not so famous yet.

NUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

I am an open book after all, but not until you start flipping it. 

My parents weren't people that I thought I would be proud of. Especially in the early days, when I am in the much younger, teenage dream years. Being rebellious, I even detested them. That's how come I don't really talk about them that much. 

I didn't come from a very wealthy background, so I blamed them a lot for hardships in life. I'm not really proud of doing this, but this is what I did when I was little. 

But one thing I must say, they love me a lot. 

So much when I think about it now, it gave me goosebumps. That kind of love that every Asian parents would give their kids, they do it cause they want the best for their kids, in their Asian parents way. 

When I was 15, my family faced our biggest struggle in life. Long story short, we are poor and by poor here means the money we have can only pay for our food. We couldn't afford the slightest extravagance or waste. And sometimes, we had porridge for dinner. 

But if you were a friend of mine since then, you would have known these troubles never existed. Because my dad still pays me pocket money and I worked part time. Being independent doesn't makes me cute, especially for my dad. My dad once says this to me, and I remembered it till now. 

I never understood back then. 

How I wish I wasn't that shallow.

Years after, our family financials still teetering on the edge, so I started working in a sales dept and I wasn't happy even tho my sales results was good. I wasn't happy because I feel like I don't belong there.  I was thinking about going back to study but we don't have the money.  So, I went to take my STPM. 

My dad told me. 

After years in university, I wasn't really the one short with cash. Friends always thought I am "rich" and being really generous on spending. But the fact is, they didn't know what I faced before. Also, no matter how poor we are, my dad never short pay me on allowance. 

And now, I am back from USA for almost 3 months and this is the 1st month I'm looking for a job. (at last!) For those who have concerns about me and my life, being really "nice" asking me why I am still jobless, thank you very much. but I am currently not rushing for a job. I don't want to settle for something that I won't like doing, a boss that doesn't appreciate my effort or a field that is stale and not growing.

Like my dad told me.

For the best dad from all the good dads in the world, I thank you. 

For you may not be the best, but you are being the best of you.
I was being taught and raised in difficult times. I was really grateful for what and how I was raised. 

Signing off, 

Happy belated father's day. 

"He helped clean up my spew. "

It was probably the most embarrassing thing I've ever did in our almost-4-years relationship. Last Saturday, I threw up from drinking too much in front of the door, and he helped clean up my spew, without even offering. No question asked. I've decided to wash the dishes when you're lazy, that's my lifetime promise to you.

What he did that day, just set the whole picture clearer. I wrote this story so I wouldn't forget about it, as long as internet exists.

It happened last year. 

If you've read my experience on the Chateau, that was the time he first proposed. 

While we are on our way heading to the Chateau, I accidentally discovered his search "proposing in a restaurant" on his phone. I was really nervous the whole trip because I did not expect it and I wondered what I should say if he really asked.

True enough, when someone kneels down in front of you even with you expecting it, your mind just goes all blank. He did not propose on the dinner, or in between any meals. It's hilarious he brought me to breakfast before we left the Chateau and just when I am so confident that it was a false alarm, he caught me off guard. 

Just right after he asked if I wanted a picture next to a yellow wall, I turn around saw his knee on floor.
I never say no.

But I never say yes. 

A week before I left  to USA, I received a message from one of the advertising companies regarding a collaboration. (damn Donovan, you got me)  He texted me regarding on a "long term project" (my god Don, should have said pun intended!) if I would be interested. Knowing I am the most famous and most responsible blogger in Malaysia HAHA, I had planned to turn it down due to the unknown future laid upon me. God knows if USA has internet for me to keep blogging. (HAHA) 

And Leon deserves an Oscar for this. I asked him about what he thinks about meeting up with the client for this "long term project" that I might be unable to deliver. He say I should go give it a shot, casually. This time I am totally caught off guard. By this time, I thought he took the last proposal as a "silent yes" and the previous proposal has all but disappeared from my mind. 

The whole event made the little hairs on my skin stand as the meeting was set on a weekday night, and Donovan actually sent me a message reminding me to dress nicely and doll up. 

I found it very very intriguing, but I really never thought that the "client" I am meeting is definitely signing this contract with me....

"Hi, Don. I am here at Signature by the hill but the waiter say there are no tables booked under your name and I don't see any sign of any other bloggers"

"Oh wait, I call them...."

I was placed on hold for a very long time.

"Okay, you can now go up. It's next to the cafe called "Stratosphere" and come up now. Just give them your name" 

I am like, wait... 

