This Thing Call Grace

In a dinner with friends, I was engaged in a conversation about qualification with a "senior" friend (T). We were on the topic of my postgraduate degree and I told him about what I did. Later on, I asked several questions about what he did for his postgraduate degree and he shared with me the details (We did the same kind of postgraduate degree). I then asked whether he took an entrance test specific to the postgraduate course. My intention of asking was to know whether his university required its students to take the course or not because mine didn't.

His reaction, was a surprise and somewhat embarrassed me. He turned to me, looked me in the eye and pointed his fingers at my face and said (and i paraphrase) that he did the test and that no self-respecting/decent university would allow anyone to take the course without having taken the entrance test and score a certain level of score. Yes, I agree that good universities offering this course would definitely require this entrance test to be taken but these universities are normally expensive. I was taken a back with the way he said it and the tone he said it and in front of the people that we were having dinner with. I was utterly embarrass and didn't even manage a smile when he said that. I just turned back to my food and remain a little bit more silent that my usual self. He also added that it is not advisable to forgo quality for the sake of the price. (this was in reference to the exorbitant fees of outstanding universities)

I agree that quality should not be forgone but having said so, I believe that paying for RM70,000++ per year is something that is not financially feasible for me. The obvious next move is to go for a lesser prestigious university because it's affordable and the quality is decent. I think I turn out alright after graduating. I'm not blowing my horn here, in fact I think the one blowing the horn here is T.

While driving last night, I thought about this incident that happened in Kuantan just last weekend. It dawn upon me that some people are born in silver spoon or even born in environments that are "condusive" and somewhat protected. Eventhough some may not be totally protected but they have a father and mother that to provide a balance family life and financial means to attend better universities.

Some people just happen to be at the right place at the right time. For instance those who were able to go overseas prior to the 1997 economic crisis. During 1997, some students studying abroad had to come back because the Malaysian currency was weakening.

The question is did these "priviledge" guys/gals do anything to get to the right place and the right time? Was it their effort that they were there? I know most people would say it's luck. Personally, I don't believe in luck because i believe that it's God's will and grace. If that were so, they did nothing to be where they are now or they were "lucky" enough to be in such position. I hold firm to what the Word of God says that about being proud. Nothing we do is a result of our hands, we are where we are today because there was a loving hand giving us the opportunity. It is this simple thing call grace. We don't deserve what we have yet He lovingly gave it to us. I am here despite my rough childhood and the rough times I went through because my Lord loves me. Amazing huh?