PUNCAK 2015

Pre-departure US-Canada Program...

Basically, this program is organized annually by the Malaysian Islamic Study Group(MISG) for the incoming students to study in the North America. It is actually like a sharing session, not only about Islam in America, but also about how to be a great student there. Usually, it is held for about 2 to 3 days. However, the one I attended was different as it was held specially for my college. And as it was just a small event, it only took 1 day (9 am until 5 pm). There were 14 facilitators, each of them either had graduated from US universities or are still studying there.

The first session was interesting, I think. It was the quiz! From this activity, we could gain more knowledge about the States as well as getting the prizes, which were mostly souvenirs from the overseas. There were questions about places, history, terms and also about general things there. For ecample, I got to know that the term used in the US to bring the food bought home is 'to go'. It is different from Malaysia where people used to say 'take away', which actually means to throw away in America. So, I can avoid some silly mistakes if I go there.

The second session is about maintaining our faith there. So, for us as muslims, there are two types of challenges; from the muslims themselves and from the non-muslims. Generally, people would think that non-muslims are harder to handle. However, in truth, muslims with different opinions are much more difficult, especially the liberalists. They will provide their arguments with some weird quotes to emphasize them. So, if we encounter them, one way to face them when we do not know how to answer is by saying, "I'll go back and make some research. Maybe next week I will answer your question.'' That's a way. Maybe there are more creative ways you can practice, depends.

The third session is the sharing session. We were divided into groups with one facilitator each. I got a group with sis Umaira who went to the US to follow her husband studying there. Although she is not a student there, she always interact with the community in Bloomington, Indiana. Thus, she knows much about the life there.

Lastly, all the facilitators gave their last speech for all of us. One of the advice that sticks in my mind is set your niat(intentions) now! Not only to get 4 flat, but also to give back to the community and to be a better person. A good Muslim has to have the vision to be the best in all aspects. That's why we should have the goals from now.

That's all about PUNCAK. Although it is relatively short, but it is really valuable. Maybe the grand PUNCAK (the longer one) is much better for the students. Thus, it is recommended to go there.

TO THE 'PUNCAK'! :D