ENGL 106 A#5

The American Degree Transfer Program

branv — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:10:21 +0000

My High School: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Subang Utama

Upon completion of my high school education at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Subang Utama, I decided to enroll in the American Degree Transfer Program at Taylor’s University College.

Taylor's University College: American Degree Transfer Program Building

Taylor's University College

To me, it was not the easiest of decisions to begin with. After successfully completing the Sijil Penilaian Menengah (SPM), the Malaysian equivalent to the O-Levels exam, I was still ambivalent as to the undergraduate degree program to pursue. Such has been my weakness when it comes to making choices in life. I had the option of enrolling in the American Degree Transfer Program, A-levels, South Australian Matriculation, or even the Canadian Pre-U Program; all of which were offered by Taylor’s University College.

Having parents who both graduated from universities in the United States of America, it comes as no surprise that they are full of praise for the American education system.

By the end of December 2007, I had successfully enrolled in the American Degree Transfer Program at Taylor’s University College as a first year engineering student.

While my indecisiveness has always plagued me in the past, I am thankful that for once, I made the right decision to enroll in the American Degree Transfer Program. It is now year 2009 and I have successfully enrolled into Purdue University, one of the top engineering schools in the United States of America.

London and Football

branv — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:07:25 +0000

In the summer of May 2009, I embarked on a trip to London with my family. As an avid traveler, there were several reasons behind my trip to London. Besides wanting to see the usual attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Stonehenge, I wanted to visit the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club.

: An overcrowded Buckingham Palace

Me at the London Eye

Me and my dad at the Big Ben

Stonehenge

Me at the Emirates Stadium

Growing up as a football fan, I’ve supported Arsenal FC since I was a child. I felt like a kid stepping into a candy store when I finally had the opportunity to see the stadium and the team I’ve supported ever since I was young. Unfortunately, I failed to catch a live football game featuring the Arsenal team when I was there as the season had already ended. Nonetheless, the trip was still truly meaningful and it was indeed a great summer holiday.

Soccer or Football?

branv — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:06:07 +0000

During Purdue’s Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) orientation program, I met many new friends whereby most of them would proceed to ask whether I am into any sports. “Of course I am! I’m into football!” was my usual reply. Little did I know, the term football meant a different sport in America. Coming from Malaysia, football is the equivalent sport to what soccer is in the United States of America, and rugby is the equivalent term used for what is known as football in the USA. While I enjoy playing what is now known as soccer in the USA, I had no clue how football in the USA was played at first. However, that changed after I attended Purdue’s final home game of the semester a couple of weeks ago against Michigan State University (MSU). I soon learned how the game was played and the terms “kickoff”, “first down”, “second down”, “field goal” and ”touchdown” soon became familiar to me.

Purdue vs MSU kickoff

Besides the different gameplay between soccer and football, the All-American Marching Band and cheerleaders present during football games are also a sight to be seen.

Purdue's All-American Marching Band

Purdue's Cheerleading Team

While it took me awhile to get used to the new terms, I must admit that both soccer and American Football has their own uniqueness. Having been a football fan, or rather, soccer fan for the past ten years, it’s safe to say that I’m slowly, but surely getting addicted to American Football as well.

Malaysian of Chinese Descent

branv — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:04:33 +0000

As a Malaysian born Chinese, my ancestral roots traces way back to that of ancient China. During my trip to China in December 2004, I failed to relate to being a “Chinese” in China. The Chinese mannerisms, culture, and way of life were different from my expectations. While the sight of the various historical landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace were a sight to behold, I was unable to appreciate the rich history behind each of these landmarks because I lack the historical perspective of a mainland Chinese from China.

The Great Wall of China

My family and I at the Great Wall of China

The Forbidden City

The Temple of Heaven

My family and I at the Temple of Heaven

: The Summer Palace

My trip to China was very much an eye-opening experience in many ways. As an overseas Chinese, I came to China with expectations that I can relate to its people and places. However the social, cultural norms, mannerisms and even the food of the mainland Chinese are really different. While I will always be proud of my Chinese heritage, I have come to realize that I am first and foremost a Malaysian and Malaysia will always be my home.

Home Away From Home

branv — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:03:17 +0000

Being away from home has never been easy for a home-loving person like me. Upon my acceptance to Purdue University in June 2009, I departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Purdue University on the 12th of August. It was the first time I had travelled overseas alone, and the first few weeks in the United States of America were the toughest to get by. I was homesick.

The send-off at KLIA

While my first three weeks at Purdue was depressing at the very least, things gradually got better as the weeks went by. I was soon caught up with the workload and barely had any free time to let my thoughts wander and feel homesick.

Hillenbrand Hall, my new home away from home

While it did take me awhile to settle into my new surroundings, I can say that I have successfully done so. Home away from home may not be that bad afterall.