Thursday, April 7, 2016

MC for Convocation

I took the responsibility to become the MC (Master of Ceremony) of my university convocation last few weeks. Phewww.. that was an achievement, my personal achievement. I have been appointed by the highest committee members of University Convocation to become the MC, together with my co-host, Mr Fahed.

I want to share a story. I was.. a shy girl. I was a quiet girl when I was in primary and secondary school. Even when I was in my university years, I was among the average students and unpopular. I had a low-self esteem as most of my TESL mates were very good to the extend I was afraid to make mistakes. I had no confidence to talk. I was uncertain whether I should proceed with the course. I doubted my future. However, I am the kind of person who will fight till the finish line, no matter what happens. I would say, things started to change gradually when I began my teaching career in 2007 as a part time / full time lecturer. I traveled to Perak as I thought that was a once in a life time opportunity that I shouldn't miss. In front of the diploma students, I gained my confidence to talk. They listened to what I wanted to say, they understood my lesson. They were my biggest drive. In Perak also, I accidentally joined theater programs, I was one of the advisors in UITM Seri Iskandar theater club named AKSENT along with my best friend, Bayne. I also accidentally.. lol... acted as one the leading roles in a theater called Dejavu Seorang Perempuan, playing an egois intern teacher. I did not win the "Best Actress" title in the theater competition, but that was my turning point to overcome my stage fright / Glossophobia (public speaking phobia). I even did not believe myself that I was performing in front of the theater lovers, almost  a thousand of them. They even gave me a big applause when my name was nominated as the Best Actress. I felt ..... yeahhh.. I am not that bad..lol...

Now, this year is my 10th year in education line as a lecturer. Numbers of lectures, consultations, talks that I have delivered in 10 years. It has become a norm for me to talk in front of people. I even gave a talk to students and participants on how to become a good presenter! Haha.. Just imagine how time can change you! My parents sometimes still have a hard time to believe that I have come this far in my personal achievement. Their shy and quiet daughter was the MC for a convocation haha. Well, honestly, I took the responsibility sincerely, with open heart just to challenge myself more. Alhamdulillah, the ceremony went smoothly and people from different walks of life came to me and congratulate me. There are more people / colleagues / deans who appreciate me now. It was truly an eye-opener. I didn't know whether I did well or not but one thing that I know, I am glad that I could help and contribute to the ceremony. You know what, once upon a time, I was a little girl who was always playing a host in front of a mirror, and now I got the chance to become one. Alhamdulillah. 

So, determination and prayers are the keys. Do not give up for your dreams. We can never tell our future. Just do your best in what ever path that you choose to be. Here are some of the pictures of the rehearsal and the ceremony itself, held in Shah Alam Convention Centre.
 It was 8 pm. All of us were exhausted but determined to make sure the event would go accordingly to the plan.
 my kesayangan
 the Convocation day. I bought a new dress for the event ;p
 pose before the ceremony began
 with my co-host, Fahed. He was the MC for Arabic language while I did in both Malay and English. The script was prepared by ourselves.
The audience

So folks, there is nothing impossible in this world. Dream big and work smart!