THE BEGINING OF A NEW DECADE - 2011

I have just realized that I have not been putting anything on my blog since August 2010.  I really don't have any excuses, except that I have been putting in lots of efforts in my studies and assignments.  Little did I realize that it is now a new decade - its 2011.

I must emphasized here that the few months before the last decade ended have been quite rewarding for me.  I'm proud to learn and re-learn some new theories in management.  I know nuts about accounting and finance, but I'm proud to say that I've passed with A's in these two subjects.  Prof. Sarma has been a source of inspiration last semester.  I admired this 70+ professor, whom I tagged "quicker than my calculator".  Finance class was so interesting with him...it would be good if any one of us can turn out to be the next Modigliani with another irrelevance theory!  Probably, the most likely one would be Prince Guneratnam a.k.a Jim, but unfortunately he is not majoring in Finance!!

I scored A in Marketing Management, but I'm still puzzled how I managed to do this especially when I screwed up in the Gillette case study. I'm still disappointed with what I have written in the final exam.  I must confessed that my performance on that day was somehow affected by my 'negativitty' --- I really don't like the product which I'm almost distantly related to!  It is somehow different from the cases which I had enjoyed doing such as Ikea, Kiwi Experience, Starbucks, McDonalds, and Barbie.  Perhaps the consolation is my marketing plan project on Ogawa that had saved me (thanks to a lot of explanation provided my my sis-in-law).

Getting excellent 4.0 flat for two consecutive semesters added more pressure this semester.  But, I'm looking forward to the paper on Ethics & Values in Management.  I'm already thinking of a case that I could write --- something I need to get out of my chest for some time.  Or, perhaps I could reserve this for the Unirazak Case Studies Vol 3.  Oh, yes, I'm also proud that my case on sugar subsidy which was written for Economic was finally printed on Volume 2.  Thanks for Prof. Syed Omar, who has been giving me lots of motivation....and I think I will continue writing with more passion. I'm working on the next case on palm oil subsidy. I do hope that other cases written by the others would get printed...at least I could see a little part of my work (in preparing the questions & answers) bear some fruits!

My post would not be complete without saying a few words about my classmates, i.e. Azwan, Zahrain, Tyron, Amani, Iman and Jim.   You gals and guys are great company, and thanks for sharing in the study group.  Rather sad that one young lady finally dropped out of the programme last semester, don't know the real reason, but could be probably she could not cope with studying while working.  I know it is tough when do both, but I do hope to see Mirza again in at least one of the classes.

I have to start thinking of my project now, but I just could not think of any idea yet.  I am clueless now if I'm thinking of a topic that would stands out.  I wWould like to do something which is out of my comfort zone, like HRM or even Finance.....anyone out there can help me........please!

Back to School at 46 !

I am a determined person and work hard to perform my best.  So, going back to the books after such a long, long time can be very intimidating.  Like other students, I of course have my fair share of testophobia- fear of taking exams.  Not really fear of failing the tests but fear of not getting the BEST RESULTS!  Let's face the facts - at 46, your brain can works relatively slower when compared to younger brains. Mind you, I wonder whether my brain could still function in an academic setting after such a long time.

But, exams @Unirazak are just over, phew!!  What a relief, and I can enjoy my 3-week break and re-charged. I had found the experience so far very energizing and rewarding --  even it is just 3 months.  What's the best part thus far?

Well, being back in school has been a refreshing experience.  For a start, my class was small. I am the oldest person in the class, with most silver hair!  I definitely don't want to be seen as an old lady sitting in with the trendy 20+ or early 30+ year olds.  And I am glad they treat me just another fellow classmate.....with some of them addressing me as "Big sis".  I hope it is out of respect rather than being treated as "senior" or "mama"! 

During the semester, I was included in conversations --- about World Cup and everything from coursework.  As a returning “older” student, I never felt out of place. I enjoyed the interaction with my classmates and also with our professors

I felt alive and full of new enthusiasm.  I have renewed my confidence.  I have more confidence in my abilities. And since Knowledge has no limits, I am ready to learn new things and explore new possibilities. 

I definitely look forward to the next semester.  See you in  3 weeks time. 
Happy holidays, my dear friends

Defiant, Disrespectful and Rebellious Teen

I just came across an article about defiant teens – defined as children that have no respect for authority and mainly disrespect their parents. Defiant teens, angry teens and rebellious teens can affect the entire family.

How true! Well, this is timely and real, as I and my elder sister is facing such person. I am sure my sister will find herself wondering what she did to deserve such treatment from her only girl!

I have deep thoughts about what happened at home 2-3 weeks ago, and after letting the anger subsides, I became rational and thought we ought to save this ‘little girl’ lost in the jungle, and trying to wriggle her way out!

Before that, I want my sis to realise that she’s not the only one out there having to face such a situation. Many families are experiencing this and many are still wondering “why”

Stop the wondering – that’s the 1st step! It is sad that the little young girl is very confrontational, but who is not when they are in their teens. Teenage years are a crucial part of growing up. At this stage, they love to explore things and when they are not permitted to do what they wanted, they will rebel
I remember, I was….and at that time, I also felt the same way, but perhaps lesser degree.

Here are some points I think we need to ponder on ourselves:

Too Strict Rules

When under the stern control of older folks, she will resent and rebel. It would be best if she be given chance to take part in making the rules and agree to the consequences that go with it. Just keep an eagle eyes over her!

Unreasonable punishment

She may not be given the chance to speak out and explain her side, and feels unfair. .

She wants attention
She feels nobody cares about her; none care to compliment her. In this desperate situation, she would do something to catch the attention, including poking herself with those needles.

Peer Pressure
Actually, this is the one I’m most afraid of. She may felt out of place when she wouldn't do what others were doing. She wants to belong to a group of friends, and is often guided by whom she gets along.

Can I make a suggestion to do something right now? I should stop “boycotting” her. Whether she is remorseful or not, I think she’s making an effort to made up. We must try to give her advice instead of being too hard on her. We must give considerations for some mistakes and give her chance to do the right thing with proper guidance.

No point putting the blames. No point nagging or scolding, because if these methods are ineffective, such flare would not have risen.

But, if we are kind enough to open up communication, kind and understanding in dealing with teens, I think we have taken a step to mould a young teenager into a good person.

Why not, try giving a room of her own and have some confidence on her to be a responsible young lady. Give a chance to decorate her room so that she’s proud to show to her friends?

Should we all take this FIRST effort…..PLEASSSSSSEEEE