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First Month

Having been here a month, I'd say that I've acculturated to the pace of life and have gotten into a comfortable routine. On weekdays, this involves catching the trains to school, sticking around after class to get some studying done and then hopping on the evening train back home. Sometimes, I'd opt to eat in the city instead of home, but this usually involves the company of friends or classmates. Otherwise, I'd much rather go home to rest, relax and read.

Weekends are fun here in New York. One never runs out of things to do here especially on a Friday or Saturday night, the highlights so far are the bars in Williamsburg or Brooklyn, gallery hopping in Chelsea, eating out in Chinatown or just chillin' and having a meal or drink in the Village. Admittedly, I'm trying to cut down one expenditure so that means less alcohol and eating out. I've also been making full use of my membership at L.A. fitness, since the NYU recreation centre is a little too overcrowded for my taste.

So far, I'm happy with the progress I've made in school , which include keeping up with my readings, writing memos or being part of the Suspension Representation Project. I've developed a stronger work ethic and a sense of professionalism which I feel are inseparable in the practice of law. Attention to detail and time managements are two areas that I'm striving to improve in, but I'm sure more exposure to the right crowds and training will take care of that.

My short term prospects are bright since I've been blessed with two internships to two of Malaysia's leading law firms: Shearn Delamore and Skrine. I'll be heading over there this Summer for a span of three months (or possibly more). This trip will be pivotal for me, since as some of you may know, I have a heart to return to and work in my home country. My experience there will weigh heavily in my considerations for the future. Nevertheless, I am excited to return already to visit my relatives and friends, and to reconnect with those who are special to me.

I'll stop writing for now and return to what's left of my weekend. A recent skype call with a long time friend (knew her since I was 5 or 6) has reminded me to continue exercising humility and to demonstrate the willingness to learn from others or from my own mistakes. I've realized that being patient and maintaining a positive outlook on life makes my pursuit of happiness all the more worthwhile. Often, I'd wake up to discover that I'm already happy and so immensely blessed.

I miss my family and friends back home in Vancouver. Here's to all of us finding our peace and happiness in the course of our busy lives.

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