The Tables Have Turned

2 years ago, people laughed at me for choosing to study environmental science. 

I still remember, about 2 years ago, when I was busy applying to UK universities through UCAS, I was still doubting my decision to choose environmental science as my undergraduate course mainly because I am not sure if it's my passion. Secondly, I was put down by many, one even scornfully laughed at my choice, saying, "What can you even do with environmental science in Malaysia?" My reply: "I will be the one to kickstart the development of this field in Malaysia." although deep in my heart, I wasn't sure if Malaysia would ever go green like other green technology countries.

I got into University of Glasgow, secured a place in Environmental Stewardship. Long story short, I didn't have the money to go there.

So I got into the University of Science Malaysia (USM), currently studying Applied Biology and will get into my major in my Second Year. And this is where I was rest assured that I didn't make the wrong choice to study environmental science.

If you say there is no more hope for Malaysia's nature, I'd say as long as you have me and my team of environmentalist friends, she still has hope to stay alive.

After 4 months in university, I somehow became the project director of an upcoming environmental volunteering project. Through this project, I met Quek, my senior, friend and assistant director. Through Quek, I was exposed to all kinds of environment-related projects and got inspired to pursue my passion. It is also through this project that I became closer to seniors from entomology and zoology, who share their respective knowledge even though I would sometimes frown at scientific terms which I have never heard before. I also landed myself in 2 more environmental projects, both to be carried out next semester.

Just when I thought I already had enough encouragement, today's final Genetic practical session gave me another push to move forward. I told my Genetic lab demonstrators about my ideas for Shell360Ideas competition, which had to be halted due to unavoidable problems. This is what they told me:

"Just chase after your passion, continue developing your ideas until they become true. Hang peduli apa orang lain nak cakap apa? (Don't even care about what others have to say about your passion)."

All this happened in one month, 4 months after being questioning myself in university.

2 years ago, I wasn't even sure if environmental science were to be my cup of tea. 2 years later, I am back on the right track - environmental science.