"3 years � Yup, I�m going to be stuck in this place for 3 years. Well, that is if I�m lucky enough. I�ve heard of some people who�ve been around for generations. I really wonder how it is like being around people almost four years your junior� maybe even six. Wow� when I was in JC, she would be in Primary 6 and now, we are undergraduates within the same time dimension� sheesh!!!" I was thinking aloud to myself as I sat on service no. 96 which I boarded from the Central Library. A petite freshie-looking girl who was sitting next to me in the crowded bus stole side-glances as though she could read my mind.

In a sudden burst of schizophrenia, my mind said, "Hey� what are you thinking boy � sorry about that. You are supposed to be a MAN� well the army made you into a MAN, right? You can�t think like a JC kid anymore. Hmmm� I�ve got a point there or is it you... whatever. Yah� I just need to get that scroll and think about what�s next. Anyway, three years should come and go fast enough. Luckily, I chose Computer Science� now everyone going into IT� even the durian sellers� so I�m very sure that in 4 years� I�ll be starting off somewhere with at least $2.4 K in my pockets."

The thought of money made me smile especially when my savings from NS were running low. The girl next to me jumped to another empty seat. She must have thought that she was sitting next to some lunatic.

"Hey dreamer�" another voice whispered. "Are you sure you are here just for the big bucks? You want to slog 3 years of your life just for that? Excuse me� are you sure you are 21?" I was suddenly confused about my identity. There was a crisis going in my mind. A legacy from NS life � the favourite question: can carry an M16 but cannot watch R(A).

"Assalamualaikum" A deep voice boomed.

I jumped a little and next to me I saw what seemed like a familiar smiling face except for a scrawny moustache which seemed out of place, strands of hair which resembled a goatee and two puffy cheeks.

"Wa�alaikumsalam� Hey Man! It�s been a long time� you look different� how are you?" I was overjoyed meeting a familiar face amidst an unfamiliar territory. Luqman was my senior back in JC. We were notorious back then for our uncalled-for heroics, or is it theatrics? Those should be buried in a time capsule and never to be revealed.

"Praises to Allah� Life has never been better. How about you?" said Luqman.

Recalling the mess in my mind, I said, "Not too good. There are really too much uncertainties. I thought NS life was tough. I suddenly feel that what�s ahead of me here is going to be worse."

Luqman smiled. "Don�t worry so much. What you need is people to cheer you up and let you settle down here fast and everything should be fine, Insya- Allah."

For a start, just let me share a bit. Before you begin a certain task, it is good if we check our intentions. It will determine our direction when doing something. Life here is not just about �mugging�, scoring distinctions or being another statistical figure who have made the Muslim community proud. If that is what you think what tertiary education is all about, I think it�s better you sign on the Army." The smile in his face slowly disappeared and was replaced by a pensive look.

"As someone who has professed the Oneness of Allah and nothing else but Him that we submit, wherever we are, what we do should relate back to our Creator." He added.

"So, we have to look at our stay here as that of one who is seeking knowledge. Something precious that would help us in discerning from what is truth and what is not. Set your initial intention of education here as a means truly and purely for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Allah." The smile returned back to Luqman�s face.

"Insya-Allah, life in NUS would be very meaningful and with a purpose. Think about it." There was a moment of silence. The bus has reached the bus stop next to Clementi McDonalds and everyone was alighting with these two souls trudging from behind.

Once we were down, Luqman said, "I�ll catch up with you again one of these days. Anyway, I�ll be around for another two more years so we can chit-chat again later. I�ll introduce you to the other brothers and sisters. They�ll help you out. Insya-Allah, life will be more colourful. Trust me."

"Thanks. I can always count on you. I�ll think about what you said. I guess there is a lot of orientation which needs to be done in my mind." I responded with a smile.

"See you soon. Take care. Assalamualaikum." Luqman waved and he went up the escalator towards the MRT station.

"Wa�alaikumsalam." I mumbled and stood still watching Luqman as he slowly disappeared up the escalator.

"McPepper Meal. Save $1" The sign read. I could not resist it.

"Now, let�s start from the top� why am I here?" My mind spoke again as I slowly walked towards McDonalds.