What does it mean to truly become an adult? Introducing a series of 11 short stories about Malaysian youth from various backgrounds discovering themselves amidst a national landscape plagued by social issues and the enduring conflict between traditi...
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"Bangun! Selamat pagi cikgu." the class monitor shouts.
"SE-LA-MAT-PA-GI-CIK-GU!" the class echoes after.
"Selamat Pagi murid-murid," replies the teacher. "SPM is around the corner, you can't be playing around anymore. Please pay more attention to your studies. You should all learn from Dora," she adds.
Ah yes, I'm Dora Diong, the top student who excels at everything. I'm often used to 'motivate' others, since I'm the 'perfect student' in the eyes of my teachers.
I'm a secondary school student studying at SMK Seafield. I'm 17 this year and well-prepared for my SPM final exams. I know I can fulfil my straight A+ dream. I've been preparing for it since I completed my PT3. 'Start early, start now' is the best advice when it comes to revising for exams. Besides, it's important to remember to not only study hard but to study smart.
My life goal is technically not about studying. I crave affection from my mom but she never praises me.
"Only the pathetic crave praise. The best know they're the best. They don't need any praise."
That's her motto. I can't help but feel unconfident. I'm pathetic, I know. I act like I'm confident in front of my friends and family, but I just want my mum to tell me she's proud of me.
I love my mum but I hate her sometimes. She always wants me to be the best of the best as I'm her only child. She told me her wish is for me to be better than her. It's hard to be hardworking all the time, but I have no choice.
Parents give you life. The only thing you can give back is obedience. Isn't that what they always say?
Of course, being the 'perfect student' has its own consequences. Sometimes people call me "mummy's girl" or talk behind my back. I've told my mum about this but she always reminds me not to care about what others say and focus on myself.
The school bell rings. I'm glad class is finally over. I don't like to socialise. I much rather study alone at home or hang out with my only friend, Kate Wang.
"Dora! Wow, the teacher complimented you again in class today!" Kate says with glee.
"Haha...There's nothing to be proud about," I reply.
"Of course there is. I have a best friend who is good at everything! I'm a proud friend, you know," she beams.
Kate Wang is my classmate and only friend. I am most comfortable being around her. Unfortunately, mum dislikes that I'm close to Kate. She's asked me to stop being friends with her since her results are only average. "Your grades will drop too if you always stick with people who have poor academics," mum hints whenever she sees my grades drop, even by a little.
Because of mum, I've tried to distance myself from Kate before. But I can't bear to reject her whenever she asks for my help with studies. No doubt, disobeying mom makes me feel bad, but I can't keep myself away from Kate. She is my only true friend as she has always been there for me.
