Post Exam Syndrome

"All answer scripts have been collected, you may now leave the examination hall."

Those words marked the end of yet another academic year for 40-or-so of us techies. (Yes, we are affectionately referred to as "techies".) Advanced Chemistry was extremely hard. I think the paper title is an understatement. I'll leave it at that.

Watching Barack Obama's acceptance speech online prompted me to search for John McCain's concession speech. No wonder the Americans had trouble deciding on who to vote for. Both men are of equal caliber and stature. I was indeed moved by Obama's words. He is inspiring to say the least. But what was more important than Obama’s victory speech to me was the humble words of Senator McCain. Throughout the campaign, he has differed vehemently with his opponent by opposing him in important tactical and strategic political issues, and has had millions of people follow him and believe in him for it. And then after all that, he humbly accepts that in order for him and his people to make the real difference, they have to unite and move behind one leader, and that that leader is Obama, not him. This in my opinion, is a great example of two good leaders. Both men respected each other's views and acknowledged each other's sacrifices. Bush's and Gore's catfight 4 years ago would pale in comparison. I scoffed at Bush's acceptance speech.

Du'a for me:
Ya Allah, sekiranya Engkau telah tetapkan aku gagal dalam peperiksaanku, maka aku redha dengan ketentuanMu. Aku lebih rela menerima ujian itu agar aku lebih hampir kepadaMu, daripada aku mendapat kejayaan lalu mendustakanMu. Namun Ya Allah, aku tidak sanggup melukakan hati kedua ibu-bapaku, kerana diriku yang serba kurang ini. Jadi berikanlah yang terbaik untuk diriku, sesungguhnya Engkau sahaja yang Maha Mengetahui. Ameen.