Pathfinder
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| Dr. Joel Moore |
สวัสดีครับ! This year I've been granted the privilege of organizing the
'In Search of...' study trip. I've spent a total of five years in
Thailand and am excited to see it again with fresh eyes...though I'm mainly
doing it for the ผัดกระเพรา.
Chaperone
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| Andrea Tee |
Hi! I'm Andrea, future
Jedi-Hobbit-X Mutant-Gundam Pilot, current Honors student, and In Search of
Kreung Thep chaperone! I'm incredibly excited to be heading off the proverbial
beaten track, and viewing Bangkok through an anthropological lens! As
chaperone, I'll be looking after the paperwork and making sure everyone's limbs
remain firmly attached to their bodies (shouldn't be too hard...right?) while
on a personal level, my research interests include the Kathoey community in
modern Thailand, Thai Cinema, and finding out if Khao Pad Gaprow is really as
good as Dr. Moore says it is. :)
Editorial Team
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| Chief Editor: Low Jia Wei |
As the first male Chief Editor (breaking
gender barriers yay!), I hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew this
time round for the study trip. I must say I’m working with a very talented
group of editors this year who have been stellar in their duties. Having had an
extremely positive experience with last year’s visit to Saigon, I’m in high
hopes that this year’s trip will be a great one as well.
Now if you would indulge me for a minute…
Not to be outdone by last year’s more “creative”
personal bio, this year I present to you, a limerick:
I’m quite a fan of hats
And strange, peculiar cats
I like to make puns
No not, ‘Make buns’
Now, to end with a rhyme… Oh drat!
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| Lee Jun-Elle My name is Lee Jun-Elle. I am a city girl curious and craving for ‘the other side’, I am suspicious of know-it-alls, and am genuinely friendly though my face cooperates poorly with my good intentions. As Lady Gaga so profoundly put it, baby, I was born this way. I am passionate about art and attempt it on canvas, on a microphone, and on paper. I like watching psychological thrillers, reading stories about morally confused characters, and burying my head in graphic novels. My body enjoys a good workout at the gym and up hills, so I hope that this exercise around Bangkok and Buriram will stimulate my bones, my blood, and my brains. Oh, and my belly, too. |
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| Seow Choon Hui |
I am a pessimist-and-realist-at-most-times-but-turns-optimist-in-times-of-desperation who positions himself at odd ends – written more than a hundred pieces of mostly Romantic and naturalistic poems but doesn’t quite fancy Keats or Milton. I am a lover of psychological thrillers, crime material and an aficionado to Mariah Carey’s glass breaking whistle register. I’m constantly looking out for a Shangri-La and excellent butter cookies (though still searching). I’ve never ceased to look beyond the present but drive myself miserable every single time by anticipating what is to come. Nevertheless, being a guy with a thousand flaws, I yearn for life-changing experiences that can be as simple as meeting a friend from another corner of the earth. I treasure little miracles like these and looking forward to the ‘In Search of’ Thailand’s hospitality and a true love…for culture-lah.
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| Helen Sneha |
I love lizards – they’re almost all we have left of the
awesome possum dinosaurs. On the downside, I hate socks. They’re like jail for
feet. I spend most of my time happily up to my neck in tennis news, but when
I’m not actively dreading Roger Federer’s impending retirement or gushing over
the way his Nike Dri-Fit Polo hangs on his shoulders, I’m usually looking at
people’s fingers, because I think the human hand is a shockingly marvelous
piece of machinery. Phoebe Buffay from Friends is a personal hero of mine,
and I would totally date someone like Ross. I also love Calvin and Hobbes
and Kurt Vonnegut. Talents of mine include knocking things over, becoming
overexcited, and getting into arguments with Leena.
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| Nandhini Radhakrishnan |
Online Team
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| Web Admin: Leena Khalifa |
These are the things I care about: women's rights, film,
liberal democracy, human rights, and milk.
These are things I do on a day-to-day basis:
procrastinate, talk too loudly, talk too much, intimidate perfectly nice
people, overreact, and drink milk…tea.
