Disclaimer: This page is an essay written for educational purposes. If part of the content is similar, or the names of the characters are similar to a there-before published article or write-up, it is entirely coincidental.

“The students who are going to the International Convention Centre to receive the best student awards are … and Joanna Lim…” the morning assembly conductor announced over the loudspeakers of the school. There was then a massive round of applause from the whole crowd of teachers and students especially my supportive friends.

As soon as I heard my name, I was so excited that I just jumped out from my seat and shouted ‘YAY’!! Haha!! Of course I did not do that. That would be too embarrassed right? Actually, that kind of feeling was beyond description. It was like there were butterflies in my stomach. I was thinking, ‘Oh my god! I really did it! I got an award!’ How happy I was at that time! When I went home, I told my family about it and they were all very proud of me.

On that actual day, which was the 13 July 2008, six students including me, departed from our school at around 6.30 in the morning. When we reached there, it was almost 8.30 am and the awards ceremony was just about to start. As I went to find my seat, I noticed that there were many students from different government schools of our country. As I sat there waiting for the ceremony to start, I can start to feel a little nervous.

Sharp at 9.00 am, the awards ceremony started with the reciting of the Quran and subsequently, the welcoming speech from the hostess, Dayang Hajah Aishah binti Haji Muhd Husain who is the director of schools. Then, it was followed by the opening speech of a special guest, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, the Ministry of Education of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

After the opening speeches, all the students who were going to receive prizes were called to stand-by for the awards presentation. After all of the students had prepared down stage, the host then invited the special guest to give away the awards. Soon, one by one, the students from different schools went up the stage to receive the awards. Then, it was my turn. When the announcer publicized my name, almost everyone clapped and I went up the stage with pride. When I was on the stage, I received a crystal trophy and a certificate from the special guest.

After the presenting of awards, there was a choir performance from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Abu Bakar, Lambak Kanan and the awards ceremony ended with the reciting of the Doa Selamat. Everyone was invited to enjoy the food and drinks after the ceremony.

Up until now, I could not forget that memorable day. Being able to stand out as a very good student is a very impressive and remarkable feeling. But of course, I could never have done it without the help from my beloved teachers who guided me through all these years, so thank you! To fellow young readers, you should start working hard and listen to your teachers because who knows, one day in the future, you might also achieve these kinds of awards. You can do it!

Joanna Lim is a student of Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School. This article was published in the Borneo Bulletin’s HighSchool Page.