MY FIRST DAY IN UTP

19 May 2011. It may not bring any significance for anyone else on this planet, but for some mere 780 students including me. Why? It is the day I realized the huge responsibility I am carrying as an adult. In fact, that was the day I knew I am a grownup. Wondering what day is it? It is the day I became an ‘UTPian’. The dawn was the best dawn ever and as it promised much joy and excitement. What’s the best part of it? Two human beings who have been the most important of my life till this moment were there to share my happiness. The travel to UTP in my father’s silver Proton Persona was very enjoyable. Last time I had this much fun travelling was during our vacation to India. But I must admit that this time the fun and excitement was overwhelming. The trees were waving gently in the breezy wind, choreographing a melodious dance inviting me to UTP. We passed Kellie’s Castle on our way. It was supposed to be an eerie sight but that day it seemed to me as a symbol of love and happiness. The enjoyment deep in my heart on that day made everything seem beautiful. After around 45 minute drive from Ipoh, I finally saw the monument, a huge rectangular pillar with the wording ‘Universiti Teknologi Petronas’ embedded on top of the mighty pillar. At that instance my heart started racing. It was as if there was a rock concert inside and my heart was beating to that rhythm. The first two buildings that I saw were the Chancellor’s Hall and the Information Resource Centre or in layman’s language, library. The registration was in the almighty Chancellor Hall. The moment I put my feet in I was stunned by the sight of a long line of prospective students resembling an overgrown caterpillar. The pumping adrenaline made me perspire and the slow moving line did not make me feel any better. Finally, after what I felt like a century old wait it, was my turn to submit the required documents. By then, two big wet splotches were already visible under my armpits. I took the forms to be filled up from the sweet lady with a million dollar smile who entertained me at the counter. After that everything went smoothly. Everyone was moving robotically in synchronized steps. At the end of the registration session, I was sent to village 2 to register my hostel. I made a decision on who’ll be my roommate, which i'm doubtful about at the moment. After that, the day was brim with some boring briefing which exploded back into life that night during the awesome ‘Meet the Facilitators’ session and the day was over. With tired and weary limbs, I went to bed. At that moment, the sadness in me revealed itself. From now on, I’m alone. My dad won’t be here to send me to school. My mother won’t be here to cook my favourite meals. I’m on my own.
VIKNISKUMAR A/L PUTHIRAN
15884
PETROLEUM ENGINEERING FOUNDATION