"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end."

Journey. A year back, I guess I never really understood the meaning of that word. To journey towards a goal, a destination..I've always wondered how it really feels like. The me a year ago...he was probably at the center of a crossroad. Four clear paths to follow, only one to walk on. What criterias should I have to make my decision? What do I really want? Before all that, who am I?

Well, to discover why a plant wilts, we check its leaves. Then, we check the stems, followed by the roots, the soil and so on. The reasoning goes on and probably never will come to an end. I guess it's the same with every individual's life. Behind every character or any change in their personality lies an event that triggered that change or character to evolve. Since I too am an individual, I guess this statement would apply to me too. 

     On August 5th, 2010, for the first time, I left my beloved home country of which I have been         

living in ever since I was born. Off I was to what is now the most educated country in the world,

or at least that's what the modern society presumes; the land of the maple leaves. 

As I walked along the gates towards the Boeing 747 which would soon fly me to the land of 
Oktoberfest, there was only one thing on my mind. Regret. I regretted not completing my 

final school year in Malaysia. I regretted losing those remaining moments with friends I
have been with for the past five years. I regretted not taking a public examination 
which I have been studying hard for for the past five years. Yep, many things I'd regretted.
Despite the food being pretty good and all throughout the flight (assumed to be so by my big bro), it 
tasted bitter for me, just like the bitter memories I mostly carried when I left Malaysia.

After quite a number of glasses of apple juice (I wonder if 20+ glasses is a lot), I began to relax 
and fell into deep thought about the present and future. It was tough to let go of the past, yet
it was necessary, or else..another step forward would've been improbable. A deep breath. 
A long sigh. The worries were almost all gone. Resurrected. Fresh. Those were probably
the best words to describe that moment. 

As I touched down on the neighbouring land of 'The Land Of Opportunities', I felt a new 
hope within me. I felt that I'm starting life all over again, in a world full of new strangers.
At first, it was quite intimidating but the rush of adrenaline really motivated me to give it all I 
got and hope for the best. Despite not having an ambition at that moment, it didn't mean
that I'd have to stop moving forward. So, I decided that I'll keep pushing myself to the limit
for that one year, hoping that soon, I'll realize what I'd like to do or be in the near future.
That was the beginning of my journey, or at least, that I know of.

That one final year in a Canadian high school went by quickly. I've made quite a number
of friends. It wasn't tough to blend in as everyone was friendly and pretty open. Teachers
were sociable and supportive as well, especially two teachers that gave me some support
to always do my best; Ms de Lannoy and Ms Boutilier. Both were my English teachers
for ESLE and ENG4U respectively. Ms. de Lannoy usually gave constructive criticism
and kinda motivated me to think outside the box. Ms. Boutilier further expanded that
idea by introducing interesting principles and beliefs of which I've never heard before in 
the past. I felt that I learned quite a lot during that brief period of time. I probably
wished from the bottom of my heart that I could stay for another year and learn more. But
duty calls. I've gotta graduate and support the family as quick as I can. Au Revoir, Central
Tech. It may have been a short while, but I'll never forget you, nor the people within you
of whom I've learned so much from; not just as a student, but as an individual, and a member 
of today and tomorrow's society. Arigatou Gozaimasu, CTS =)

February 5th, 2012- Wow, time sure flies. It's almost been two years. I'm now studying my first year in Chem Eng at the University of Toronto. Getting into the undergraduate program itself was a blessing and a true honour. My ambition? Well, the program says it all. I hope to learn more about the world of chemistry or perhaps science itself and if permitted, explore the forgotten realms of the ancient art of science; alchemy (yep, blog name's already giving the big hint). For once, I truly believe that one can accomplish anything provided the right amount of effort and passion is given. The path ahead. It may yet to be carved, giving its roughness and toughness. Nevertheless, what's more exciting than walking down a path that will truly be yours, your original? Anyways, that's what I feel at least. No matter what stones, boulders, or thick clouds of mists may appear before me, I hope...nah, I will try my best to overcome them all and and truly take this path as my very own. Destination? Check. Initial starting point? Check. Paths to take? We'll see how it turns out. The future is never certain. As a friend of mine mentioned, "Improbable? Yes. Impossible? Not at all." Nothing is deemed impossible although the probability of its occurrence or success may vary. However, we'll never know till we try. After all, only we can carve our own dreams, and mold them to their desired shape with our very own hands. 

I've started my journey. Taking a step forward by posting this. Leaving footsteps along this path. "Experience is not weighed by how many footsteps one makes; rather, it is determined by the depth of those footsteps." 

It's about time. 

Will you carve your path?

Will you leave your footsteps behind as well?

The choice is yours.

Peace out, peeps. Have a great day ahead.

P.S.-Tomorrow's the last day of the Chinese New Year season. Yep, that means its the Chinese Valentine's Day. Happy Chinese Valentine's Day to everyone regardless of their relationship status. Have a blast with your loved ones and soon-to-be's too. =D