30th July 2010

Sapere Aude: Dare To be Wise

Finally had my University of Otago interview for placements.

There are things I said that I wish I didn't and there are things I didn't say that I wish I've had. Either way, the things I've said are the things I've said.

My turn, unfortunately, was after Jeffery. Jeffery in his immaculate suit and shiny shoes. Jeffery with his perfect hair and perfect grades. Jefferey who sat right beside Dr. Brunton during the Otago presentation before our writing test and interview. There was an eagerness about him, his eyes practically shone with excitement. Super, super boy.

To be frank, if Jeffery don't make it, then NONE of us will. It was at exactly 10:15A.M when he stood in front of the interview room's door and waited for his turn. The girl before him, the first one to be interviewed, emerged out of the room after 20 minutes, breathless. Or perhaps winded. I can't be sure. She immediately left.

At 10:2oA.M, Dr. Brunton opened the door and Jeffery went in. It was perhaps the most grueling 35 minutes of my life, waiting for my turn. At 10:55A.M sharp, the door swung open and stepped out Jeffery, beaming excitedly. Said that it was very exciting talking to Dr. Brunton. He said some more stuff but I've already tuned the world out by then. He wished me luck and I stood at the exact spot he stood while I waited for my turn. Reciting some zikirs and praying fervently for things to go smoothly.

What is there for me to say? We talked. And of course, the nature of my marks were also discussed. Undoubtedly, he must have drawn comparisons between mine and Jeffery's. Darn.

Anyway, he was a friendly man, Dr Brunton. It was very easy to talk to him. Though it did not, for even a nanosecond, escape my attention how sharp his ice blue eyes were. I'm almost positive that he can read your mind, or see through the back of your head or shoot laser beams at will if he wishes to. That sharp.

I asked Carol how long I was in the interview room. Apparently, I spent a good 30 minutes with Dr. Brunton. We talked about:

- my interests --> Thus, the topic of horse riding arose. (We discussed this quite at length, Dr. Brunton likes to ride too)

- my grades

- my choice of dropping Physics for Malay Studies

- my experience as a team leader

- what I think the word 'health' means

- what special qualities I have that would make Otago want me to study in their dental school

- how I'll manage my prayer times and class

- if I'd feel homesick if I study overseas

(These are the things that I remember anyway.)

A lot of back and forth. The only good indication that I picked up from that friendly exterior and intimidating eyes was that he liked my essays. He expressed interest in them and said that he appreciates the effort I put in them. Pointed out which he parts he liked and stuff.

My downfall of course is my marks. He expressed great concern for them. All I hope for is that he picked up my passion to achieve my ambition of becoming an orthodontist from both my essays and the things that I've said, and will consider my eligibility.

What will be, will be. I've done myself justice and that's what matters most to me.

And, if it weren't for this interview I would not have had the opportunity to visit the Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia in Putrajaya. I'd like to express my thanks to Dr. Rashid Baharon (Senior Principal Assistant Director & Dental Public Health Specialist) and Dr. Mustaffa Jaapar (Principal Assistant Director of the Dental Law Enforcement Department) for their kindness. They're both an inspiration to me.

Also, Dr. Dashrilsyah from UPM's health clinic who has helped me to have a very very clear career pathway.

I've the next 15 years of my life all mapped out thanks to these people.

All I can do now, is hope. Should there be a time for miracles, for me it is now.