Challenge Life

People often say that life is not always a bed of roses. Yet they also say that we need to live life to the fullest. Life and challenges go hand in hand no matter you like it or not. We just have to be prepared mentally, psychologically, emotionally and even physically to face them. Challenges, no matter the size or form, can hurt us if we make one slightest wrong move. Yet again, what is life without challenges? Would you even call it life if you have never confronted any challenges? No matter how far or how fast you run away from life challenges, you can never outrun them. Escapism may sound appealing on the outer level but it is not strong enough to clean the mess. May be, sometimes, you have to stop running away but to confront the challenges. Why? Because the more you run away from them, the harder they'll treat you and perhaps, the harder you'll fall. Therefore, you may opt to continue running away from them or you may confront them with courage or even embrace them with an open mind. Challenges can either turn you weak or make you become stronger depending on how you deal with them. You see...challenges are what give meanings to your life. To confront them, your wits and inner strength will be put to test, thus, making you creative if looked at from a positive angle. So let's gather our strength and live up to the challenges that life has to offer. Don't be a coward because this world has no room for cowards. So challenges, come and challenge me! I know that Allah is always by my side. Salam Maal Hijrah to all.

Just a Simple Wish

It's Friday everyone!

To Wear or to Use?

This is a retelling of my friend's experience. A student was asked to write a sentence using the word “wear”. A student came up with a sentence that reads: I like my aunt because she lets me "wear" her money.





(Wear is a direct translation of the Malay word “pakai” which means to use)

The Follower

Kids learn really fast. So be extra careful with what you say and what you do...

Grammar

Why is it so important for us to learn grammar?

The Planter

English classes have always been interesting to me mostly because of the students. My friend who teaches English at a secondary institution once shared one of the queer moments she had with her students. This is how the story goes...a student was absent from her class one day for he had to attend his father’s funeral. When he returned the week after, he came to see my friend to apologize. Trying to buy my friend's sympathy, he put on a sad face and apologized, “I am so sorry teacher, I missed your class last week”. My friend waited for his excuse. He gave another sad look at her and explained, “I just got back from "planting" my father! ("Planting" is a direct translation of the Malay word “tanam” which means to bury)

A Genius Gift

My neighbour’s son scored straight A’s for his exam so my mother decided to reward him with a small gift. After spending some time at the bookstore, my mother finally spotted a vibrant colored pencil case, which she figured, would be a delight to the boy. Bearing in mind that the boy also has a little sister, my mother thought that it would be fair to purchase a small gift for her too. My mother then reached out for a nice pink pencil case which costs a little less than the one picked for the brother. Upon returning home, my 8-years old daughter, who was excited and curious about the gifts, pulled out the pink pencil case and asked me, “Mummy, who will be getting this one?” Thinking that she was just asking for the obvious answer due to her jealousy, I asked her, “why?” Returning my accusing glance with her round innocent eyes, she said, “because if it’s meant for me, I don’t want it.” Shocked to receive such a response, again I asked for her reason. She then called out, “it is nice but here it says - I wanna be a monkey - and that’s the last thing I would want to be.”

My Hero

My friend, who is an English lecturer, once asked her students to write a short paragraph about their hero. One student decided to talk about his father. His conclusion reads: I love my father because he enlarged me! ("enlarged" is a direct translation of the Malay word "membesarkan" which means to raise.)