I was born in Burnaby, BC (Canada) and we lived in New Westminster, BC until Grade 2 when we moved to Khulna, Bangladesh (it was called East Pakistan back then). We had to leave part way through Grade 4 due to the Pakistan/India war. Back to New Westminster through Grade 7. We moved to KL in 1969. I hated my first year there, and tried to get sent to boarding school (like my older brother and sisters did when we were in Khulna) by failing everything! It didn't work. And I'm very glad it didn't.
The teachers at ISKL that affected me the most were Mrs. Kalais (math) and Coach (Sid) Stewart (basketball). Mrs. Kalais made me sit in the front of the class to stop me from talking, and eventually the math just clicked. In my line of work (as a systems analyst) you really need the problem solving skills she taught me. I enjoy the "detective" work that comes with my job. Coach taught me patience and how to read people. There were some games where he made me sit the first two minutes to watch the other team. I would get really steamed at him, but it worked!
My most memorable sports moments:
- Playing in the SAS-ISKL basketball game on our outdoor court after it rained and we tried to dry the court. I can't remember the year, but it might have been 1971, as Janis Moss was still there (I think!). I went for a fast break, with the tallest SAS player they had and Janis with me. I started sliding and passed the ball to Janis, then slid under the SAS boys bench. I got up, shook myself off, and an SAS player said "I hate you." I said "Why?" and it turned out I had actually made a basket!
- Getting unanimously nominated as an All-Star in the IS games in Hong Kong in December 1973.
I moved back to my home town, Vancouver, BC (Canada) in 1974. I had a tough time with re-entry, as I knew no one here. My parents were still in KL. After two years of University and no degree, I went to work. Married and divorced, no children (except several dogs throughout their lifetime!). I landed a full-time job with the City of Vancouver in 1978, and have worked my way up to a management position. I am with Engineering Services, Equipment Services, where we maintain the City fleet. I am a systems analyst (my official title is Fleet Administration Manager), and believe me when you work with over 200 trades workers, the challenges can be quite interesting! I kept up the sports but switched to mixed orthodox fast pitch softball, until 1999. My bragging rights are that I was the Provincial (for those of you in the US, that would be the equivalent of a State) Female MVP when I was 37! I love my life, I love my job, I love Vancouver, and I really love my dogs.
