Know what? I think I have the talent to bring out the best in people… wanna know why I said that? Well, apparently, I have come across a lot of quiet people during my projects (in college and at work) and after a few encouragements from me, they were able to talk freely to me… which is always a nice change from me talking to them and having a one way conversation only...

For example, during environment camp last two weeks I took care of this one group and there was this one Chinese girl who looks like she’s not enjoying herself. Whenever I hold a group, I make sure that everybody’s happy and then they’d be more willing to participate in the activities. Back to this Chinese girl, it was during our last day and also our last activity, we ran out of time to write up what we want to present and I told her to write another part of the presentation which was the comments and findings parts. Since I helped her and she was the one who was writing it is best that she presented it. I asked her to do that cos I know she can be a good presenter. But she said she didn’t want to cos she cannot speak publicly and she’ll get stage fright and all… I keep on encouraging her and telling her that it’s gonna be a short presentation. I also told her that I was once scared of talking in front of public audience and somehow I got over it (actually I haven’t quite gotten over it… hehe) and I told her how you have to start somewhere and plus other things… she finally relented and I finally was able to coax her to present…

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for 2 presenters per group and we had to let the people who are doing recommendations to present… I feel really bad especially after getting her confidence level up and she was finally willing to give it a try and all… so, the best I can do is to pat her back and say “sorry you weren’t able to present today but I hope at school, you will try to overcome the fear and try to volunteer to speak in class....” and then she thanked me with a grateful smile on her face… and I was feeling good inside cos I was able to help somebody…

The other time was when I went to Sarawak… she was the (another Chinese girl) quietest girl in the group and I tried really hard to bring her in the discussion as well… I managed to talk to her a bit after that but that’s just about it… but when I get to the Peninsular again, she wrote a letter to me and I replied and we went back and forth like that. She told me about her problems with her family and guy problems and I give out advices and all… although it’s easier through e-mail, she said she couldn’t afford going to cyber cafes to reply mails cos she comes from a poor family and they couldn’t afford to buy a computer. Her parents even forbid her to further her studies in local unis cos they said they cannot afford it… I feel so sorry for her… I told her there are other alternatives but her parents would hear none of it… now she’s working as a clerk and helping out the family. I told her that she leads a different life than mine and maybe in her condition it’s best to follow what her parents say but I told her also, never stop thinking about furthering your studies and getting a degree or a diploma… qualifications are really important… she takes my advise and now she’s working… she thanked me so much for being a shoulder to cry on and being there for her although we’re hundred miles apart… that’s the least I could do to help her I think… I’ll try to help in any way that I can… especially the less fortunate ones. It teaches you how to be humble and to be grateful with what you have… although we might not have what we want (a certain type of car, not being able to eat at TGIF cos not enough money for the month, etc…) but at least we have the privilege to actually have a car and you have tasted TGIF’s sirloin steak or whatever… pity all those other people who don’t even have legs to push the pedal of a car… or walking even… and those who don’t have enough to eat…

I’m way out of topic here…

 Sorry…