N A Z U | The feeling of being a 2nd Runner-up

I am proud to say that I got A 2ND RUNNER UP place for a Korean Speech Contest as a Monash University representative ㅎㅎ Never thought I would actually able to say that proudly tho.

Of course, I can't deny that I was aiming for the prize ($$$) but then again, I was also trying to see the level of my current Korean speaking skills is. Honestly, I would wanna get 1st place like, who wouldn't right? - but when I saw the other participants' videos, I was like nah, it's fine..I'm not that great (started to have low self-esteem all of the sudden)

How it all started -

Saw a post in Korean Studies announcement on this contest and of course, there was a lil spark in me to actually do it. Since this is my last semester in uni, I thought it would be fun to join and do something that is just out of my comfort zone for ONCE. So, I did.

How the contest works -

1st: choose one out of the 3 topics that was given

(the chosen topic: 온라인으로 한국어와 한국 문화를 배우기 - learning Korean and its culture online)

2nd: record a video of yourself speaking Korean for 4~5 mins straight (no notes, no video edits and no headphones)

(when I first heard it, I nearly cried cause I had to memorise my script haha)

3rd: post on the discussion forum on Korean Studies so everyone can watch it

(first time in an actual Korean class and first time attempting so yay...great! ㅠㅠ )

4th: wait for the results till 9th October (한글날 - Hangul Day)

My reaction when I heard the news -

9th October 2021 - the result day is finally here! 떨림 떨림~

I was on a video call with my boyfriend as he was driving to work. When I opened my Monash email, I saw this:

"오빠~! 오빠~! 한국어 말하기 대회를 결과 나왔다! 나 2등이래!!"
"헐! 대박이다! 축하해 우리 애기~!"

I was so shocked that I was like "what has just happened?" inside.....I swear I got lucky to get it honestly. I think my hard work paid off yeah? Don't you think so? Oh well, I was so glad that I took part in the competition. If there's another chance for me to join again, I will! 

Just speechless like I can't believe that it actually happened in my life ㅠㅠ

I'll update you soon again. For now, stay safe~

XOXO, Nazurah Aurora [나즈]

N A Z U | Last Semester

 YUP, it's finally my last semester in uni.

"Did you take masters?" "I thought you're done with uni? No?"

Bet most of you would actually have that thinking yeah since most that are in the same batch as me, are either married and have kids OR have a full-time job (so-called settle down). Due to financial issues, I took break from continuing in doing uni even I have only one semester to complete. Well, there's always a reason behind everything. 

Mid of this year, after saving up money from working multiple part time jobs, I am happy to say that I am finally back in uni. I am quite lucky to say that I only have to do 1 elective unit for this last semester which means, I can focus more in getting those HDs (high distinction in Monash). Sadly, due to Covid-19, I have to do my last semester online. Not an issue for me tho. Since the unit doesn't have to be related to my major, I thought of doing a unit that I have been eyeing for awhile now which is taking a Korean language unit. 

Don't think I have ever told you this but I have been studying Korean on my own for maybe 2~3 years now but J U S T imagine, if I were to take an actual Korean class, it would be so sick, you reckon? Back to the story, since it's a Semester 2 unit, I had to take an entry test to see my Korean level is and to be enrolled into the unit. If you follow me in my SNS (Twitter, FB or even Instagram), you would know how I got into it. I took a written test as well as a 8AM Korean interview with the Unit Coordinator. To be honest, he was asking me whether I would want to enrol into "Advanced" class but due to lack of grammar knowledge, I told him to put me into intermediate class which I did!!! 

It has been 8 weeks since I have started the class and I am so in love with it. Just had my first ever mid-term test in full on Korean few weeks back AND MY RESULTS ARE OUT FINALLY. Proud to say that my efforts paid off!!! YOUR GIRL HERE GOT HD ㅎㅎ Some might say, it's just mid-term...well, it's a big achievement for me since I don't really have anyone to help me check my Korean skills properly tho. Another good news is, I got picked, among 20 Monash students, to do Korean language exchange program with Seoul Women University for 6 weeks!!!!!! L U C K Y .

Another exciting news is, there's a Korean Speech Contest in my uni and I will be participating. I feel like if I don't do it, it will be such a waste tho... SO YES, I WILL BE PARTICIPATING IT. Usually, I am not the type that always go forward or take up any opportunity that comes BUT I really think that it will be great to expose myself to everyone with my skills even though it's not that great yet.

Would update you soon on another issue that I kept a secret from everyone. For now, stay safe, wash your hands frequently and make sure to wear your mask properly.

Nazurah Aurora [나즈] XOXO