These are things I hope to do in the future:
travel, make films, and sue evil people.
These are the things I’ve done in the past:
lived in Saudi Arabia and Sudan (latter being my home country), read, reread
and cried to Harry Potter, debated, learned that I will never truly belong anywhere,
and came to accept that belonging is overrated anyway.
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| Sharon Chew |
The name's Sharon. Though if you were to know
me back in primary or high school, you won't know me by this name. Sharon is a
name my family gave me (you can't find it in my passport or IC) after two
months of my birth because my grandmother can't pronounce my Chinese name. I am
a final semester student and first time on a study trip and I’m always eager to
explore new places for the food (not the exotic ones) and people.
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| Shanaz Mohamed |
I am known by many
names, you may call me Shanaz. I'm a self-proclaimed evil genius. But
unfortunately like all the other mortals I'm being forced get a 'proper
education'. Apparently this would help me in the future. I figured a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Psychology and International studies would help me in the
long run. I could take over the world by doing good-deeds!
When I'm not buried head
deep in my evil plans, don’t be surprised to find me rocking out to Audioslave
or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Or reading comic books, thinking Alan Moore is
one of the most amazing people alive.
Photography Team
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| Chief Photographer: Bonnie Teh |
An appetite for sarcasm, vulgarity and terribly inappropriate
things. Appreciates the richness of history and tradition behind every culture.
The epitome of a curious cat, really. Ongoing love-hate relationship with
cigarettes and bubble tea. Usually replaces one vice with another. May run wild
if left unsupervised. Complete indulgence when it comes to food. Do not sample
unless offered. Major pet peeve.
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| Esther Chung |
I am that chronic
Starbucks addict you see hiding behind a laptop and a mountain of books (and
empty coffee mugs) in the cafe. I believe in the power of a good cup of coffee,
that it is capable of inspiring and motivating one into writing a kick-ass HD
assignment. Life as a student majoring in Communications and Writing is
blissful, rewarding and intellectually stimulating. When not poring over
readers and lecture slides, you may catch me munching dainty dark chocolates
while reading the Complete Collection of Poems by Edgar Allan Poe. According to
mother, I am 21. According to my inner Peter Pan, I am forever 18.
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| Amanda Sangeetha Thomas |
Hello all you beautiful people, yes that is me attempting to do
a yoga pose and failing desperately. Anyways I am a second year Arts
student majoring in Communications and International Studies. This is my first
trip to Thailand ever, beware my excitement is contagious. Looking forward to
absorbing all the rich culture and Thai food. I have very strong
opinions on equal human rights for everyone no tradition, culture or religion
should stand in the way of a person getting basic human rights. I can come off being
reserved and quiet but don't worry I'm really friendly and nice once you get to
know me. Oh and I'm a big fan of Audrey Hepburn, some say it learns toward
obsession =)
Video Team
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| Chief Videographer: Farah Zulkefly |
Helleu You Who Are Reading This! I'm Farah Zulkefly, as indicated. I'm
a final year Arts student majoring in Journalism and Communications. Whoopie!!
Now the whole point of this thing is to tell you what I'm about and about to do
and whereabout(s).
I am in love with elephants and the very crafty but super lon (HOT!) Don Draper. I am also a
big-ass bargain hunter and can't wait to scour all the new wholesale fashion
malls for knick-knacks, paddy-whacks, give-a-dog-a-bones...lame but whatever. I
like it. Anyway...down to more serious biz,I will be heading the video team on
our (working) sojourn to the amazingness which is Bangkok. My previous
experience with last year's trip to Vietnam has left me wanting more so I'm
super excited this time around! Especially having lived in Bangkok during my
childhood years and being of Thai descent, I'm really looking forward to
experiencing Thailand at a more intimate level. Wanna get in touch with ma
roots y'all! So keep your eyes peeled for our, hopefully, fabulous
documentation of Krung Thep!
