Surviving the First Semester

The first semester results are finally out, and I can finally breathe again. These past few days have been nothing short of nerve-wracking. You know that feeling when you’re so anxious that you can’t eat properly or sleep soundly? Yeah, that was me. “Makan tak tenang, tidur tak lena”—as we say in Malay. My mind kept replaying every exam, every assignment, and every moment where I thought, Did I do enough? ...

March 14, 2025 · 3 min · 590 words · Sylvester Ady

"I WANT A GIRLFRIEND!" – A High School Confession

NOTE: This post is about my High School fleeting thoughts. The me right now is still at the moving on phase. Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re a teenage guy, you’ve probably thought this at least once. For me, it wasn’t just a passing thought—it became an obsession. And it all started in my first year of high school. But here’s the kicker: reality doesn’t care about your obsessions. It’s a cruel mistress, and she made sure I knew it. In almost every way, I was (and still am, let’s be honest) painfully average. My looks? Nothing to write home about. Athleticism? Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly the star of the soccer team. Skills? Remarkable? Ha. And while my grades were decent, that was only because I had plenty of time to study. ...

March 14, 2025 · 3 min · 500 words · Sylvester Ady

The Library, the Girl in White, and the Love That Shaped Me

It all began in the most ordinary of places—a high school auditorium on a warm evening. I was assisting with a singing audition for a school event, tasked with calling out participants’ names as they took their turn on stage. One by one, I read from the list, until I reached a name that would unknowingly change everything: Jasmine. She walked up to the stage wearing a simple white T-shirt and jeans, her presence unassuming yet magnetic. When she sang, her voice had a unique quality—soft but full of potential. Unfortunately, her song choice didn’t quite suit her voice, but something about her stayed with me. Maybe it was the way she carried herself or the way our eyes briefly met. It was just a fleeting moment, a glance between strangers, but little did I know, it was the prologue to a story that would unfold over the next two years. ...

March 13, 2025 · 4 min · 687 words · Sylvester Ady

Why I’m Embracing Minimalism (and How You Can Too)

Minimalism. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot these days, often accompanied by images of pristine white rooms with a single potted plant. But for me, minimalism isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about intentionality. It’s about cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters. And honestly? It’s been a game-changer. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter, distracted by endless choices, or just stuck in a cycle of “more, more, more,” this post is for you. Let’s dive into why I’m embracing minimalism—and how you can too. ...

March 12, 2025 · 4 min · 688 words · Sylvester Ady

How I Built My Website

After sharing my journey in "My Own Little Corner of the Internet," I received so many questions about the technical side of things. How did I build my website? Why did I choose this setup? What tips do I have for others? Well, today, I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you the full breakdown. My website is powered by Hugo (with the PaperMod theme), GitHub, and Netlify. It’s a lightweight, fast, and cost-effective setup that’s perfect for beginners and pros alike. Let’s dive in! ...

March 11, 2025 · 4 min · 765 words · Sylvester Ady

My Own Little Corner Of The Internet

I finally did it—I launched my first personal website. It’s been a long time coming, and honestly, I’m thrilled to share it with you. But let’s rewind a bit. Why did I even want to build a website in the first place? Why a website? I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of having my own little corner of the internet. Seeing indie web developers with their own websites made me think, I want that too. There’s something incredibly neat about having a space that’s entirely yours—a place where you can express yourself, share your thoughts, and document your journey. ...

March 10, 2025 · 3 min · 626 words · Sylvester Ady