*This article marks the launch of a new writing corner, “I, MY.” The corner’s primary aim is to invite international students and marginalized minorities at Monash University to share their experiences as ‘outsiders’ in Malaysia. It’s open to everyone in Monash Malaysia, with the overarching goals of fostering better inclusion, encouraging greater interaction, and deeper…

In my teen years, I despised myself. I hated the way I was. The way I looked, the way I was unable to score good grades. I always said that I hated highschool because of the people. Looking back, it was my own self-hatred that shaped the way I viewed it. I projected, thinking that…

Here’s another: it’s a game. My consciousness has a conversation with my conscience and wetry to figure out who’s who. Let’s begin. I’m not like this. No. You are. I’m drowning in quicksand. Your struggling is self-sabotage. I’ll make it up to them somehow. You’re not needed nor wanted. I’ll use these broken bricks. You…

Hey, do you remember the first time? “The first time? The first time what?” The first time you and I met. In real life. “Yeah, you were a lot taller than I expected.” I told you my height before? “You exceeded expectations nonetheless. Congratulations.” Pfft. You know, I’m really glad we met when we did….

Driving alone has gotten a lot noisier since you left. The car sings, and sometimes, it sounds just like you. My phone’s autocomplete has forgotten you, but my fingers still know their way to your name. Your friends and I text regularly now, and I don’t bring up your name when we call. I no…

No amount of charity will free me from the debt of guilt. No amount of gratitude will wash away the bloodstains. I am a killer. Cold. Unfeeling. It doesn’t matter how many lives I save. No amount of grace will undo the fact that I killed us. Written by Jou Hatsu

two steps forward, one step back, together we waltz as vultures circle above, our bodies flow as one and we hum our tune – the stars are hypnotized; we ignore them, we twirl, we bend, we heal we cry, we break, we kneel and after our limbs grow tired and after our lungs collapse you…

Once upon a time, I believed I was incapable of good. “Nothing I do matters. Everything is pointless. I’m worthless. I’m unlovable.” I didn’t realize I also believed I was incapable of bad.“It doesn’t matter. They won’t know. They don’t care.” Because I don’t matter. So when the atmosphere ignited around us, fumes invading our…

You said that you hope I aren’t this nice all the time. That if I am, people might take advantage of my kindness. I say that I hope I am. I hope that I am as kind and patient to a lost child, as I am to the spider descending onto my shoulder. I hope…

In the tapestry of life, moments shine bright,Like stars against the vast canvas of night.For me, it was Ayappa, my closest kin,A man I thought would never fall, never dim. In his eyes, I saw the strength of ages past,Yet, one day, he slept, and it was his last.Life’s fragility struck, swift and profound,In that…