Looking Back

We sat in the glow of the campfire, faces illuminated not by the fiery light but by the energy and excitement of our day. The sense of unity spread, sweeping along with every song. Around the circle all were equals, harmonizing atrociously but having fun nonetheless. Late night hikers cringed as they passed our camp and the birds complained loudly, but inside that little circle, the noise we were making was the most beautiful sound in the world.
This was only one of many wonderful memories I’ll have from Tioman Island. Malaysia Week is supposed to be the “Classroom without walls”, but it’s really so much more. Fun and serious learning seemed grossly disproportionate at the time. But now that I look back, I realize just how much I truly learned- and saw. It doesn’t matter how many times in the class we had recited the diversity in mangroves. Snorkeling through the brackish water, careful not to upset the delicate, muddy ground, life darted all around us. Who could overlook or be bored by diversity with that?
Along with all the information we learned, but I also grew socially. Living with a lovable mixture of buffoons, geniuses, and friendly average kids really taught me how to collaborate with everyone. Waking up every morning to the sound of farting noises made by our FAVORITE mischievous boys, my tolerance developed exponentially. (And our favorite boys should count themselves lucky that it did grow, as a grumpy, 5"7 teenage girl, red hair mussed up fearfully, chasing after them at 7 in the morning isn't in their best interests.) Spending time with my friends actually made me appreciate those few precious times of silence. The days were filled with work, the nights with laughter and conversation (and a bit of sleep). This Malaysia week I developed socially and my knowledge of eco-friendliness increased.



I didn't struggle with many things on this site. I was capable of the hikes, tough enough to overcome the grossness of composts and nature, and clean enough to keep up my health. Of course it was difficult to deal with hygiene complications, such as a communal hole in the ground for the purpose of a toilet, or sandy hair unwashed for two days. But in the end, everything contributed to the experience. I learned that all I really need to have a good time is some quality people in a beautiful place. The easiest part of Malaysia week was the snorkeling. I didn't really have to swim that often since I had a life jacket. It was also really fun to lay on the beach with my friends, both old and new. Socializing was overall the highest point for me.

Picture Representation

The eyes stand for awareness, the palette for creativity, and the dancer for enthusiasm. I find it easy to channel my energy most of the time, which allows me to maximize my learning. That makes me an aware learner because I pay attention to class concepts. I am a creative learner because I can find fun ways to express and information. People say I interpret and perceive in a unique way. I am enthusiastic because I like to get things done, and I tend to balance fun while doing it.





















Credit to ptplteens.wordpress.com and www.graphicsfactory.com/clip-art/

Me :)

Friends know me better than anyone, because they've seen me at my worst and my best. They know how I act in certain situations, so they can best condense my character through generalization. My friends describe me as:
-Innovative
-Sociable
-Exclusive

I think that I know when to settle down and isolate my characteristics. In class is one of these times. I think my teachers would describe me as:
- Diligent
- Focussed
- Motivated

Looking through the itinerary, I find myself looking forward to many things. The event I am most excited about is the visit to Tioman's waterfall from the film "South Pacific". I enjoy viewing natural beauty, and this waterfall is famed for it's clear waters and interesting rock erosion. It will be refreshing to visit the waterfall after a long journey through the humid rainforest.

The event I am least excited about is the exploration of the local kampong and gardens on day one. Cultures do interest me, but Malaysian local village will reflect on daily life for people I'll never meet again. The gardens may be pretty, but extensive viewing will seem a bit boring for me.

I chose Tioman as my first choice for Malaysia week because of the versatility of it. For the first two days, we can explore the ocean areas. I love the water, so the slightly higher focus on ocean is a good choice for me. After these days, we will explore a bit of the rainforest and camping areas, so we get the best of both worlds.

One thing that I think everyone should know about me as a person is that, while I enjoy being social, I will use almost all means necessary to succeed. I love to win, no matter what I'm winning. I can get impatient with people more reluctant to succeed.

I get along well with people of a high physical ability (good for challenges and partaking in activities I enjoy) who can focus easily and aren't awkward in social situations.

I have a hard time working with unfocussed or immature people, slackers, and the socially awkward. Immature people tend to view situations in a manner I disagree with, slackers frustrate me because I'm an enthusiastic sort of person, and socially awkward people I cannot communicate with or relate to effectively. Just because I have a hard time working with these types of people doesn't mean that I don't like them.

Take Out Nothing But Pictures- And Memories

Malaysia Week. The entire middle school buzzes with excitement at it's sound. This one special week is the chance to enjoy freedom from parents, to make new friends, and to go on adventure. This year, a few participants have been chosen to enjoy the island of Tioman for Malaysia Week. I am one of them. This year, I have very high expectations and lots of excitement. I hope to gain many things, but I want to gain fond memories the most. This year, I have lots of eighth graders on my site. Most of them are my friends, and hopefully by the end of Malaysia Week we'll all share a special bond. Of course I wish to interact with the other grades, but there's already a rise in comfort because my friends are there. We've got one week to have the time of our lives, and learn lots of useful things. It's our chance to find something we're really passionate about while healing the suffering ecosystem of Malaysia. I hope to gain many fun memories from Malaysia Week 2010 in Tioman.