A Wallflower

       It was very frustrating to see other girls and boys having a wonderful time at social gatherings and not being able to be part of the merriment. I was born with silky jet black hair and a flawless porcelain complexion. I could have been quite attractive if not for my two front teeth. Chipped and jagged due to a fall when I was a little girl, I would not parade them for a million dollars.

      Once I met a good-looking boy on a packed bus. He smiled and asked if I was from the same college. Before I could finish my sentence, he interrupted to ask how I chipped my teeth ! Passengers standing nearby seemed equally curious to have a glimpse of my disfigured teeth. I was most embarrassed. I wished I could have jumped off the bus there and then.

      I disliked face-to-face encounters. To avoid inspection of my unpresentable teeth, I would cover my mouth, look elsewhere and do anything tocamo uflage them. I often wished I was flawlessly beautiful like my cousin, Josephine. At every social occasion, there would always be a crowd of admirers around her.

     Once evening, at Josephine's wedding reception, I was standing as usual in a quiet corner of the banqueting hall watching other people enjoying themselves. when i went to the "Ladies', I was shocked to hear relatives commenting about me. "Stuck-up!" "Peacock!" "Rude!" were some of the harsh words I heard before I dashed out of the room crying.

      Just then, I saw a group of the wedding guests across the hall crowding around a plain looking girl. Suddenly, she caught sight of me. Smiling broadly, she called out. "Mary! It's me, Jane.

      Come. Let me have a closer look at this much talked about pretty cousin of mine." As I  went closer, I noticed that she had a very uneven set of yellow teeth.

      Out of habit, my hand went automatically up to cover my mouth when I greeted Jane whom I had not seen for years. Jane smiled at me warmly and the understanding look in her eyes put me completely at ease. "Care for a walk ? It's pretty stuffy in here," said Jane as she gently led me out of the banqueting hall.

      "Why is a sweet-looking girl like you playing wallflower on such a happy occasion " Don't just stand around. Greet the aunties and uncles. talk to the cousins, and stop letting everyone think you're proud or rude!"

      Jane was right. i had unconsciously offended many people by being too conscious of my  teeth. I also realized that in trying to hide my teeth, I drew more attention to them. I  dawned on me that during our conversation I stopped noticing Jane's teeth. what I saw  was a very pleasant and friendly person.  Acting on Jane's advice, I have learnt to mix more freely on social occasions now. As my  social skills improve I seem to receive more compliments about my hair and my  complexion. It is interesting that people no longer notice my two front teeth. these days, I look forward to social gatherings. I am no longer a wallflower on such occasions any more.

Nurul Akmal

The Parks of West Malaysia

      Malaysian jungles remained undisturbed by man for about 100 million years, thus  making them many centuries old.

      Amongst the many splendid gorges, magnificent rivers and towering hills, Malaysia's National Parks provide one with an adventure tour of exotic locations. Boating through swirling rapids, hunting big game and stalking animals with a camera, bird-watching, mountain-climbing, exploring limestone caves, swimming in cool streams and camping amidst giant tropical trees while listening to jungle noises of cicadas and other insects is a rare experience.

      If you love the great outdoors, a visit to the Parks would be ideal. There is Taman Negara situated in Pahang/Kelantan/Terengganu in West Malaysia. Its headquarters is at Kuala Tahan for visitors. There are several salt lakes to which wild life come for the drinking water and the mineral-enriched soil. At Jemut Belau, deers, wild pigs and tapirs as well as elephants, seladangs, tigers and panthers are frequent visitors.

      Templer Park, thirteen miles from Kuala Lumpur, is a famous spot for relaxation. Friendly monkeys await to welcome visitors. The freshness and tranquility amidst cool streams, tree ferns and colorful birds make it a popular picnic ground.

Nurul Akmal

Recess Time in Our School

      R-r-ring! These goes the daily bell at 10.30 a.m. for recess. An audible sigh of relief can be heard in each classroom as the students immediately rush to the school tuck-shop. Hungry and thirsty students make straight for the mee-man, the iced-drinks seller or the curry and rice stall, for many have come to school early in the morning without any breakfast as there is hardly any time to eat.

      I find the stall-holders busy serving food to the students, who are impatient and sometimes downright rude if the stall-holder is slow in serving them. The chatter of students, the noise of frying noodles, the chopping up of ingredients and the delicious smell of food floating in the air contribute to the typical tuck-shop environment which makes one hungry and eager to eat the daily snack.

      R-r-ring! The unwelcome bell goes at 10.50 a.m. for the students to get back to class. It is another rush, this time for lessons which begin promptly and late-comers will be punished. Recess time is a welcome break, for hungry stomachs are filled and dry throats are refreshed with iced drinks.

       Now the tuck-shop is quiet except for the clatter of plates, glasses and cups being washed  by the stall-holders, who then rest till the next session. 

Nurul Akmal

Teacher's Day

         Every year, all schools throughout Malaysia celebrate Teachers' Day - a day to honour and remember our teachers who are our leaders and who guide us in our education during our youthful days.

     

      Teachers are very much a part of a student's life as they influence a child, right from Kindergarten days to Upper Secondary days; and perhaps beyond. It is they who prepare the child for his or her life in society.

     

      Teachers' Day is held to show our appreciation to our teachers who work hard and bear  patiently with us. In most schools, pupils bring gifts of flowers, presents and other  token, which are sometimes hand-made, to show that they care for their teachers. A  party is held where tasty refreshments and drinks are served in the classroom for both the  teachers and the students. Everyone has a good time and the day ends earlier than usual.

   

      Teachers play a very important role in the development of a child. However, their efforts are seldom appreciated. That is why Teachers' Day is so significant to teachers; it is only on this day that they are appreciated and honour for their deeds.

Nurul Akmal 

Kelantan

      I am sure many of us living on the west coast have not visited the beautiful east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. If one does have a chance, he will find it a different kind of holiday experience, a holiday spent among the beauties of nature.

      First, there are the hundreds of miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, white and clean with the open blue sea greeting the visitors. Then, there is the lush, tropical greenery, the tall coconut palms swaying gracefully in the breeze and charming rural villages where life is unhurried, leisurely and peaceful. One is attracted by the riot of the brilliant colors of the fruits and other foodstuffs at the market place, with busy Kelantanese selling their wares. `Batik' and 'songket' are famous local products and tourists will not leave the place without buying a few of these pieces as souvenirs.

      Kelantanese cottage industries are of great variety. You can find silve rsm iths at work on beautiful Kelantan jewellery or skilful craftsmen and womenfolk producing 'batik sarungs' and the brilliant eye-catching 'kain songket'. Some men are busy engaged in the making of giant kites or 'wau' which are of various shapes and colors. Kite-flying is an important pastime in Kelantan, apart from top-spinning.

      Lastly, the beautiful beach of Pantai Cinta Berahi is worth a visit, for you will see the  beach fringed with roves of casuarina trees. A trip to Pasir Putih, a scenic spot that  abounds with waterfalls and fresh water springs is an unforgettable experience. Life here is totally unhurried and relaxing, making it a memorable holiday for you. 

Nurul Akmal