Is Donovan planning a kidnapping? I texted Leon to tell him what happened just to make sure if anything happens, somebody knows my story.

Two grey ticks. Message not read. 

While I am walking up the STUPID STRATOSPHERE LONG ASS stairs, I was thinking how weird this whole event is and I don't see any familiar faces around. 

"but I don't think Donovan interested in me or he is some kind of guy that will kidnap somebody (unattractive) like me...." 

And still thinking about how bizarre is this, I also thinking how poor I am to risk myself for this. HAHAHAHA. Why I am willing to do this I don't even know. And guess my mind just cannot stop thinking about nonsense. 

And when I reach the top... 

Some photographer just flashes me with a camera, and I thought to myself, oh... I am safe, this is an event. While I am walking on the red carpet, it seems odd. The place is rather quiet. And I saw this secret client of mine. I can tell who he is at the back. He is at the end of the aisle of flowers. He is my Leon. 

I walked towards this and he pitched a very fucking long speech. 

Seriously I have no idea what he said. (Some I love you forever stuff) I am just overwhelmed. It's all in my head that how good this guy had TRICKED ME INTO THIS. I almost thought at last somebody gonna kidnapped me or something. And the very first time, I didn't have the slightest clue of his plan. And this Donovan! ARgh!

They just outgrown their acting skills! 

Especially for a bad liar like Leon!

I am a full mind of "FUCK FUCK FUCK I LOST LIAOOOOO, I'm no longer the best liar nor actress here"

Looking at Leon when walking towards him.

And there he is, with my favorite love song Ellie Goulding's "How long would I love you" in the background, his very very long winded introduction of his proposal which I have zero interest, as I am impatient.

"I think you can skip this and can you put the ring on me already?" 

He stoned for a while. 

"Okay never mind you can finish whatever you want to say." 

And he stuttered and forgot his last line. 

I laughed.

This is all just like the first time we met... Like Dejavu.

He tell me about himself, with the longest introduction I've ever had while I'm rushing to leave. 

"Do you still want my phone number or not?" 

He again stoned for a while.

"Yes, I do." He handed over the phone.

"Yes, I do!" He put the ring on. 

Signing off, 

It's all so magical that night. 

You can do it by living frugally for the first 3 years and save around 30 thousand cash in your bank. Or do it like me, through a work and travel program!

Being doubtful and a procrastinator for the longest time, at last I decided to do it, alone. Guess sometimes it's really fun to start a new kind of adventure.

I spent probably RM12k upfront, some from my left over government loan (PTPTN), some from part time job from blogging and saving.

in Honolulu, Hawaii

Before you say "heck no", it's worth mentioning that don't worry! You will make the money back!
A lot of my friends wondered if the trip worth it. I must say other than it's an once in lifetime experience (to work overseas, independently), it's definitely a yes. Also, I made enough to allow both my bf and me travel around the States for a month! Well but it depends.
Students usually earn a minimum 3k USD but some can make 12k USD. (imagine if you don't travel and bring all the money back!)


Unlike New Zealand and Australia, Malaysians are no longer allowed to apply for working visa unless you get a sponsor, petition from the employer, or you are freaking artist/ entertainers, or else it's pretty much impossible to get it unless you have a spouse/kid in the States. (correct me if I am wrong)  So the easiest way is with an agent.

The visa I am obtaining is the J-1 visa, allows me to work and travel for a grant period of time. It's under the category of SEVIS, which is Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

I've spent about RM12,670 on this program, including:
1) RM4,350 (Nov2015) - Program fees, SEVIS, Insurance and agent fees.
2) RM5,800- Multi city flight (Round trip from KL to KONA, KONA to San Francisco, New York to KL)
3) 600USD (RM2,520) - Pocket money.

This number will vary due to the currency rate, but it is around there. When I leave for winter program in December, the exchange rate for USD- RM was USD1 - RM4.38.

My boss of my second job.

My salary in the states is about 800USD every 2 weeks (after deduct food, stay and taxes) from my first job. Also I took a second job. All together I made around 6k USD 3 months in Hawaii after deducting everything (including shopping).
This is the money that helped support me and my bf travelling for 1 month around the States.

SO HOW?

Before you choose to work and travel USA under this program, be aware that:
1) You have to be a student, at least 18 years old and no more than 30.
2) You have to be a full time college/university student
Or
3) You have to get a student letter from your university/college that currently you are STILL a student.

