Friends

It was great to speak to James the other day. He is from Basingstoke. It was even better that I managed to catch up with Dennis the other day. He is now based in Italy (forgive me Dennis for not knowing, where exactly you are in Italy. It is your fault for not telling me exactly, you always prefer to talk about Rome, haha). For the record Dennis, you are more than welcome to visit me in Malaysia in the future!

I am glad that Dennis has secured a job in Italy. He will be working for a leading MNC for a year with possibility to be based in Asia. Congratulation dude! I remember that we turned down the interview discussions with McKinsey, The BCG, BP – the punting was better I guess, don’t you agree? That is exactly what Dennis’s target is – to be in Asia. He believes that Asia is promising in terms of growth, especially China (You are not telling the truth! There is another entirely personal reason. Can I share here?). No wonder he did Oriental Studies. I am always impressed with Dennis’s ability to speak basic Mandarin. He knew nothing of Mandarin before he started the course at Cambridge University. Well he is more fluent with Mandarin compared to me with my rusty Arabic. Well I do not see really see situations when I am in the position to exercise my Arabic anyway.

I got a pic in the Senate House similar to this. My face looked perplexed for I did not have a clue - everything was in Latin!

Speaking of Cambridge, Dennis did agree with me that Cambridge experience has transformed us to a certain degree, and now we have access to thousands of alumni across the globe especially in sharing intelligence and thoughts. I like to use “experience” rather than simply a period of time spent at that prestigious place because; Besides the degree, Cambridge is a irreplaceable collective experience from the daily routine of going to classes, seminars to cooking in the house with fellowship of scholars to formal dinners, matriculation dinners and to the punting experience. It is awesome and no one will be able to forget. I for one, I would not trade it for anything and in some simple words – the experience has been worthwhile and the best part, it lasts for a lifetime.

Pic: An original letter by Albert Einstein, kept inside Cambridge Univ Press

James told me to use this medium (blog) to keep writing about the experience. Well I am not sure but I will keep writing this blog only for myself and close friends who could accept my friendship with no prejudice. James told me the other day that he told a few people about my blog as a sanctuary of thoughts and ranting! Haha (Although James tried to convince me to share the links every time I write in the Cambridge Alumni forum. Wait James, the time will come when I am ready or when the blog is ready!).

Going back to Dennis, he said that the company was impressed that he made it to his Masters degree in Cambridge since only 40 people were accepted from thousands of applicants. Similarly, I am also thankful and proud that I am one of the few selected to pursue the Masters degree. Well I was informed by the course administrator that only 35 people were offered the place, despite over 2,000 people applied. I guess I am privileged to certain extent. I guess there is no harm to work real hard to achieve the best in life. That’s what I have been telling people who would want a piece of advice; do things for yourself and always strive for the best for you would look back with smile of accomplishment.

Speaking about achievement, Dennis told me his friends were so delighted when he returned to Italy and all of them got together to throw him a congratulatory party. That was fantastic. He told me about a friend who’s not too happy for him since he was his rival since he was a kid. I plan not to become an advisor or anything but I said to Dennis, you only have to prove it to yourself. Forget about others who are not going to be happy for you. There tend to be people who’d be unhappy towards our success. They are not happy with themselves, thus the attitude towards others. Dennis kept on saying, “If I can be happy for my close friends, why can’t they be happy for me?” Well, it is not for us to know Dennis. Dennis, as I said time and again, that kind of friend does not deserve to be your friend to begin with!

I have come to the end of this entry... I am leaving a note for James...

Note: James, thanks for reading this blog. Although you'd come to learn about this blog accidentally, I have yet to grant you reasons to tell others (just kidding, but please. I am shy as you know me in Cambridge). Hey update your Facebook.Com OK. Hey I asked you to point out my use of English, so far you have not commented! It cannot be perfect yeah? Haha. Hey you guys have been great to me, thanks for printing out my assignments when I was close to having a breakdown. December 2005 will always be remembered! Guys guys guys... do you know that Ben (I mean Mr Davis) is now in India, treating lepers! He will update more in his blog when he returns late middle September!