Tourism Conference 2008

Joyful Day

I attended the Tourism Conference 2008 two days ago. Despite all the incompetencies and inconsistencies that I had to bear with, I was happy. I was very satisfied with the outcome, an unexpected outcome.

I can still remember what had happened few months back after I presented my final draft to my lecturers and friends. I cried; cried because I wasn't satisfied with my own presentation and eventually thought it was lousy. I was totally disappointed with myself at the moment. I was sad.

The Tourism Conference 2008 gave me a second chance to prove that I can do better. I re-plan my presentation strategy and came out with a new slide show. I read through my booklet as if it's a story book to refresh my memory about Kuala Kangsar. I decided not to plan anything detail as I thought doing it spontaneously might help to produce a smoother story telling way.

On the conference day, I woke up early, packed along with my confidence and traveled to the conference place - UNITAR City Campus. When I first stepped into the hall, I saw my book in the ice. I was feeling proud at that moment but didn't dare to show how proud I was. I was afraid that others might think I was trying to show off or something like that. During the morning session, I enjoyed the presentations about Japan and Pulau Gaya; enjoyed the way Sir Abu Musa made fun of others. Haha!! Then, lunch was kind of rushing because Darling and I have to get back to the campus fast, we were the second presenters. Too bad we were presenting concurrently, I can't witness Darling's magic in his presentation. Everyone was complimenting his presentation. Hmm...

As for myself, the first thing I did when I entered the room was apologized because I was late. Ms Haliza had to present first because I was late. I bet I was looking clumsy because I rushed. Pn Munira went second, doing introduction for Kuala Kangsar and did a great introduction for me. She basically put everyone's attention on me. For one second, I was scared. I took a deep breath and went out. Despite the clumsy look, I thought I did quite well. Sir Abu Musa looked very satisfied with my presentation. He complimented me once I got back to my seat next to him. I was happy with myself and one second I felt proud; proud that I finally did a great job that didn't disappoint myself and others.

After the whole presentation session, when we thought it was the end, Prof came in with a stack of booklets. We were overjoyed!! Those booklets are our hard work and we are getting our own copy of the booklets. Again, I felt proud to be in the research team. Suddenly the whole experience become so very precious to me. Smile is hanging on everyone's face; lecturers and students. I thought we did a great job. I was proud of everybody, those who presented and those who made the posters.

After the closing ceremony, I finally got the courage to do something that I've never done before. I thanked my lecturers; I thanked Pn Munira for advising me; thanked Sir Abu Musa for editing my booklet; thanked Prof for advising and editing; thanked Ms Rohaizah for advising too. My courage had brought me surprises. Sir Abu Musa told me that if he was to rate, my booklet will be the best because he loves my booklet the most; second will be Darling's book. I was proud of us both that moment. Then I found out that Sir Abu Musa and Ms Haliza were the two who chosen my book to be place in the ice for the opening ceremony. Again, I was proud. Prof told me how she wanted to see my presentation but couldn't because she was in the other concurrent session. I was overjoyed when I heard that. Darling, I know you've been telling me how Prof likes my work. Now I know. Then Ms Rohaizah said to me "you deserved that, you did a good job". I thought I can fly with all the words I got from my advisers. I was really overjoyed. Lucky that I can still control myself, or else I'll be jumping around.

Before leaving, we took tons of photos; formal and crazy photos. Prof even warned us not to do something funny on her. Haha!! Cute Prof.