Im not sure if I ever blogged about my experienced during this trip before although im sure I have, but here's my perspective of it after all these years.
I first joined The Star BRATs a young journalist program by The Star Newspaper back when I was 17 in 2008. Honestly the only reason I joined was because my sister did when she herself was 17 and the whole idea seemed really fun since Ive always had an interests in journalism but never though I should pursue it.
We had to write essays in to qualify for it, and I did so they sent a bunch of us, strangers to one another to Penang for 3 days. We learnt the basics, interviewing people, taking photographs and writing our own articles. To be honest, that trip was good but not great. Once I got back I just left it at that and didnt think about it any further.
Every year they would hold 3 trips for newbies like the one i went to in Penang. After that, they'd shortlist the whole group and reinvite those shortlisted to another year end trip. This trip would not be just newbies but people who had already gone once and would go again for a slightly more harder journalism challenge.
I was fortunate enough to be shortlisted but had doubts if I should go since it was post SPM and the previous experience in Penang didnt quite temp me that much to go again.
Somehow everything fell into place and pointed me into the direction that I should.
That year end they flew us to Sabah for 5 days.
Upon arrival they did the usual ice breaking session.
They told us to chose a speciality; articles, videos or photography. I chose the latter. Then they dropped a news like a bomb. They told us we had 5 minutes to text/call our loved ones and then they'd take away our phones for 5 days.
Made me even more vulnerable. I was there, in Sabah for the first time ever, no phone, on an island and no one close that I could call.
Honestly, I think taking away our phone was the best thing ever. No distractions at all and I think I may have well had one of the most memorable 5 days ever.
It was in that trip I realised how much i adored photgraphy. I was the year my dad had just bought the dSLR for family use and the first time I was using it on my own.
Pictures below were taken from my camera, no filters no edits.
We went to the orang utan reservation, interviwed/visited the locals and went food hunting.
Of course a we were still learning to be a journalist, so we had deadlines for our articles, photographs and videos due. 30 teens rushing to finish their assignment on numerous laptops on a 10 feet table in the jungle.
Another thing I clearly remembered was camping outdoors for the first time. I did sleep in the tent before but that was in my own home or within the school compounds. This was cold, wet, grass, jungle, trees, mosquitoes, pitch black dark, bathe in cold water outdoor.
Also, I remembered our 3 km hike up to our campsite and getting bitten my numerous leaches but still having the best time ever.
Truly grateful for whatever lead me on to this trip.
:)
2 comments:
Hey, I remember you from BRATs in Sepilok! I remember the morning when we departed from LCCT to the East, few of us had McDonald's for breakfast it was super early. You were behind me when we lined to board the plane, You had quite a huge luggage with you I think if my memory doesn't fail.
Those 5 days were fast. Memorable trip it was.
yes that was me! haha i had a long sour face that morning! hahaha. i remember you too:) how are you??
yes i was one of those who brought a HUGE luggage. :p
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