People say a lot of things about the institution that is the quintessential Malaysian single sex boarding school. Of late brickbats have been thrown re: the academic performance of these self-styled select institutions. I admit that my 5 years of STF was spent playing the fool more than studying; and that in retrospect had I stayed in Bangi I would have probably performed much better academically; would have probably gotten the 9A1s (we only did 9 papers way back when..) and would now probably be a medical doctor, as per parental aspirations. I’d also probably be quite unhappy, but that’s another story.

This story is about the girls who were there with me. Without going all ra-ra sisterhood on everyone, I’d just like to say that, following the events of the past few days, there would have been no other place I’d rather have spent five years in. Boarding schools may not offer academic education that is that much superior. But it also gives you so much more.

My friend Zoorek is battling leukimia. The girls have set up a fund to help her out with non-medical costs. If you’d like to lend a hand, we, collectively, would be more than grateful. Details here.