More To Come

Results for the Astro-4As Postgraduate Scholarship is out. It went to a Strategic Planner. Winner will be awarded RM150,000 at tomorrow’s Kancil Awards 2008. Aliya Ghows, if you’re reading this, congratulations and I wish you all the best in the U.S.

The process was fun, and somewhat refreshing. Initially, I was required to compile a portfolio of myself that consist: testimony from my bosses, education certificates, resume, cover letter and why I should be chosen for the scholarship. The first interview was a get-to-know me session by the panel of 4As judges, four gentlemen seated across me.

After that, I was required to go back the following weekend to present on the topic “Generation We”, hence the video (my recent blog entry), and the posting I requested from fellow blog readers, a week ago, about thoughts on Generation We in Malaysia. The presentation lasted for 20 minutes for a panel of about 6 judges from Astro, Association of Accredited Advertising Agents of Malaysia (4As), University of Malaya and Monash University. After the presentation was the “drilling session” where the three of us finalists were interviewed and probed further based on our case study or why we chose the university of our choice.

I was mentally prepared for this (the interview, presentation and results) and told myself that this is just the beginning. Notice how I always emphasize that everything’s like a beginning to me? I know it’s really weird how I always focus on optimism, but that’s how I really am, I hate to cry over spilled milk. Just look forward to the next one.

You see, I upgraded myself to a postgraduate scholarship award and next would be more mature challenges like business pitches, sports race or some sort. It was a really good feeling, a feeling to look forward to as I go through each phase in life.

I am totally fine and I am not upset about not getting the scholarship.

I thank the many people who have supported me throughout this scholarship. My father was my number one supporter. Fetched me to interview / presentation and waited for me throughout with my mother(yes I don’t own a car although I can drive). One call for me to pick up my presentation assignment, informed Superdad, he rushed over to the 4As office just to collect it, gave me good sound advice from his marketing viewpoint. Also thanks to KC, SRH, TNR, JMS, SSAP, TKE from my company who gave me good tips for the scholarship award. I learnt so much and never forgot a single thing mentioned. All those tips apply for my future. All my friends (especially Racheal, Alea, Amber, Tati) and family members played a supportive part in some way.

In fact, my plans to further my studies overseas will continue. If I don’t study, I’ll continue work in the advertising industry. I’m taking a short break to Melbourne, Australia to recce the country this coming Wednesday onwards. Going to Melbourne is not going towards “comfort zone” but rather moving out of my comfort zone in Malaysia. In Melbourne, forms a partnership of me together with Josiah for future challenges.

I know this post sounds like some kind of grammy award I had won. But, why must I thank only when I get the award, right? I am thankful I am surrounded by so many supportive, intelligent and smart people. People I learn from.

If you must wonder why I’m always joining competitions, it’s mainly because of motivation but imagine if I were a rich girl, I would find all these waste of time and effort. But, no. I seriously need all the financial help I can and if I can do anything on the side, be it as an earning blogger, writer, promoter or eventually a part-time waitress, as long as it’s ethical, I’d do it. If you see someone by the street flagging down a taxi, yes that was really me. Just a hungry girl always in search of something good.

Even Vivienne Tam had this to say, “People should go deep inside themselves and find what they really love to do. If you do things from your heart you can make things happen. You can change the world because you have the power and the power comes from within you. They say that if you work hard even a rusted rod can become a fine needle.” (Source: blog.zoozoom.com)

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