Memoirs of an Aljuniedian
By Waly Kamal
What is life?
Life is my school years in Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah. I remember those time when me and my friends were young, how we played choo-choo train and all the senior brothers joined in. As we grew older, I can’t help but reflect myself thru the faces of my younger brothers. How they greet me with smiling faces as I enter the gates of the school.
I remember failing my tests, how I used to not care. How that all seemed to change quickly when we got older. School is not only about studies, I guess. They say; you learn more from experiences outside the four-walls of a classroom.
I remember our fund-raising event, how we used to have trouble with money, such that everyday became an eventless routine. I remember the students’ sacrifices, how they part with their own pocket money to help the cause. How we cracked our brains to find the best and most fun way to raise fund. I remember our Head of Student Council barbequeing the otah-otah. How he always smiles at every responsibility needs done.
Then there was SUKMA 2009. No one could’ve forgotten that. It was momentous, how we all gathered in the stadium, in our respective colours. I remember how the Green and Yellow house collected themselves and pushed the Blues all the way. I remember how the Reds lost. And I don’t wanna talk about it. Lessons learnt is that despite being in different houses, with differing points and players, in the end, we all gathered and raised proudly the flag of white and blue, with an illuminating emblem bearing our school crest. I will remember that forever.
Rainbows. I remember rainbows visiting our school. When under normal circumstances, us students will be clad in white and blue, but not that day. That day, it rained colours. We were celebrating Eidul Fitri. The glory was there for all to see. I remember that day being a very happy day. How we loitered and camwhored. I remember how Teacher Samaniah scolded a couple of us for misconduct, and how we made her smile when we wished her Happy Eid. I remember Ustaz Sandisi, who always have been strict with me, how he smiled and held my shoulders. It means a lot to me. I remember Mr Azam, who always have been the best English teacher I have known. He is not only a teacher, but someone I can depend on; a friend. I remember how they tied their kain samping together, and I remember how they all looked, how Rabbani looked, how Aufa looked. And this guy Basyir.
I remember random days at Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah. How happy we were when getting our exam results. How we sat around in class doing nothing on the last day. How we used to talked during recess. How we raised our national flag up high on National Day. I remember my friends, Hilmi, Irsyad, Zuhdi, Syazwan, Naim, Asyraf, Shazzlee. I remember my classmates in pre-u 1 and 2. If they are listening to this, I want them not to ever give up, live the dream that I may not be able to achieve, and do the Madrasah proud.
These memories are irreplaceable, unforgettable. As I moved on to another part of my life, I could not ignore the lingering thoughts of MAA at the back of my mind. How it haunts me at night with sweet memories. I remember the friendships we had, the brotherhood between us. I remember how we were all different groups when young, but came together as we got older.
I learnt many things from my time at Madrasah Aljunied Al-islamiah.
I learned patience; humility; strength; ties; responsibilty; resillience; spirit of learning; determination; perseverence; togetherness; familiness; friendship; and love.
Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah is not only an institution of learning excellence. Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamaiah is a place of love, friendship, family. It is, and forever will be, my home.
And they are my family.