More to life than PHD

More to life than a PHD.


Being away from parents, families and our closed ones is another challenge of doing a PHD in overseas. Most of us have to be apart from our beloved parents and siblings but more sadly, some have to be apart from their spouses and children. Although they maybe just a phone call or a video conference away, not having them physically with us is really an ordeal.

As everybody falls to the same boat, the overseas students tend to have a strong and tightly knit community. We would normally organise some weekend gatherings, trips or picnics to compare notes and boosting our sense of togetherness. The potluck get together seems to be the most popular activity and everyone is looking forward to it. Why? Because this is the best time to stop the longing and craving for some homemade Malaysian foods. We would have all range of traditional food from nasi kerabu, laksam, nasi lemak, bihun sup and some traditional cakes too like karipap and kuih bakar.

We had one gathering last weekend - and this time it wasn't really a pot luck. The main dish of the day was prepared and sponsored by our friends of Mr and Mrs Zam who have generously served us with their scrumptious (and complete) nasi kerabu. And we had other delicious food as well to complement ie. bihun soup utara form Rodzi/Beena, kuih bakar from kak Azlina, teh tarik from Juhazren/Mas, bihun goreng from Intan ..and others which I have forgotten. May Allah shower all of us with His love and blessings. Ameen.

But some might think that, being away in overseas is probably the best time to escape from some family routine like kenduri, wedding and all--hmmmm, I am just thinking from the other side of the coin.