The Kaleidoscope of Memories

     I ended the year 2010 at the bottom of the wheel of life as a spoiled lazy girl. My grades unexpectedly declined sharply and nothing could have made me less enjoying the holiday. It was like a wake-up call, that all this time, it was simply luck that I had always depended on. Frankly I didn't feel very much comfortable too with the circumstances I was in. And yes, I blamed them. 

     2011 however, was like a stepping-stone on my way to pursuit my dreams--when God gave me a lot of occassions to get lessons from and learn. Throughout the year, the ups and downs of life made me become even more realize, that everything was only the beginning of the real life that I have not yet fully figured out. 

     The year was perfectly begun by me having a chance to join the Sister School program to Singapore in January along with other 19 students in my school. I couldn't have imagined any better grief recovery than this, and I was really grateful for it. During a week I spent there, not only new experiences I gained but also great friendship and culture values worth learning. Well, not to mention all the fun we had in every second of it. Never in my life had I been so happy. It was a trip to be remembered. 

     Apparently, the wheel didn't last long at the top. Not long after I came back, in early February I lost someone meaning a lot to me. It was the fourth death of people I love during my life, after my grandpas' and my uncle's. But this time was not any of my relatives'. She was my private English teacher. More than it, she was my role model. My encouragement. The one who always believed in me even when I didn't. The one who, with her experiences shared, inspired me in her own way. And though now she's passed away, all the lessons given will forever stay. 

     I turned 17 in March and despite the cakes and presents and wishes, I found it different than any of my other previous birthdays. I did get a citizen ID card and a driving license. I did grow older. But have I grown mature? I made a simple wish as I blew the candles out, to be a better, (figuratively) stronger person. And I realized it's not something that is granted in a moment. It takes a lifelong learning to be one, and He grants it through every trial and failure I'm going through. Shouldn't have complained about anything anymore, should I? :)

     April is a different story. Here, all the fun started and life seemed to be a little less tough. During the month, there were several events that made my classmates become closer to each other and I began to feel comfortable. I could finally learn to see the positive sides of everything I didn't use to like and accept the negative ones. Another lesson learned: everything does happen for a reason. 

The month was closed with 2 words; Maroon 5. Long story short, they came and made one of the best evenings I had had so far in my life.

     I escaped the reality for a while in May. God, again, blessed me with another chance to learn. I went abroad and this time it was to a country far beyond my imagination, Argentina, to attend an international forum. They were truly days full of beneficial lessons and unforgettable experiences. Getting to befriend new people with a wide diversity of cultures unbelievably gratified me, and the memories left were really nostalgic. It was surely a memorable exploring experience that deserves limitless gratitude. 

Thinking about a few months earlier, I then realize that dreaming high does work. 

     June brought my feet back to the ground. After skipping school for around a month, I had to face exams even before I had time to catch the lessons up. And there came the time when I was really thankful for friends I had. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to understand a thing. 

     I finally made up my mind and made one of the biggest decisions in life. July 2011, I decided to start wearing veil. To start having an identity as a Muslim woman. To be committed to its moral that prevents me from deviation, opening the door for goodness to come. That was the turning point of my life, and I'm really glad I have done it. From that moment on at least I felt a better peace inside. 

     As the second year ended, I went into XII Science 2, the class where I would spend my senior year in. The friends were really funny and kind, and we mingle with each other. No one seemed to feel more superior than the others. Loving it a lot to be there, and hopefully we can together be successful in the near future, amin. 

     As usual, this year's Ramadan which occured during August left a lot of meaningful lessons. There were definitely fun breaking-fast moments with friends, old ones and new ones, and also some good self-evaluations. But since the success of a person in Ramadan can only be seen throughout the year after, all I can say is that it was better. 

     The rest of the year, September, October, November, and December were the stories of me struggling as a 12th grader to understand new materials (which I think are really difficult) and at the same time sleeping late almost everyday to get some assignments done. All the efforts were finally paid off in the end though, and the hope to continue to a good higher education that I aim still abides. 

     So...yeah. That's it. 2011 has given me quite a lot of things to be grateful for.  I don't have any slightest idea what's waiting ahead, and that's why I'm excited to face 2012. Where, (hopefully) some new dreams will come true :)