To Sir Mahadi, with respect.

It seems like it was just yesterday he interviewed me into UiTM's Pre-Tesl program in Kuantan......

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Mahadi: May I have your documents please?

Me : Sorry sir, but these are the only things I could provide in a short time. I was on a rush from Shah Alam and didn't have time to look for other documents you want.

Mahadi: It's ok..So what were you doing in Shah alam?

Me : I had a replacement class on Friday.

Mahadi: Replacement class? What replacement class?

Me : Philosophy of Education. I'm taking up Diploma Tesl in a private college near there.

Mahadi: o..I see... So why are you still applying for this Pre Tesl program?

Me : Actually the Diploma is my backup plan, just in case I didn't get into this program..

Mahadi : I see... you seem very enthusiastic to enter this program.. So what do you have to offer?

Me : I'm not sure if I got your question...Can you paraphrase it?

Mahadi : What sets you apart from other candidates? What's your X-Factor?

Me : (thinking hard) I'm not sure what you'd call this, but lemme tell you a story. You see, when I was in standard 6, I was educated in a kampung school. So you can just imagine the student's English abilities. I had more exposure to English coz I used to study at urban school. So when my friends were kinda shy to ask the teacher about something, they went to me. So I taught them what I knew. And I don't know why, but everytime I taught them something and they understood it, I have this weird feeling, you know, like you've just accomplished something, and you want more, just to feel that feeling once again. I guess it's what you call passion..Yes, passion..

Mahadi : (Looks at me, silent for quite a long time, and then smiled) Very well, mr Safwan, I think we're done with you.

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In case you don't know, Mr Mahadi is suffering from the no 1 killing disease in Malaysia, cancer. I'm not sure how sick he is, but he has to go to chemotherapy sessions each month, and it costs around Rm2000 per session. That's almost like monthly payments for a BMW dammit!

That's why MeKar Amal is held. It's to ease Mr Mahadi's financial burden. Go there, have a look around, and just buy something or join in activities there.

It never hurts to help a man in need.

(While you're there, check out Ethos! Book Club. They have kick ass books for rent. Try sandwich from Afnan's stall. It's damn good. Look for a thick lipped Kelantan dude with glasses.)

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I'll always pray for his recovery. Hopefully, he'll be able to see that my passion for teaching hasn't died ever since.

(Photo grabbed without permission from ms. Moon's friendster. Sorry miss moon....)