My ABC

Assalamualaikum.

I cannot believe we are nearing to May 2015. I will be finishing my studies by then and will venture to the real world.  (maybe).

Just came back from a three-day mentoring  ABC program for PSR students over the weekend. Organised by the counselling centre of ABDB. it was only weeks ago when I had my MCounselling interview, so I volunteered for this event. To gain experience so to say. Well I did gain something.

We had to start staying at the campsite the night before the event commenced. We had no idea what we'll be encountering.

Day 1 was already hectic, saw different personalities of children. They are around 11-12 years old of age. My oldest nephew is around nine. And I am really afraid of how he is behaving to other people. Is it the same as how those kids were behaving. I kept on thinking, they are like my own nephs and nieces. At times I could not understand why it is so hard for them to listen to what I say.

It was quite an awkward session when we first had to get acquainted to each other. I kept on forgetting their names. We were silent all the time. I had no idea what I was supposed to do. The other 9 groups were already cheering tag lines. My kids were like, weren't we supposed to do cheers like that too. I was anxious, really. handling four kids was already....challenging. And at that moment I have 9(x2) eyes gazing on me, wary of what I have for them.

The day progressed slowly, there were a lot of activities for them. I was in-charge of the 'Helper' group and the girls' house 'Berwawasan' along with 2 fellow mentors. Our house needs to accommodate around 14-15 girls. So we have to figure out how to fit everyone in. the house is like a small hut. ours was near the entrance to the campsite. but further from the toilet. Made me think twice thrice going for a toilet visit at times. Having to walk 6-7 houses distant, at 1200am for shower, and at 5.00am for Subuh every day is kinda.... but then yea, nothing scary happened. Allah has protect us. Like always. :)

i had trouble to keep my helper group together. they kept on teasing each other endlessly up to a point where I didnt want to care. talk about reverse psychology. I knew there was a way for them to actually listen. So I kept on studying them. I wondered why they didnt talk much. it was only latter when they were really talkative, sharing things. then I realised the 3 days was really short. :(

It was during the last day, everyone was really giving their best for the group. My Haziq was one of the ones who often bailed out any group work activity and there he was the one who manage to decor the sand into dolphins (Different groups assigned to different animals). I then reflect to myself, it was only on things that interest me that makes me motivated to take part or being productive. so the kids are, likewise.

My heart was crying when the whole lot was asked to write letter for their parents, some of the kids were really crying their hearts. even those 'hyperactive' ones. but one of my helpers didn't cry. But I knew he really felt it deep down. It was Waiz.

I was happy I managed to ask for forgiveness when I had a chance during the last day. I knew I had been scolding them or saying things... I hope everyone will excel their PSR.


thank you little helpers, I see things from views that I haven't seen before.