As long as you can prove you are a student and you are still a student WHEN you enrolled and pay for this program, you are safe. However, different agency has different policy and structure. I paid Infinity Abroad and I have to say, they are very professional and helpful in a friendly way. The agencies in Malaysia that provide this program are:
1) SpeedWing
2) Out of the Box
3) Infinity Abroad

I guess the most familiar program agency to most of the Malaysian students is Out of the Box. 6 out of 10 that I surveyed chose OOTB. However, I called in and found them ridiculously rude over the phone.(I thought it's just me, but apparently my friend claimed so too). The end.
Never tried Speed Wing because I contacted Infinity Abroad and found them to my liking. Prices for each of the programs varies but not a whole lot differently I believe. (let me know in the comment box if you know!) There are people who claim that they choose OOTB or SpeedWing due to wider job vacancies and choices, but I am pretty much happy with my agency.

in San Francisco

IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE and you DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE:
1) Choose one agent to work on this.
We all have never been to US before.  I believe there is still a possible way you can sign up on your own, but the help of agent will make the whole process smoother. Consult them about available jobs and working partners.

2) Choose a season!
There are 2 working holiday seasons available. Winter, and summer. I seriously hate cold weather and  can I see myself working in cold weather? NO. However, if you don't have a choice on the working season, then choose a state that would have your preferred climate. Guess now you know why I choose Hawaii.

3)  Choose a state!
Some people have a state they want to explore more than others. This is seriously worth contemplating. A work and travel holiday USA usually takes time from minimum 2 months of work up to 4 months, it varies from different employer. Some might want the students to work for 3 months and a half. So, it is a good choice to pick an interesting state to explore more. This is because the visa that you've applied for only allows 1 month travelling period IN the United States after the work! So, if you want to spend more time on exploring a certain state, look for a job there!

4) Start making / saving the first payment for WAT (work and travel) agent/ program fees.
For me, I got it from PTPTN. Trust me, this is money worth spending and you'll have the experience to remember for a lifetime. However, you can also choose to pay by working part time.

5) Prepare your interview!
There is not many work categories you can choose from. Usually there are various positions for you to choose. Be it like theme park operators personnel, restaurant staff (from kitchen to server), housekeeping or other hospitality involved jobs in hotel/ inn, helper in various National Parks and so on. However, there are requirements for most of the jobs. Most require you to speak at least basic English, some need advanced English. Some need no visible tattoos or piercings.

For me, it doesn't really matter, just choose a spot you really want to hang for 4 months, and try to look for a job around it. There must be one job that suits you in the State. However, plan ahead because famous spots run out fast like hot cakes, eg: California. Usually, there will be a few jobs available in one state, just apply and wait for your Skype interview!

P/s: A good resume will do you good too!

6) Do some research.
Do some research on the employer that is going to hire you, it helps with the interview. Most of the interviews are pretty easy, however, be prepared! You'll never know, it can be a plus point to have an idea of what the employer is looking for.

7) Book your flight ticket ahead!
After you pass your interview, first thing you need to do is to buy the flight ticket. USUALLY, it's cheaper when you buy your ticket earlier. Especially on flights to USA, it doesn't seem to have a lot of discount going on unlike Air Asia. You might need some googling on that. Choosing to buy one way ticket can be a smart choice if you plan to go alone and make friends in the States. You can always buy ticket after you plan your routes in the States. Usually the domestic flights in the State wouldn't cost you as much, however, it's still cheaper if you plan ahead. Thirty USD cheaper is 120RM cheaper. I choose multi-city flight because I already have a route that I want to travel.

-Choosing China Airlines usually cheaper.
-Korea and Japan airlines can be really really comfortable and wonderful experience (looking all the pretty faces)
-Worst airlines experience goes to US airlines, bad service and I remember flying 8 hours without entertainment (because the flight don't have a screen. FML)

8) Prepare your passport (if you don't have one) and getting ready for VISA interview.
Usually your agent will guide you through from here. Hence, choosing a good agency is very important. They will tell you the Dos and Don'ts.

in Honolulu, Hawaii

9) Wait for your Visa and VOILA!
Usually the Visa process takes about 3 days to 1 week. They will send it to your house once they're done.

So, that's about it.
It's really a fruitful experience and I guess the chinese are right - Nothing is worth more than seeing with your own eyes.


Signing off,
See the world before you're too old!

Clinic contact:

SLIQ clinicF1-19, Oasis Village, Oasis Square, 
No. 2 Jalan PJU 1A/7A,
Ara Damansara, 47301, Petaling Jaya.

Tel:- 017-277 5580 03-7831 6893Operating hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm

Signing off, 

Go be beautiful! :D