Individual identity is formed by how one relates to others

Identity is who we think we are. It is formed by many different facets. Family, society, culture, personal interest and our surrounding can help shape and mould our identity. Some may have a significant effect while others might not influence us in our journey of understanding ourself. Each person's identity is unique and individualistic due to the many differences in upbringing and experiences that can either help built our identity, or destroy the ones we have. Identity is formed when we have dreams to follow and aspirations to achieve. They are formed when we  really look within ourselves to learn who we really are instead of depending on others that might cause us to lose our identity and suppress who we really are. Hence, it is false to say that individual identity is formed only by how one relates to others, either our family and close ones or the community as there are many other factors that plays a role in establishing our identity. However, there are exceptions when one was able to establish their identity by how they relate to others. These can be seen in the text that have been studied.

Firstly, an individual identity is formed when one has a strong will to achieve his or her dreams and aspiration. Their identity is not affected by those around them or the circumstances that they are going through. However, the journey of finding their true identity comes with a cost as they do not conform to the expectations that are put on them by their family and the society. This can be seen in the case of Vincent from the movie, Gattaca. Though Vincent is a faith-born child with poor genetic makeup, he did not gave up his dream of being a space navigator. Instead of succumbing to social laws and the stigma of being an invalid, he rose above it all. He even personate Jerome, a valid, in order to work in the space exploration center. His identity is not formed by how he relates to others such as his family and the community as they gave little to no support in every form, be it emotionally or physically. His dream of going to space and his passion for it was the thing that build his individual identity as he neither identifies himself as an invalid due to his fueling passion and determination, nor as a valid due to his genetic constitution. Similarly, Diana, from the short story, "Five Ways to Disappoint Your Vietnamese Mother", faced the same rejection that Vincent went through when she decided to pursue a career in acting. Her aspiration to be an actor is in conflict with her mother's Asian ideology of wanting their children to have a professional career such as being a doctor. This empowered her to find her individual identity based on the goals and aspiration she has. Thus, it can be clearly seen that individual identity is formed by one's dreams and aspiration that one have.

Apart from that, individual identity can only be found when one learn to accept themselves as who they are and not who they belong too. This is because, when we learn to accept our weakness and strength and not compromise the principles and values that we uphold, we don not have to suppress who we really are. In the novel, The Kite Runner by Khaleed Hosseini, Amir only found his individual identity when he stop trying to be Baba's  ideal son. When Amir tries to validate himself to gain his father's approval and affection, he compromises his conscience and did not prevent Hassan from being rape. He tried to hide his identity as someone who loves literature and put on a facade in order to please his father. In the end, his identity is formed when he accepts that he will always be a coward and started working on his talent in writing. He became a successful writer and even redeemed himself by saving Sohrab. Besides, Sandra Laing from the movie, Skin also found her true identity when she gave up trying to belong in the white and colored community. She was rejected by the white society due to her appearance and did not fully belong to the colored community due to her upbringing and her sense of belonging to her family. Petrus violent behavior further pushed her away and she learned to accept who she is and not depend on the relationships that she has. Sandra was able to be an independent woman when she accepts that she will never truly  to anyone but finds her sense of self and identity within herself. Hence, both Amir and Sandra's identity is moulded and formed only when they learn to accept themselves.

