Life as a Graduate

Dear readers,

I have recently completed my 3 years course in BSc Chemistry. It might sound really big but honestly having a degree is the first thing that you equip yourself with before entering the Great Big World. I receive daily newsletter from this website Malaysia Students Blog and I am constantly inspired by the writers who ponder on the "what's next" stage of their educational life. I realised that having a certificate does not mean that I am expert in the field, it's more like I have acknowledged that I rather explore this field as a future career option.

Most of my classmates in university ended up with jobs far away from Chemistry, with only a handful of them actually applying chemistry in their lives. Where do I go from here? Will I stick to what I studied or would I rather explore other unknown territories such as Marketing as so on? These questions play a big role in my decision making moments.

I still have a lot to learn and I would encourage everyone to try and test their skills even develop them from what they are naturally good at. For me, I still have to find out what skills I have and thus the questions. Hopefully in future, I will continue to grow and make my mark in the field that I excel.

Cheers and have a thoughtful day.

P.S Without a job now, so I am reading a lot on topics like realising one's potentials.

Top ten watch-able dramas/series

Dear Readers,
During my semester breaks, when I am not outside, I stay home and watch dramas. Being a science student, I scoff at movies or dramas that are illogical and ridiculous altogether. So, I have decided to post some of my favourite dramas that I enjoy and still have the DRAMA. (Most of it is science or medical based so bear with me)

1. House 
2. Brains (It is a korean drama packed with awesomeness)
3. The Big Bang Theory
4. Mythbusters (Not a drama)
5. Grey's Anatomy
6. Melissa and Joey
7. Masterchef (So full of drama, especially the recent season)
8. Fringe
9. Bones
10. How I met your mother (the only ridiculous exception)

And there you have it. My top ten most loved dramas (currently).

Cheers

Bell's Palsy

Dear Readers,
   I was recently diagnosed with a neurological disorder called Bell's Palsy. Had to see three different doctors to find out about that. My left side of the face was numb and my right side, swelled. My family was worried, I too was worried.

   The first doctor told me it was just nerve problems and he gave me Neurobion and calcium tablets. After taking them, voila...nothing happened. Getting more worried, my dad took me to the only government hospital here in Penang, Malaysia. It was a Sunday, so the attending doctor gave me steroid pills, Prednisolone together with a referral letter to the hospital's neurologist. I had to go back again on Monday just to be notified that there is only one doctor and he has only the 10am slot, following Thursday. Feeling depressed, I called my dad and told him so.
 
   Fortunately (or not so), one of my family member had a stroke two years ago and was left with a similar condition as mine. He met with a doctor named Dr Ganga who treats this types of nerve problems. I flew to KL two days later and met him. He definitely gave me an ever lasting impression. After his accurate diagnosis, I was ushered (more like waited for my turn) to his treatment room. Many other patients were there connected to wires and crocodile clips. It was to say, an experience, connecting my body to cables and allowing current to pass through myself. After an hour of that treatment, I was told to be back for my next treatment after 4 days.
 
   It is now my second treatment. I shall update you after my treatments. For those with the same problem, do not dispair. It is temporary and not life threatening. I am just 21 years old.

Cheers

Dear Readers,
Answer to the previous post (chemistry as a choice pt 3) is because all the elements couldn't be fitted to the periodic table, so they created extra two rows below the original periodic table :)

    This time my topic would be on the movie I watched last night. It was The life of Pi. My family was raving about the movie, and so I decided to check it out. I couldn't get the 3D version and after watching the movie, I have to say that was it was one of those movies that changes a person's outlook in life.

    The story was about a man who was telling his story to another man. They were two normal Canadians, but one of them told an incredible story, Piscine Moliter Patel or Pi. In summary, Pi survived a shipwreck on his way from India to Canada, and all his family died as well. The only other survivors were a zebra, hyena, orang utan, and a tiger. As nature took a hold on them, Pi and tiger, named Richard Parker, were the only ones left. After a long time in the sea, when all hopes died, they reached the shores of Mexico. But the tiger went into the jungle leaving a heart-broken Pi who was later rescued by the people living there.

    While watching the movie, I felt that I was included in the journey. It was magical yet practical. A must watch movie of the year. Going to watch it again and again.

Cheers
   
   

Chemistry as a choice (pt 3)

Dear Readers,
3. Bragging Rights
    This is true. Whether you are the best or the worst student, people in general tend to awww at you when you say you are doing Chemistry. My parents were so proud to tell their friends that I am a Chemistry student.

4. Application of logic and memory
    This subject is truly wonderful where you don't have to memorise all the points. Apply common sense and you can score. However, compared to all other subjects, you have to completely put your hours just to understand one chapter. When I took this subject, I was finally able to understand what my secondary school teacher taught me. So if you have younger siblings who are taking this subject, do help them out. Don't let teachers murder the fun in learning. Somehow Malaysian teachers only give answers to questions that would come out in exams. Curiosity among students is not encouraged. How lame is that?

Let me ask you a simple question.
Why is the periodic table that we all recognise is arranged the way it is?
I shall answer this question in my next post.
Cheers

Chemistry as a choice (pt 2)

Dear Readers,

Here is my continuation to my previous post. 

2. You don't have to worry about future career

      Many of my friends choose the medical line, engineering course and law. They are wonderful but it takes a lot more effort and brain capacity to learn and understand the subjects. I don't mean to be discouraging but why would someone study a subject just because it provides a good income in years to come. 

     In my opinion, I can work anywhere from chocolate factory to producing medicine to pure research line. There is no limit to where you are headed. In fact, it opens to more opportunities. Think about it for a second. I feel that a person should choose a course based on interest. Sadly, not many students are aware of the possibilities of studying chemistry or the future as a chemist. 

   

    Personally, I am in awe with all my lecturers. They have the skills, knowledge and a life. Doctors don't have life for the next 10 years after graduating, I have a dad who is an engineer (don't want to talk about it) and studying law is tedious.

  Anyway, these are just my opinions. Please don't take into heart as I don't mean to insult anyone. All professions are great but match your interest and character to the type of course you choose. That's what I did and I don't regret any second of it.

I shall write my next point in my next posts. 

Cheers