Before my leaving for Bandung, we learned that our accommodation would be arranged by school so the university did not know what would it be like. As my mom did not know what to expect, she expected the worst and freaked out that she suggested “Abah will be going with you and helping you to find accommodation”. I refused to let him tagging along, as I did not want to appear as anak manja so I replied, “I will be fine, no worries. Besides, the ticket price will be expensive for a last minute booking” then my mom intercepted “It’s okay, we can still find money, but YOU, my daughter could not be bought with money. I am worried for your safety”. Mommy you’re so sweet that I felt like weeping.
That was a conversation between my mother and I, a week before I left for Bandung, upon learning that I would be stationed in Bandung alone. My father, on the other hand, had a faith that I would be just fine as he has a lot of friends in Bandung and the fact that majority of the population are Muslims, he did not worry so much for my living and training to be a teacher here. These two important people in my life are the reason for my being here, and I thanked them for giving their permission for me to pursue my dream. I was one of the luckiest 25 students who had been selected for this programme and I came here with a purpose – to inspire students to be better in English, as well as in their lives.
Thinking of my safety I just agreed to my mom’s suggestion, but the plan changed as my third sister was offered an Asasi programme so she needed my dad much more than I did. (That’s a kak long’s sacrifice, haha ;p) Besides, my dad was not that worried because my uncle was in Bandung for a football tournament. He is not Syafie Sali though. It was just a friendly match and Thank God he waited for me at the airport. My parents were also relieved learning that he was staying in a hotel which was not that far from my school.
A lot have I learned since the first day I was here. I did not have that teary-eyed moment in the airport before taking off because we were already late and we were running like some groups from the Amazing Race in order to catch our plane. Why did I mention this again? Erm it was just because I am proud of my strength not to burst into tears even though I felt like it.
I have already been to Bandung once, with my family for a holiday, but it was totally a different experience than having to stay here, and work. By work, I mean being a trainee teacher.
I still remember the first day I came here. It was like a nightmare having to pray in one of the malls. I do not want to elaborate on this because you would rather not imagine our experience, but it was still bearable because I was still with my friends. We could bear it because we had one another to curse and laugh to ease the uneasiness.
One thing which I dislike about this programme is that 25 of us were sent to different schools around West Java and as a result, I am all alone. I thought it was okay because I am such a big fan of being alone. I thought wrong actually because upon my meeting with my supervisor’s and the vice principal, the crashing news I learned that they did not prepare my accommodation as they thought UiTM arranged it already. Another bad news was that hotels in Bandung were fully booked as it was a school break.
So I remember crying in the back seat of the car as the vice principal, Pak Rudi was driving around Kota Bandung to find hotel for me. That was embarrassing but what to do, I was scared of being kidnapped or you-know-what since I was with two men I just met, and hardly knew.
Yet as time passed by, I turned out to cherish the moments with them. Many of the teachers treat me like their daughter and some of them even be my shoulder to cry on. The sweetest thing of all is my students. My relationship with them are not limited in the classroom only. We always hang out, went for lunches, karaoke and birthday party.
Even though I have a lot of friends here, being a loner means I always go almost everywhere alone. Some of the days, when I felt like discovering some new shopping places, or some gardens, I just went out and took the famous public transportation here – the angkotan kota. It is a mini van and it is cheaper than other means of public transportation. Besides, my mom will never allow me to take a cab if I were alone. Honestly, there were many times I was lost but the people here are friendly and helpful so I turned out alright even after a frightful day.
I am also thankful for having Mr. Wahyu as my supervisor as my work place is not limited in school but I was also given chance to expand my service to University Islam Nusantara (UNINUS) I joined their English community as well as English club for lecturers. Imagine being the youngest there and having the least experience than them and joining them for a discussion on how to be a well-trained lecturer. They asked for my opinion and I was so nervous, so I blurted out that I only had 3 weeks experience of being a teacher, so I admit I am not yet well-trained as everyday is my learning experience.
It turned out they like having me there and I was also surprised that I got paid for my contribution in the lecturers English club. It was just a volunteer work for me to expand my network, but it was GOOOOOOOOOD having been appreciated like that. I still do my volunteer work in English community and it was by far one of the most meaningful experience for me.
Yet, I am sad for learning that without money, some of the students cannot pursue their studies. This lesson also made me realize that I am lucky to have been born as a Malaysian because education in Malaysia did not require so much money. Except for me, maybe because I am a high-maintenance girl, according to my dad la, but I always made them proud, kan kan?
As my being here is coming to an end, I am glad that I will return to my parents as a wiser lady and a grateful daughter. Not to mention, way much stronger.