Even though it is said that individual identity is formed by other factors that are stated above, our relationship and interaction with others can also affect our identity. A Zulu proverb states that a person is a person through other people. When we were born, our identity is not fully formed. We learn to walk, act and talk based on our observation on how society and the people around us behave. Mala, from the short story, "The Third and Final Continent", is the perfect example to demonstrate how a relationship with someone can help build our identity as a person. When Mala first moved to the United States to e with her husband, she was sad and wept. She sacrificed her life in India and her family in order to take on her new role as a wife. Unlike Mrs. Sen who cannot establish an identity in a new country, Mala managed to adapt to the foreign culture and land with minor hiccups. This is mostly due to the narrator's kind and caring attitude towards her. He does not force Mala to abide to traditional custom such as wearing a headpiece. Mala's identity is inextricably linked ot her relationship with the narrator which helps her identity herself as an American. In the short story, "Wei-Lei and Me", Aditi also developed an identity through her association with Wei-Lei, a migrant from China. Their bond is formed from mutual exclusion as both of them faced bully and discrimination. They were teased, kicked and ridiculed due to their appearance. The assurance that she is not alone, helps Aditi to overcome her timidity and she learned to stand up for herself. Besides, the acceptance of her heritage and culture by Wei-Lei gave her confidence in her identity as an Indian. Eventually, both Wei-Lei and Aditi managed to identify themselves as Australians when they grow up. Therefore, individual identity is formed by how one relates to others as the people we associate with can build our sense of belonging towards them and develop our identity as a person.

In conclusion, individual identity is formed by our relationship and interaction with others as the people we know may be a catalyst in our understanding of oneself and help solve the pieces of puzzle in discovering who we really are. However, individual identity can also be established by the dreams and aspiration we have as it impels us to strive harder to achieve our goals and justify the way we act. Apart from that, individual identity is built only when we accept and learn who we really are as our true identity lies within ourselves. Thus, it is wrong to say that individual identity is formed solely based on how we relate to others as there are other factors that contribute to the establishment of our identity.

Din Tai Fung @ Empire Shopping Gallery

Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese restaurant and is famous for their steamed dumpling and noodle. They have branches all around the world and its branch in Hong Kong received a Michelin star in 2010.

I went there and tried their famous shrimp fried rice and xiao long bao. The fried rice is so fragrant and comes with fresh shrimps. The service provided is also very good. The xiao long bao has a thin skin and mouth watering pork soup in the inside. It is good. However, for me, it is a bit overprice. The fried rice cost roughly RM25 and the xiao long bao cost RM17.80 for 10 pieces.

You can get to their store also at Pavilion and One Utama .

SS15 Food Reviews

• Restoran Kwai Sun 

Price: $-$$

Address: No. 5G &7G, Jalan SS15/4G, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Daily 7a.m. to 12a.m.

Their popiah and Hokkien noodle is so good. 

• Restoran Gold Chilli 

Price: $-$$

Address: 5, Jalan SS 15/8b, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Mon- Sat 12p.m to 12 a.m.

The best buttermilk chicken you can get in Subang. However, sometimes the quality of the food is inconsistent.

• Burgertory 

Price: $$-$$$

Address: 8, Jalan SS 15/4d, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Tues- Fri 6p.m. to 11p.m. Sat & Sun 1p.m. to 11p.m

The burger here is so so but the ambiance is not bad.

• Super Kitchen Chilli Pan Mee 

Price: $-$$

Address: 27-G Jalan SS15/8A, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Daily 9a.m. to 10p.m.

Very good chilli pan mee. There are other shops too and I can't really taste the difference unless you're comparing them side to side. Their side dishes here are not bad. 

• Uncle Soon Fried Rice 

Price: $-$$

Address: 95, Jalan SS 15/4b, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Mon- Fri 10.30am to 3pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm

                           Sat- Sun 12pm to 3 pm and 4.30pm to 8.30 pm 

The best fried rice I have ever eaten. You definitely have to try their char siew one. There are two other flavours, prawns and prawns and char siew. The fried rice comes with a sunny side up and their chilli is the bomb. If you want it to be saltier, ask for more soya sauce. 

• Omaya 

Price: $$-$$$

Address:  A.02.2, Menara Rajawali, Jalan SS 15/8, SS 15, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500

Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am to 11.30 pm 

I don't really like the food here compared to other Korean restaurants. Nonetheless, it is a good experience and if you haven't tried chicken wrapped in cheese, have a go.

• Chicken Up 

Price: $$-$$$

Address: 7, Jalan SS 15/4, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Mon- Fri 4pm to 12 am 

                           Sat- Sun 11.30am to 12 am

Will not go to this Korean fried chicken stall again as there are so many others that are much nicer. It is not bad but not good either. One good thing is that the chicken is very big. 

