Invictus

It's amazing really.

When the words of a person can really inspire you.

This is a poem, which really struck me when I was watching a movie entitled by the same name.

Nelson Mandela read this poem when he was imprisoned in Robben Island for 28 years.

And he rose up to be the first black president of South Africa..

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Gawai's just next door. It's gonna be sombre, without you by our side. But I'm sure that you would want us to celebrate it, the way we would celebrate it with you, with laughters and joy within us. We are sure gonna miss having you by our side, especially during this festive season, where you taught us to go back to our roots.

Selamat Andu Bahas Gawai,

From All of us..

The Road Ahead..

The Road ahead.
What lies beyond that?

*Sigh*
So many activities.
So much responsibilities to bear.

Exams are in 2 weeks.
But I'm not really prepared yet.
Plus, inter-school debate is on par with the exams.
Oh my. How am I going to be able to cope?

Not adding to the LaSallian Heritage Play.
Being given the main role as La Salle himself,
I've got to live up to the expectations of my seniors.
*Sigh*

Next comes the Prefectorial Board.
Was selected as a Probationary Senior.
Did not expect it though.
But I guess it was the acknowledgement of trust by my seniors
Thanks and I'll try to to my best.
First task given, Green Ribbon Sale this Sunday.

So, what lies beyond the road ahead?
Are all this activities worth it?
Or is it just a waste of time?
Are they seriously going to secure my future?

I don't know.
Let's just follow the given path.
And see how it goes...

Jeremiah 29:11

Friends

Friends. You just can't live without them, can you?
The past week had just made me realise that they are indeed an essential element in our lives.

Prefects' Camp came and go. Some found it interesting, while others found it exhausting. But for me, it was all the same, obstacle course, making a fool of ourselves and also, the amount of work that we had to go through.

Then Swinburne WSDC came. We, Seamus, Darren and I, did not prepared much, but we held our heads high and decided to give it all. Out of the 5 preliminary rounds, we managed to win 4 of them, after conceding one to St. Thomas. It was an acceptable defeat, considering that St. Thomas were actually good, better than what we had expected. We were ranked 3rd overall, after Lodge International and St. Thomas, during the break to the QF.

QF- lost against Green Road. We accepted the defeat, but did not accept the margin of the loss. St. Joseph's was denied, yet again. But that is how life is. Defeat not only makes you stronger, but also makes you more determined in achieving something that you have longed for.

Thanks to Seamus and Darren, for being in the team and also bearing with me throughout the course of the debate. You guys are the best team mates that anyone could have asked for. Period. Also, a bunch of thanks to these wonderful people, Joel Justin, Edwin Sia, Daniel Darnas, Hariez, Andy Lau, David James, James Raj and the juniors and also to people who I can't remember but deserved to be remembered, for the advice and consultation throughout the course of the debate. Without you guys, we would not have made this far. Also to teachers, Mr. Raden, Mdm. Lai and of course Mdm. Sii, for constanly supporting us all the way.

Friends. You just can't live without them. They are the ones who support you, they are like your second family. Words just can't describe my gratitude towards these bunch of people.

It's getting late. 2nd day of Sports' Day is tomorrow. Better get the rest which is much needed.

Signing off..

16

Yes.

It's official.
Jeremiah Michael Bel Ben has turned 16.
Another year comes and go.
Another year of challenges to overcome.
Help me, Heavenly Father.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone.
You guys had certainly made my day.

Well, since I had not been blogging for a while, I guess I'd just have to sum up 4 months of delayed posting into 1 post.

January

Start of a new year. Form 4 life is hectic. With all the new subjects coming in and classmates moving out, it certainly was quite a challenge.

February

Still trying to catch up with Form 4. Chinese New Year came and go. Family from the West came celebrating with us. It was a good time, although you were not here to celebrate it with us, Babuk.

March

After weeks and months of planning, the East Malaysia Encounter was a success. Kudos to the Working Team for doing such a great job. Got nominated as a Probationary Prefect. Looking forward to endure greater heights serving in the Prefectorial Board. Tests results came in. It was okay. But I certainly can do better.

April

Holy Week.. was a success. Despite several mischaps here and there. Debate motions and themes came in. Adds up to the pile of work that I have gotta do. Thanks MSSS for giving me the unwanted sunburns. Prefects' Camp is in a week time. Wondering what the Senior Prefects' had in store for us. Swinburne Debate is the day after camp. And Sports Day is the day after the Swinburne Debate! Ahh! Hoping that my body would be able to cope all these activities.

Philippians 4:13

All I Want for Christmas ..

Is...

11:05 p.m., 25th December 2009

Results came out yesterday..

Got a 6A+1A..

Waited in school and got the result slip an hour and a half later after catching up with friends.

Thank you, especially teachers, for making this happen.

And of course, our Heavenly Father.

Served for the Christmas mass this morning.. and we had a feast at night.. photos on FB..

It's getting late..

Merry Christmas.

Tis the Season to be jolly..

Well.. it's December now.

School would be starting in 3 weeks..

Ahh.. Form 4..

There's been so much going on lately..

So many commitments..

Scouts, YCS..

Christmas is in 10 days. It won't be the same without you, dear Babuk. But you're in a better place now. Hoping that the family would be able to celebrate Christmas as joyful as other years despite your absence.

Just came back from Scouts' Camp. It was a blast! Was really really tired after the camp. The only let down was that we could not hold a night hike.. TL with his policies, eh?

Went for the JC Camp post mortem meeting. Many comments were given, but positive remarks from most of us. There was a brief council meeting and the election of Coordinators for the East Malaysian Encounter next year. Coordinators could not be elected because most of the Form 4's had to 'think' it over. But, for the Vice Coordinator, well.. here's how it went..

"Any volunteers or nominations for the Vice Coordinators post?"

" I nominate Michael.."

* Raise of hands everywhere*

I was like.. err.. okay....

Anyways, thanks guys for entrusting me to this event.. I'll do my best and hope that it would turn out to be a wonderful experience.

Looking forward to the New Year. 2010 is gonna be full of challenges. But there's gonna be somebody watching over me through out the way.

It surely is the season, to be jolly..