While everyone else busied themselves catching up with their loved ones, roam around the world for Summer strikes again, working part time to maximize their four months worth of university break, I on the contrary have been occupied with a little bit of the former and none of the latter three. Instead, I’ve been going back and forth to campus for electives and community work preparations.. which means I have only four days of semester break before my third year.

Two reactions when I speak of my ‘long’ holidays to my homies; either they laugh or their jaws drop. And despite having the shortest break, I must say I enjoyed this year’s break a lot more than I did in first year where I did nothing but waste the whole month. This year, however was different- I spent the period after electives preparing for Baktisiswa (an annual community program conducted by second years in my course) and started my first six days of July in Kampung Lobong Lobong, Kota Belud Sabah! :)

Gotta be honest, I dreaded the event few days before leaving thinking who I’d end up mingling with for my roommates pulled out earlier due to circumstances, how I’d survive at an area where there is no phone line (six days!) and if I would enjoy or suffer for six days. Did I mention six long days, in a state I’ve never been to, like ever? Yeah.

Okay, I might have exaggerated a little bit but really that was how I felt. Well, almost.

July 1^st came and the 50-50 feeling faded. I felt.. happy. Happy to be at a place where all I saw was just green. No buildings, no traffic, none of the city-stress factors. The best part was, no phone line reception so I neglected my phone for the rest of my stay and it felt so bloody good. For insights of Baktisiswa, click here Baktisiswa 2011.

Wished I could write from day 1 to day 6. It’s a wonderful memory, the kind that I can’t write on paper, let alone type. I never thought I’d say this, but today I’m proud of my medical team. For what we worked for, what we have done and most importantly how we touched lives. I’m glad I was part of it all. A wonderful experience I’ll cherish till the end of time. :)