• Jojo's Little Kitchen 

Price: $-$$

Address:  30, Jalan SS 15 /4D, Subang Jaya, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, NPE, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Daily 9.30am to 10pm (except Wed 9.30am to 6pm)

Another chilli pan mee shop that you can try. 

• OWL Espresso 

Price: $$-$$$

Address:  Jalan SS 15/8, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 12am 

I love their matcha bingsu over here. There are many other choices as well. It is a nice place to chill and relax as it opens till quite late at night. 

• Sangkaya 

Price: $-$$

Address: 25, Jalan SS 15/4b, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Daily 12p.m to 12 am 

They have really good coconut ice cream and other flavours. You can choose your own toppings. However, there isn't a lot of space for you to sit and relax. Only a few chairs are available. 

How To Study For SPM

I'm not sure whether will it be helpful for you guys if I shared how I studied for my SPM. But, there is nothing to lose. So, here is a post on my study methods. I took SPM in 2016 and did pretty well for the examination. My Form 4 and Form 5 years were really stressful but by the time we had to sit for our SPM papers, I wasn't very stress. I knew then I did not have to compete with anyone, only myself. Life was stressful because I always wanted to be the top. I was always comparing my results with my friends and classmates. My mother told me, you don't have to do that as there will always be someone that is better than you. If all you do is compare with someone else, all you will get is stress.

For Bahasa Malaysia, I did a lot of exercises. I bought many activity books from the local bookstore and just did books after books. Always remember to memorise your literature component. For cerpen, put more emphasis on pengajaran, nilai and watak. I usually will find one common subject which can fit all the aspect. For example, if the nilai is kasih sayang, my pengajaran will be kita mestilah mengamalkan nilai kasih sayang seperti.... and the watak I write will be one who has the same values. This is so I can use the same situation (contoh) for many prompts and questions. For the poem, you must remember gaya bahasa whereas for prosa tradisional, you just have to understand the text and learn the moral values. The answers to the questions are all in the text given . The first question wil usually ask you what the meaning of a phrase of words or a word is whereas the second question is about the text and the last question will be KBAT (you can write anything and get the mark if it is reasonable). I'm not really very good with the essays so I don't think I can give any advice on that. Most of the time, I'll improve on my vocabularies and learn new bombastic words. To get a high score for your essay, you definitely must put a peribahasa (at least one).

I don't really do much for English except for the literature. I did a few exercise books and that's all. Usually, I read the newspaper or storybooks to improve my English.

For Mathematics , do more exercise books and past year questions to get you familiarize with the structure. If you can do without referring to the formula sheet, you are on the right track. Every step of the solution must be shown as marks are given on the steps.

On the other hand, for Addmaths marks will be given for the correct answer. If you get the right answer, you will get full marks but if your end answer is wrong, they will look at your steps. While in class, only do your notes or copy the notes from the teacher so that you can refer to it in the future. Don't throw it away. I also recommend you getting Pelangi Analysis exercise book or any exercise book that provides answers with the steps for easy reference.

For Biology, I recommend you getting the Oxford Success Reference Book as the notes are similar to the textbook. Some teachers are very strict while marking the paper, so you have to make sure you use the correct term when writing your answer. For the essay question, write as much as you can as the wrong answer won't be penalize while the correct answer will be given marks.

For Physics and Chemistry, do as much exercise and past year questions as possible. If you do have the time, try attempting an extra essay questions.

For Pendidikan Moral, memorise the kata kunci that is given by the teacher and follow the marking scheme. I can't really say much about this subject as the format is constantly changed and updated.

For Account, you have to understand the concept of every topic so that it is very easy for you to do well in Paper 1 and for Paper 2, memorise the format of the PP and KK and do loads of worksheets. Accounts is a little bit like maths, as long as you understand and memorise a few stuff you can score.

Must Eat Food in Sunway Pyramid

• Village Roast Duck 

I am one who don't like the taste of duck and don't eat duck meat often. However, this shop makes me crave for their duck meat. They also have pork, fish and other dishes. Their best dish is their Peking Duck and noodles with roasted duck meat. 

