The Orientation

The first day of orientation was on a Monday. That morning, we were assembled in the hall according to the units, and options and it started with a welcoming speech by the Principal. Then the other lecturers introduced themsleves and the courses and the requirements. There were talks on the exams, the assignments and the same boring stuff.

We had a lunch break after the earfull of talks.

Before we left, we were told to be back in the hall in the after at 2.00 p.m. with the orientation t-shirt, the horrible orange, round neck t-shirt.

In the afternoon, many of the male freshees changed into the orange t shirt in the toilet before entering the hall. The lecturer gave a few words of advice and handed the microphone to the student leader, a senior.

Immedaitely, the scene change from a jovial to a serious one once the lecturer left the hall.

We were sternly warned to comply with all the tasks and assignments that were to be completed in the two weeks to come. Oh, my!

We were given a long list of names of the seniors and we had to see all of them and to get their signatures. By the end of the two weeks, those found with the least signatures would be punished. We were told to see them everyday and do whatever they told us.

Some of the seniors were rather nasty and quite abusive in their language.

There was this group of lady seniors. We were told to address them by "My most honourable, beatiful ladies." We had to bow to them like in all the English films. Then we would be told to do some silly actions before they gave their signatures. We had to see them everyday.

Some of the silly actions include:
1. Hugging the lamp poles and kissing them
2. Running around the campus and shouting "MERDEKA"
3. Doing the "Tabik spring" saluting with one hand and shaking one leg like a spring
4. Miming the actions of blowing the trumpet, saxophone or playing the drum
5. Getting a flower for the lady seniors
6. Passing silly remarks to another senior and be scolded
7. Getting chairs for the seniors esp. the ladies
8. Answering silly questions
9. Other forgotten ones

At the end of the day, we were all exhausted and filled with anger.
This almost lasted the two weeks but...
To be continued

The Beginning 1978

I have to put these incidences, experiences and recollections down in black and white before I forget them, maybe due to Alzheimer's Disease or others. Who can be sure of the future or even tomorrow? The fortune teller cannot predict his own future, what more our future. People say, let tomorrow be tomorrow for we cannot see what is going to happen next.

So I shall start my web of tales by telling you about my college life and how I found the most wonderful group of 'brothers'.

Be patient, readers. All will be revealed.

Let me take you back to 1978; May 1978 to be exact. I received a letter asking me to report at the Teachers' Training College in Ipoh; Maktab Perguruan Ipoh (Baru) in Kg. Manjoi to be exact.

I was thrilled beyond words and expectations for besides the training provided and the allowance, there would be a job of being a teacher guranteed upon graduation after two years.

I remembered taking the envelope and going to my friend, Balbir Singh for advice on how to complete the forms. There were the personal particular form. four sets of gurantor's forms and a letter for medical checkup at the general hospital. At the same time, I also wanted to know the exact location of the college. He was really helpful because all the information and advice were really useful.

I rode my 'kapchai' , my Honda 70 , AAB 8002 to college. There I was directed to park at a designated parking lot. There were others already there from the sight of the motorcycles parked there.

I had my envelope containing the relevant documents and started walking along the road to the canteen in the hostel. There were others also walking towards the same destination. I was quite nervous but excited at the same time because I had no idea what was awaiting me.

Looking down to my right, I spotted another guy going the same way, but walking on the field beside the road. He nodded and I acknowledged. My initial impression of him was not positive.

"What's that guy with long hair doing here? Looks more like a gangster; long hair, messy and in jeans. Want to be a teacher? Sorry man." I wondered.

We reached the hostel where we were to report to get our file and t-shirts. That guy was behind me. There were tables with labels. By refering to the course code, I knew that I was to be placed in the primary section and the option was English.

The same guy was also behind me. This indicated that we were in the same course. We exchanged greetings and I came to know more about him.

He was from Taiping and his name is Koay. I introduced myself. While waiting for the items, we were scrutinised by some seniors, I presumed at that time.

At the make-shift counters, we were asked to check our names on the list. Then my turn came up. I checked and found my name on the list. I signed and a senior ordered me to be given my bag, some brochures, a size M round neck T-shirt and a tag.

As I was leaving, the same senior shouted, " You are going to a teacher, aren't you?"
I nodded and said, "yes."
"Why do you have that moustache on your face? Have it removed or you will be sorry." he retorted. "I am the senior here."
I only managed to answer, "Yes."
I was totally ashamed due to the scolding. Everyone was looking at me. I bet they were all passing remarks about me.

To my surprise, I was not the only one with same experience.



We nodded, got our stuff and left.

There were many others who got remarks. I bet we all felt really disappointed. Anyway, the dreadful day was awaiting us, the next day; the orientation day.