‘Our type of holiday activities’

STUDENTS in national schools are currently having a break from their studies. With the holidays ending on March 18 or 19 – depending on which states they are in – these teens, who are also participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme, let us in on their holiday activities.

“People usually travel during the holidays. But my parents have to work so we are not going anywhere. Despite that, I am happy staying home and finishing crocheting the cardigan that I started back in October.” – Nasya Nazrul, 16, Selangor

“I’m learning a new instrument: the electric guitar. I’m teaching myself through online tutorials as I can’t afford formal training. It has been difficult because I have zero musical background, but I am determined to at least be able to play a couple of songs at the end of this holiday.” – Kong Yong Sin, 15, Johor

“While my friends are relieving their exam stress in Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, I’m just taking it easy at home, alternating between doing my revision and rereading some of my favourite books.

I’m currently reading William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair. It’s rather long but so far, it has been worth the experience. I’m also trying to slot time for swimming in my daily schedule, not least because it’s nice to be outdoors when I’ve been spending so much time indoors.” – Hayley Poh, 16, Penang

“I’m using this time to learn as many things as possible. For instance, I tried learning how to cook a few days ago. I almost burnt down the kitchen, so my mother has since banned me from cooking, but then I found something new to learn. Yoga! It has been going great so far. But I think I pulled a muscle or two. Maybe that’s the universe telling me to find something else to learn? Either way, I’m having so much fun.” – Shasmeen Amirah, 17, Selangor