• Pu Tien

This restaurant is famous for their Heng Hwa food and has one Michelin star. Hence, it is most of the time full and you have to get there early or reserve a table if you want to dine here. I like their seaweed with mini shrimps, drunken cockles, braised pig intestine, clay pot fish soup, shredded pork with sesame bun, deep fried chicken with garlic (not bad), Pu Tien's sweet and sour pork with lychee, lor mee, Heng Hwa bee hoon, pork knuckle, and fried yam.

• 4 Fingers

4 Fingers is all about their Korean fried chicken (wings and drumsticks) that comes in 2 flavours, either soy or spicy. You can also try their fries which also comes in 2 flavours, seaweed and kimchi. I prefer the kimchi as it has more flavour. 

• Haraju Cube 

Their honey toast is absolutely delicous. There are 9 flavours and I have only tried their classic as it is quite expensive. The classic comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the honey toast with whipped cream and a sauce.

• Nadeje

The best place for crepes cake is none other than Nadeje. If you couldn't go to Melacca to try their original, you can always try it in their other branch shop. Their crepes are very thin and has many layers while the amount of the cream is just nice. There is a variety of flavour but my favourite is still the original. 

• Boat Noodles

• Go Noodle House

• KyoChon

• Mr. Tuk Tuk

Mr. Tuk Tuk is all about Thai food. 

• Rakuzen

• Teochew Chendul

If you miss eating Penang Laksa and crave for it but can't go to Penang. Eat here and try their asam laksa. The noodle and soup is as good as the one in Penang.

• Tony Roma

• Subway 

Their sandwiches may be a bit expensive. However, there are offer deals everyday where you can choose a sandwich (out of the 5 flavours they offered), a drink and a cookie for RM11.90. The sauces I prefer are the honey mustard and sweet onion. Most of the time, I just get their cookie set. Three cookies for RM5. My favourite cookie in order are chocolate chips, double chocolate chips, white chocolate with macademia and oatmeal raisin.

• Texas Chicken

• Cinnabon

• Dip N Dip

• Famous Amos

• Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart

• Koi 

Marmite Chicken

Ingredient:
250 ml oil for deep-frying
2 chicken thighs, about 500g cut into pieces

Marinade:
1 tsp light soya sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp corn flour

Sauce:
2 tbsp Marmite yeast extract
1 tbsp maltose
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp light soya sauce
Dash of pepper
Chicken stock granules
100ml water

Method:
1. Mix the chicken with the marinade and season for 1 hour.
2, Deep fry in hot oil for 2 minutes or until cooked. Dish up and drain the excess oil.
3. Leave 1 tbsp oil in the wok, pour in the sauce and cook at medium heat until thick. Put in fried chicken and mix well. Dish up and serve.

Note: This recipe can be use to prepare spare rips or prawns too. However, do not marinade the prawns before frying.

Salted Fish and Pork Belly in Clay Pot

Ingredients:
1 tbsp oil
50 g salted fish, diced
3 dried chilli, cut into 3 cm length
15 slices of ginger
1 onion, sliced
300g pork belly, sliced thinly
1 tbsp oil
3 stalks of spring onion, cut into 3 cm length

Seasoning:
1/2 tbsp light soya sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp oyster sauce
1 tsp dark soya sauce
1 tbsp shaoxing wine
100ml water

Method:
1. Heat up the oil and saute the salted fish and dried chilli at low heat until fragrant.
2. Add in the ginger, onion and pork belly and stir well. Add in the seasoning, stir well and cook for 3 minutes until meat is tender.
3. Heat up a clay pot, add in 1 tbsp oil and saute the spring onion until fragrant. Add in the pork belly mixture, 1 tbsp shaoxing wine and cover the lid. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Serve immediately.

Notes: Chill the meat in the fridge until slightly firm for easy slicing into thin pieces. Use "Mui Hiong" salted fish for better flavour.