The path for Xian
to University was a major struggle for me. He was not sure of what he wanted to
study and lagging on his preparation plan. 2 months prior to the application,
he had decided he wanted to dip into show biz. It was way beyond my imagination
and all I could do was support his decision.
Only handful of
school could be chosen from and Xian grade had limited his choice to only a
handful of selection. Good news and bad news. Good news was we don’t have to
travel a lot for interview. Bad news was he had gotten only one of it as
favorite. He had opted for a University at the central part of the island. We
had once passed through it when we visited Yun. It was situated on a mountain
and very secluded. The hostel are mostly situated down the mountain and it was
a short trip uphill on a winding road. Definitely not my cuppa of tea as a
father…but it was not my choice and not my course…However we had however
recommended few more school to Xian and persuaded him that not to put all egg
in a basket.
The preparation
stage was short as Xian was left only with 2 months before the submission. He
had had to enter a photography competition and made a short movie. From time to
time, I had asked him about his progression and for once, he had told me not to
disturb him. I had told him, it was my duty to bother him as he had claimed that
he did not wanted to sit for the designated exam (aka best result enter the
best school exam) which will make him suffered for another 4 months. My job was
to ensure that his wish come true. We were good after the conversation and I
stopped my harassment as he promised he would keep to the schedule.
When his ability
exam result came one early Feb, his choices had down from 4 to 3. He did not make
it to the required grade for his favorite school. I thanked the Great One for
answering to my prayer.
Xian was not very
upset as he had three options left. The submission was smooth as he had
completed everything; from the movie to the photo competition. With grace he
had made it to the interview stage for all three of his submission. The most
worrying part was the interviews as Xian was not that good as Yun. He had
undergone a few simulated interviews at school and there was nothing we could
do but prayed.
YSU was situated
on a small mountain and it is a Genting like tourism spot with a big mall,
theme park, luxurious housing project. SZU was located in a secluded area where
the town was 20min drive away. CJCU is a Christian university located just
beside a train station and located in a small township.
CJCU was the best
choice at the time as it had a vast varieties of hostels to choose from and assessable
plus convenient. Xian was looking forward to attend the school as he will be
staying out campus and a bike will be provided to him just like what we had
offered Yun. The thought worried us as riding around was considered dangerous
to every Malaysian parents. However as the local church was situated just
outside the school and it even had a society inside the school, we were still
looking forward that he could enter the school and enjoy church’s life.
All of the
interview had gone uneventfully and the final moment came months later. Xian
was accepted to YSU and on backup list for the other 2 schools. Xian was not disappointed
as he was very excited when he was given a short tour at YSU during the
interview. Just like what I had told him when I persuaded him to apply for YSU;
a loaded university with good equipment. He told me that he wanted to accept
the YSU offer and not wait for CJCU 2nd intake even though he would
not get a bike during his college years.
It did not go down
the road as we had imagined but yet it was a good start.