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| Zaleha Kr |
I'm the School Principal
or the Bahasa Melayu teacher that you had either revered or hated. For purely
selfish reasons, the former would make you thank your lucky stars that you
know an awesome girl named, Zaleha Khalilur Rahman today! A twenty-two year old
International Studies major from the School of Arts and Social Sciences. Seeing
how my name was more common during the days of baby boomers and generation x, I
can assure you that I am really good at staying up past my bedtime and am far
from being an 'old-fart'. My love for knitting and button-collecting shall attest
to that!
Also, known for my wild
imaginations (and fictional story making abilities; please refer to previous
line), I could make a good living by charging people to hear me. If I had a
ringgit for every person that would vouch for my abilities, I would have 2
ringgit. And 50 cents. Still young, free and with little money I'm looking
forward to visiting Thailand with the student group because it is definitely
going to be an unforgettable experience! Armed with batteries and powerful
lenses (thank you Mr.Hamdi!), I'll do my best to capture and present Bangkok,
the way we saw it.
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| Arman Attarzadeh |
I am Arman, the dashing
eccentric; a philosophy geek and a major pedantic
The (somewhat) perfect
mixture of creativity and talent; meticulous and specific with a penchant for
balance
My passion is to make
music that knows no bounds, and I hope to entrance thee with their serene
sounds
I am currently in pursuit
of a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and International Studies
You may think of me as
loud and crass and some may even refer to me as being an ass
But to those I say, “Get
to know before you judge,” for many of my friends came to be through a grudge
This excursion to
Bangkok will be my first and I am filled with excitement that I think I might
burst
I will be part of the
videography team with the task to document everything that we see
I hope you enjoyed this
little piece of poetry and that it helped explain a bit about me
Oh, and just to mess
with the rhyming in your head, I shall end this poem in an anti-climax
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| Munira Mutaher |
Name is Munira Mutaher.
You could put a Feeroz in between, but that’s my dad’s name, and as a kid ma
liked it better and I was too young and stupid to realize it was wrong. But,
who says things have changed? Call me Munira Feeroz Mutaher.
You are most likely to
find me in the middle of rainforest photographing something highly
unsubstantial. The question is, what are you doing there? Being the extra inquisitive
person I am, trust me, I will find out. Either way, I will proceed to walk with
you to the more civilised part of town and spend my time riding cycles and flying
kites. By evening we would be sitting down a cobbled street listening to a harminist
while enjoying an enormous, ginormous if possible, bowl of crème brûlée.
I am insanely excited to
leave to Thailand, especially in the hope of finding someone who will finally
find my weak puns hilarious.
Cultural Team
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| Head of Cultural Team: Melvin Shawn D'Silva |
Commonly known as 'Mel' or 'Mel D' is a Portu-Chin-Dian
(Portuguese, Chinese & Indian mix). I take a double degree majoring in
Marketing and Communication, Minoring in Journalism for 4 years just so that I
can have another year of awesome uni life. I’m a freelance bassist who
loves Rock. I play the guitar and the drums too. I do not fear death,
literally. Hate sleeping and I think it’s a big waste of time; I only sleep
because his body needs it. Life philosophy: Live Life Out!
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| Catharine Tanara |
I am Catharine Tanara,
20 years old. People usually just call me Cath. A proud Indonesian born
Chinese who indulges herself in the beauty of diversity. Currently pursuing a
B. Arts degree at Monash University, majoring in both Communication and
International Studies. I always try to believe in the best of people. I love
laughing, talking, teasing around, sunshines, rain, books but hate
intimidations and injustice. A free thinker, though recently immersed in
the idea of Buddhism. I am passionate about food and fashion. An avid traveler,
self-control freak and a die-hard fan of Yoga and Big Bang!
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| Nova Wijayanty |
I believe television can change
people’s lives, which is why I am known as a big fan of reality television,
especially The Voice. Becomes a weirdo who laughs like crazy when someone tells
her a lame joke, so if you see me laughing for no apparent reason, just ask, “WHAT’S
SO FUNNY, NOVA?” to which there will be no answer. I’m enthusiastic about
talent nights, so it’s not surprising I’m in Cultural Team. Hopefully this trip
will be a memorable trip for everyone!
