Monday, July 7, 2008


So it's 10.30 now, actually quite sleepy since I woke up this morning at 3 am to study stupid Malaysian Studies..don't really know whether it was worth it but oh well. Tomorrow's English, which is why I'm not panicking and rushing to study yet..that comes tomorrow, with Malaysian Media History. :P

Both Intro to Mass Comm and Malaysian Studies papers were okay I guess..I completely forgot to write my student ID number on my IMC MCQ paper =.= I have no idea why I forgot..I remember thinking that there wasn't any space to write the number but I just completely forgot the left hand corner. Seriously, I don't know what's wrong with me nowadays. I asked Ms. Catherine about it and she said it'd be okay, but I'd probably better go and email Mr. Ben or something.

Anyway, I'm kind of sleepy (dangling modifiers, misplaced modifiers, comma splices, run on sentences..etc) so..I just have a few observations to make.

It's no secret that there is tension brewing between Group 1 and Group 2, has been this way ever since Semester 1. Then, we banded together as a team. But as time goes on, lines are blurred, and people get to know each other more intimately - as Ms. Catherine said, this is when the true colours will be shown. There's tension amongst group members as well, if you keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.

Therefore, being a non-aligned member (I know, too much Malaysian Studies), here is some impartial advice:

1. There's a difference between 'being unique' and 'being someone nobody likes'. It's all well and good to say 'Hey, I don't care what people think, if they can't like me for me, that's their problem', but have you ever considered that the problems you may face as a result of this could outweigh their loss? There's no need to give up your individuality - just don't force it on people. If the whole world doesn't 'like you for you', there's something wrong there - and no man is an island.

2. Confrontation is always better than implied hostility. If you think someone doesn't like you for whatever reason, thrash it out, no matter how awkward it seems. Don't wait for the poison of hurt and resentment to seep in - it'll be doubly hard to get rid of after that. Get everything out, clear the air - only then can there be healing.

3. With regards to #2, I have yet to hear about a proper confrontation. All the psuedo-confrontations don't count. Once you truly confront somebody about some issue, have at it then and there, say everything you want to say, and that's it. Don't hide feelings inside - they'll just eat away at you from within. Speak your mind, be as candid/brutal/forthright as you want, but expect the same back. Feelings will be hurt, yes - but at least the wound is clean. If it's too difficult to do in person, do it over MSN. The results will still be the same.

4. There are always two sides to a story - listen to both the sides before you make your judgement. We are Mass Comm students, people!!

5. Putting other people down does not make you 'cool'. In fact, it makes you look stupid because you should know better. How do you expect people to respect you if you can't respect them?

6. Gossiping, while fun, can be potentially damaging. If you really must gossip - then get the facts straight.

7. Nobody likes slackers.

Cryptic? Too obvious? You decide. Disclaimer: I am not talking about any person in particular for any of the points and therefore all similarities to your situation are clearly coincidental. However, if you read this, and think one or more of this seems familiar... ;)