A Beautiful Tradition

Hi, 

I’m back! While the writing inspiration is hitting me, I figured I’d better strike while the iron is hot and commemorate one of those genuinely beautiful days that makes the chaotic academic life totally worth it.

This week, I had the absolute joy of treating my students. You remember my final-year project girls who are about to officially escape, err.. sorry, graduate from campus life? To celebrate the completion of their undergraduate studies and all their hard work, I asked them out for a lunch date. To double the fun, the student I had just finished examining also joined the crew. So, there were six of us in total.

Now, being the 'cool lecturer' that I think I am, I handed over the steering wheel and asked them to pick the restaurant. The response? Absolute, polite silence. They were so shy! Nobody wanted to make the first move. I totally get it! Been there, done that, wore the awkward student t-shirt.

To break the ice, I stepped in with a curated list of options ranging across various cuisines. You know, trying to cater to everyone’s tastebuds like a proper tour guide. Finally, they collectively voted for sushi, and internally, I was doing a victory dance. Beef Tori Paitan Soup is my ultimate comfort food, and it had been way too long. The moment they said Sushi Ya, I think I agreed faster than the speed of light. 😋

My ultimate comfort food: Beef Ramen in a rich Tori Paitan soup. 

One day, I will taste the authentic masterpiece right in Japan. Manifesting that trip now. 😇

Once we sat down, I gave them the ultimate golden rule: "Go crazy. Take whatever you want off the belt. Do not count the plates. Today, we eat like royalty." ♕

Before the table was completely covered in sushi plates.

Naturally, because they are polite, well-mannered girls, they started off taking one modest plate at a time, looking at me for approval. But give it fifteen minutes, and the initial awkwardness evaporated. Plates started stacking up, laughter started flowing, and they were enjoying the food exactly the way I hoped they would. Seeing them genuinely happy and relaxed made my heart incredibly full.

When they started to feel comfortable, the table quickly began filling up with sushi plates.

Happy faces, full tummies, and a very happy teacher. 😊

But honestly? Sitting there watching them eat also gave me a massive wave of nostalgia.

Back when I was an undergraduate student at UTM Skudai, my own Final Year Project supervisor, Prof Shah, had a beautiful tradition. At the end of every semester, he would treat us to a spectacular meal. He took us to places we could never have afforded on a student budget; like the Pulai Springs Resort and a luxury hotel in JB. To us, it felt like stepping into another dimension.

Back then, sitting at those fancy tables as a broke student, I made a silent promise to myself: “One day, if I ever manage to become a lecturer like Prof Shah, I’m going to do exact same thing for my students.”

Fast forward to today, and that dream has officially become my own little tradition.

It’s a humbling reminder of how life comes full circle. I used to be the shy student counting the expensive plates, and now I get to be the one telling the next generation to forget the price tag and just enjoy the moment. Seeing their happy faces, relieved from the stress of final presentations and completely powered by sushi made me so incredibly proud.

I always remind myself that our job isn't just about passing down equations and knowledge; it’s about passing down the same kindness that helped us survive when we were in their shoes. Honestly, seeing that cycle continue is the most satisfying part of this entire journey

Anyway, that’s the little highlight that made my week. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend ahead. Take care, and bye for now!💕