what could have been

I was driving back from work earlier today, when an old memory came flashing into mind.
I was remembering the time when my college buddies and I were supposed to do placements for universities in the US.
After 2 years of completion, the AAD programme, we were supposed to further for another 2 more years in any selected university in the US of A.

Came final semester, we were all so busy googling which would be the best Uni to choose - shortlisting process was mainly done based on few factors - the location, the culture, the lifestyle, the facilities, the architecture of the Uni! Haha! Whether the Uni had excellent credits for their Undergrad Studies were totally not in the consideration process. Isk, isk... shallow, I know!

Within the whole gang, my coursemate would be Uya. So, we decided to apply for the same Uni.

1st selection: California State University, Sacramento.
Reason for choosing: It's located in California. Wouldn't it be cool to spend 2 years of living in California?? :p


2nd selection: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Reason for choosing: The Uni has few amazing buildings.. Haha! And, their College of Letters and Science (yes, an odd name for a faculty) for English major students was recommended by our Admission & Placement Officer.

The above pic was my 3rd selection: Ohio State University. Reason for choosing: I was actually torn in between this Uni and another Uni. Back then, someone whom I was 'very' closed with, got selected to this Uni. So, the reason I wanted to go there was solely to be 'slightly' more closer to him. Ehem, if you know what I mean.. Hehe! But, to get into OSU wasn't that easy. They only accept above 3.5CGPA, which I was not fortunate enough to achieve! (read: malas belajar!).

In the end, after all applications were filed up, MARA made the announcement that we would NOT be sent to the US, due to the economic downturn. Yeap, we were the 1st batch of AAD programme being 'hit' with the economy crisis.. So, for my batch/major, we were sent to UPM, and we regarded it as the University of Purdue.

A way to soothe our aching hearts back then.. Hehe!

Now, I'm wondering, how my life could have been different, IF I was selected to any of those Unis. Wow... it's amazing how a simple twist of fate could totally changed the course of our lives, huh?