn't be avoided, given Puan Zaidah's expectations.
With just a blank banner canvas and a set of paints, I had to channel my creative side. The content for these banners had already been decided, conveying words of encouragement to the Form 3 students who were about to face the PMR exams at the end of the year.
Being in a leadership role, I was responsible for conceiving and creating these banners, from conceptualizing the lettering to meticulously colouring and sculpting each component. It was a challenging task, and I largely worked on it alone, even though I sought help from fellow bureau members. However, it was a task I couldn't back away from, given the trust Puan Zaidah had placed in me.
After considerable effort, the banner was finally ready and displayed proudly in the Asrama courtyard, serving as a source of inspiration for the Form 3 students in their academic endeavours.
Other official events also required my attention, and I was entrusted by Puan Zaidah to play a significant role in preparing the stage for them. As time passed, the process became more familiar, and the once-daunting task became less intimidating. Creating banners also became a routine for me, and my proficiency didn't go unnoticed.
A tuition teacher in the Asrama recognized my work and commissioned a banner for use in their school. This unexpected request, despite the demands it placed on me, was accepted as a mark of respect. It was time-consuming and required significant effort, but knowing that a teacher's prayers were with me made it all worthwhile.
One of my more interesting responsibilities was selling snacks to fellow students, earning me the title of "Snack Boss" in the Asrama. These snacks, with the Apollo brand, were supplied by Puan Zaidah, likely originating from the nearby Apollo factory.
Puan Zaidah also provided me with small packs of Nestum and oat-based cereals, along with small packets of Milo. These snacks were in high demand among Asrama residents, and the response was indeed encouraging. Puan Zaidah had started selling these snacks to students the previous year, but the sales process was previously under her own personal control. Now, it was my responsibility under education bureau.
I initially enjoyed the role of Snack Boss, with a steady stream of customers seeking my snacks. When supplies ran low, I diligently collected the proceeds and handed them to Puan Zaidah in exchange for more snacks. However, as time went on, the task became burdensome. Collecting unpaid debts became increasingly challenging, sometimes requiring me to prioritize my personal finances. I didn't share this dilemma with Puan Zaidah, as I felt a duty to fulfil my responsibilities.
Ultimately, the burden was mine to bear. Chasing unpaid dues made me uncomfortable, as it risked tarnishing my reputation for friendliness. However, I continued in this role, extending credit to my peers in the hope of future transactions. This strategy eventually paid off, as my snack offerings remained consistently popular.
The popularity of Milo and Nestum among students led me to ponder whether frequent consumption of these snacks had adverse effects on their digestion. Despite the challenges, I look back fondly on my time as the Snack Boss within the Asrama.
My relationships with the Asrama authorities gradually improved. It's important to note that this wasn't an attempt to win favour; rather, it was a result of recognizing the need for a harmonious relationship when required. My visits to their offices were always for legitimate purposes.
In contrast, my interactions with Encik Zul were less frequent, although I found him to be quite amiable when dealing with students, particularly those from our batch. So, I didn't feel uncomfortable when I had to visit his office. This was a significant departure from my earlier years in Form 1 and Form 2 when I wanted to avoid the office due to Encik Hussin's imposing demeanour.
I should clarify that one reason I chose to continue staying in the Asrama was the absence of Encik Hussin. If he had remained as the Asrama warden, I likely would have left. Encik Zul's arrival revitalized my enthusiasm for staying in the Asrama. He could enforce discipline when necessary but did not burden me excessively. Please don't misunderstand my sentiments; he was firm when the situation demanded it, but only at specific times and with specific individuals.
I believe that Encik Zul was just as capable as Encik Hussin in maintaining the quality of the Asrama. Its standards remained high under his leadership, avoiding any decline into neglect or disrepair. If Encik Hussin had continued as the warden, it's possible that most of my batchmates would have left the Asrama.
In conclusion, I want to express that I don't hold entirely negative feelings towards Encik Hussin. I am grateful to him for emphasizing the importance of academic achievement. Without his influence, my achievements might have remained elusive. I sincerely thank you, Encik Hussin.
My life within the Asrama was undergoing a profound transformation. Previously on the outskirts of the Asrama community, I now had the opportunity to contribute significantly. These changes brought a plethora of new learning experiences, freeing me from the constraints of a stagnant existence.
A new way of life had taken root, filled with contentment. It opened up unexpected horizons and expanded my intellectual outlook, fostering a more mature and evolved mindset.
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