This year turned out to be quite an adventure, a departure from the usual story of my time at the Asrama. Even though I was still in the same place, it felt like I had started a completely new chapter in my life, one that was very different from the previous ones. This change was closely connected to the people I met in the Asrama.
As the new millennium began, I found myself in sync with the changing times. While my daily routine still had elements of the past, it also had clear signs of modernity. The things that used to be the same as before were now mixed with a sense of newness and progress.
Let me explain the tuition and prep classes that became a significant part of my life this year. Being in the upper secondary class, my friends and I saw a big shift in the way we approached our studies. The stressful exam atmosphere we were used to was replaced by a calmer one.
Our classroom, located at the first floor of the building, had a peaceful atmosphere, unlike the busy classrooms elsewhere. The beautiful view from the windows made it a great place for our study.
I especially enjoyed the afternoon prep class. During this time, the Asrama had a magical atmosphere, especially when the sun bathed everything in warm light. It was a moment of pure joy.
The classroom I usually went to had a calm and private feeling, different from the bustling ones. But what made it special was the breathtaking view outside, which made studying there even better. The afternoon prep class was a cherished break, with the unique charm of the Asrama. On clear days, when the sun's rays filled our sanctuary with warmth, it created a unique sense of peace.
The Asrama, as a whole, became my refuge after a long school day. I clearly remember taking a refreshing shower before heading to the prep class, which always revitalized me. In those peaceful afternoons, life felt almost perfect. Looking back, it feels like a dream. While hindsight has given me a clearer perspective, at that time, reality and dreams seemed inseparable.
Given the circumstances, I didn't always use my afternoons for serious studying during prep time. If I felt tired, I would lean back in my chair and let my thoughts wander. Sometimes, these moments led to doodling on paper or just daydreaming. Occasionally, I would become a source of distraction for my friends.
Indeed, during prep class, we often engaged in activities that weren't strictly academic. We played games like "dots and boxes" on grid paper or let our minds wander in daydreams. The calm atmosphere would sometimes make me doze off at my desk, taking me away from the demands of studying.
Luckily, Encik Hussin was no longer a significant presence in the Asrama during this time, so our casual activities were less likely to be criticized. It was during one of these breaks that I developed an interest in chess. I got my own chess set and soon found myself in numerous matches. While I was a beginner in terms of strategy, I could easily beat other beginners. However, more experienced players provided a tough challenge, making our games mental tests.
At night, I immersed myself in academic work. Night classes played a crucial role in my academic journey, motivating me to excel. I must admit that these night classes were instrumental in my pursuit of academic success.
I have great respect for these night classes because they played a key role in my decision to stay in the Asrama. Rejecting this opportunity would have been a significant loss. Here, I had an environment that supported intellectual growth, and it was in these tuition classes that the foundation of my academic success was built.
I had a deep passion for Mathematics and Chemistry. Cikgu Ismail, an excellent teacher in the Asrama, taught Mathematics with great skill and dedication. He never wavered in his commitment to our education. His classroom was filled with the sounds of learning, with no canceled classes to interrupt. My love for Modern Mathematics translated into academic success, which was also shared by my peers.
On the other hand, Chemistry became clearer under the guidance of Cikgu Buni, a seasoned educator and my school afternoon supervisor teacher. Cikgu Buni, a true expert in the subject, explained the intricacies of chemistry with great precision, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding. However, it's worth noting that Cikgu Buni's tendency to give lengthy explanations could sometimes make students sleepy. My friend Min often fell asleep during these sessions.
In the afternoons, between tuition classes, school assignments demanded my attention persistently. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm for completing these tasks had decreased compared to my earlier years in Form 1 and Form 2. There were times when fatigue would reduce my determination, especially when it came to assignments in Bahasa Melayu and English. The strictness of Bahasa Melayu assignments, combined with the leniency of English ones, influenced my approach to schoolwork.
Idle moments in the classroom often found me exploring the Asrama or visiting my dormitory. If that wasn't an option, I would slip into another Form 4 classroom on the lower floor, next to the prayer room, sometimes causing disruptions.
Boredom would occasionally lead me to seek refuge in the restroom, a temporary escape where time could be passed. Sometimes, the temptation of a quick nap would overcome me during prep time, though those moments were rare.
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