The year 1996-1997 brought back many memories as there were many people around me who built those memories with me. That year I went back to University. In class there were the two groups, the younger and the older group. I belonged to the older group but I mixed with the younger group. It seemed right but I was the oldest among them. Tina and Malin, the Swedish girls, Kingston from Zimbabwe, Tony the Greek, Jose the Colombian. The five were close and they met often, I only joined them whenever I was on campus, seldom at night or on the weekends as I had to go home to my three children. Four of them were still single then except for Kingston but he was in UK without his family. Occasionally I would join them for dinner provided my Malaysian friend invites my children over to play with their children. We all go for lunch together most days except on days when I was fasting.
The others in class were Islam from Bangladesh, Hari Dhakal from Nepal, Rogers from Sierra Leonne, two more from Greece, Maria and Mike, two from Addis Abbaba.
There were more laughter among the younger group and the fact that I was like a big sis to them, I got help readily from them. Then using the computer was a new thing so they were all out helping me with finishing my assignments using the computer. What I had more than them was the years on my age and my working experience I guess. In many ways that helped too. I remembered climbing over the high gate behind the Civil Engineering block to get dinner as we had to stay till late to finish our final project. That was tough exercise for me, I was the shortest among them, but they all helped.
The children knew all my friends by name. We had picnic in the park together once I think and I also invited them over for dinner at my place once too. I have photos of those times but I wasn't in hijab then so a no no to put pictures in here.
The friends I kept were actually a 'sidetrack' for me amidst my unhappy moments. At home I had my children to take care of and the joys they brought me were invaluable. Between the children and my friends, I had to complete my studies. I had very little time to socialise with the other Malaysian familes. The weekends, I spent quality time with my kids. It was carbooting, swimming, shopping, eating out in Alum Rock or Birmingham City or simply staying home.
The good friends I kept will always be in my hearts because every single one of them helped me in different ways. Even though they are not muslims, they all have one thing in common, a good heart. I miss them all now, 15 years on.
The others in class were Islam from Bangladesh, Hari Dhakal from Nepal, Rogers from Sierra Leonne, two more from Greece, Maria and Mike, two from Addis Abbaba.
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| Birmingham Library |
The children knew all my friends by name. We had picnic in the park together once I think and I also invited them over for dinner at my place once too. I have photos of those times but I wasn't in hijab then so a no no to put pictures in here.
The friends I kept were actually a 'sidetrack' for me amidst my unhappy moments. At home I had my children to take care of and the joys they brought me were invaluable. Between the children and my friends, I had to complete my studies. I had very little time to socialise with the other Malaysian familes. The weekends, I spent quality time with my kids. It was carbooting, swimming, shopping, eating out in Alum Rock or Birmingham City or simply staying home.
The good friends I kept will always be in my hearts because every single one of them helped me in different ways. Even though they are not muslims, they all have one thing in common, a good heart. I miss them all now, 15 years on.
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