By Emna ESSEGHIR
As I gazed at the group photograph of the museum volunteers captured at our year-end “MV Party”, all I saw were radiant smiles, spontaneous reactions, and newfound friendships. This was an opportunity for us all to give thanks and reconnect. Batch 40 MVs were especially jubilant as the party was also their graduation ceremony. As for the rest who attended, we were not short of being excited and spirited. I can most definitely attest this to be true for Batch 38, my batch!
How did this incredible journey unfold? Let me weave the tale of my enchanting odyssey towards becoming a volunteer guide at the National Museum. I’ll illustrate just how exhilarating my journey was. Who knows? This might just kindle the same spark within you to do the same.
Discovering the Opportunity
It all started in May 2022, upon the recommendation of two esteemed French-speaking guides. Stepping into the presentation room during an information morning session, I was met with a sea of eager faces, a diverse mosaic of different age groups and backgrounds, converging in pursuit of something magical. Throughout the session, I found myself to be further inspired to guide visitors through the museum’s treasures. The presence of existing experienced MVs added a sense of wisdom, while the discourse brimmed with motivation and passion. In that moment, a fervent thought surfaced, “I must be a part of this!”
Commencement and Enthusiasm
I soon enrolled, and the thrill of being officially accepted was like a surge of electricity, igniting my excitement for the training which commenced in September 2022. Embracing the same anticipation, I felt as though I was a child eagerly awaiting to return school after a long summer vacation. I was bubbling with enthusiasm.
Before the training kicked off, I made a trip to the bookstore to get some stationery – notebooks, paper, and some colourful pens, like a burst of colours which aptly represented my readiness to dive headfirst into this adventure!
Embarking on Training
At last, the day of my first class arrived. The not-so-spacious MV Room was already buzzing with attendees. I quietly settled into a seat at the back of the room, observing the unfamiliar faces around me. Apart from a fellow French individual, I was a stranger among strangers, but hey, it was just the first day!
As the roll call commenced, prompting us to sign next to our names, it felt like we were at school again. We were strongly encouraged not to miss any sessions unless absolutely necessary, with a cautionary note that repeated absence might hinder our progress.
That was not an issue for me as Tuesday classes were a perfect fit for me. The training team’s introduction was warm and approachable. I have a tendency to infuse my initial impressions with positivity. Striving to be an attentive learner, I absorbed each detail like a sponge.
It was revealed to us that the diverse topics crucial to Malaysia’s history will form the content of our training. Each of us will be put to the test by undergoing oral assessments of varying durations – 3, 7, and 15 minutes – fun I’d say! Notably, the assessment demanded a supporting written essay with a pre-determined format, character count, and referencing, not unlike an academic research paper!
We had our photographs for our future MV tags, this felt like an initial stride towards a promising journey. Our group was subsequently divided, each subgroup was entrusted to an experienced guide. I found myself under the guidance of Mr. Jega, who exuded an air of wisdom and commanded respect effortlessly. He seemed to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of the museum, almost as if he had been a part of its history from the very start. The setting up of a WhatsApp group with him was aimed at streamlining communication, and each student was tasked with randomly selecting their first three-minute topic. Mine turned out to be ‘tulang mawas.’ A quick dive into Google helped unravel the mystery behind this intriguing phrase! Well, it seemed like diving into reading and research was the name of the game!
Navigating Challenges and Bonding
The early sessions posed a challenge, especially for a foreigner like me struggling with a new geography. Feeling lost was a familiar sentiment until a presentation on the ‘Bujang Valley’ prompted a strategic shift.
I began prepping before class, diving into research to grasp, follow, and engage with the material. Waking up early had long become a routine, a habit cultivated since childhood. Progress was swift, and as the training advanced, I found myself increasingly enjoy reading and researching. Mr. Jega with his insistence for factualness, attention to detail, and kindness, helped polished my knowledge. Thankfully, my presentations sailed through on the first attempt. Our mentors – Jega, Rama, Debbie, Sibilla, and Anna – were stellar trainers. In the classroom, we were all learners, irrespective of our levels. The space fostered camaraderie, gradually breaking down barriers among us. I cherished the conversations I had with my two Korean friends seated in front, even before learning their names. Engaging with my friend Rueben, sometimes relying on his translation for English or Malay words, added to the friendliness.
Mutual support bound us together. The visible disappointment in someone’s eyes when they had to retake a test was met with a reassuring word. As our journey progressed, the ties within our Batch 38 family strengthened, evolving into something truly priceless.
The passing weeks were a whirlwind, and our volunteer librarians, Jean and Lai Meng, were the pillars of unwavering support, guiding us on how to select suitable books as reference.
Each of us was tasked with experiencing at least three guided tours to absorb, contrast narrative styles, and explore various approaches. Personally, I dove headfirst into more than 10 tours, uncovering hidden gems with each visit.
As we approached the program’s conclusion, the pivotal moment arrived when we needed to select a mentor for an extensive museum tour. I approached my guide, Mr. Jega, requesting to continue under his wing, and to my delight, he graciously accepted.
The pride I felt was immeasurable—I aspired to navigate the entire museum in English, a language not native to me, but a challenge I welcomed with open arms! My decision led me through the four galleries, and oh, the tales I have from that journey!
In our compact team, led by Mr. Jega, each member possessed a distinct style. I surmise this diversity was a common thread among other groups. Yet, amid this diversity, one remarkable and undeniable thread prevailed: the unprecedented unity among us!
We freely exchanged resources and ideas, fostering an environment devoid of rivalry. We collectively believed in the power of shared knowledge, understanding that its distribution only magnifies its impact. Our mutual support was palpable, a cascade of motivation and encouragement. The elation I experienced witnessing my peers conquer galleries was akin to my own triumphs. Perhaps it’s ingrained in our culture or fostered by our group dynamic. Following Fuad in Malay or someone else in Chinese? Absolutely no issue there! Language barriers crumbled in the face of friendship. Being there, shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, providing unwavering support in times of struggle, is the very essence of our shared experience. In our realm, friendship speaks a universal language, unifying us beyond any linguistic boundaries.
I made it a point to be there for my buddies as they were there for me. That mutual support meant the world, there was no awkwardness among us. My first big win? Jega’s ‘good’ on my report on 26/01/2023. That maiden tour felt like an epic saga! They said it took two hours, but trust me, it felt more like a marathon – easily four hours. We stopped at every single artefact, diving deep into their stories. Mr. Jega wanted to make sure I knew the museum inside out. Round two, a few days later, 03/02/2023, and guess what? Nailed it! I was the first to wrap up, and my mentor’s comment – “completed successfully” – felt like a display of fireworks within me! But wait, it wasn’t a wrap yet, my gang hadn’t finished, and my buddies in other groups were still getting assessed, so I stayed on standby to lend a hand.
Hey! I’m not some prodigy – everyone was worked hard, and it was beyond amazing! Every day, one of our mentors would blast out a success story on our WhatsApp group. The vibes were all about cheers and high-fives! And voilà! We aced our tasks, every single one of us. Personally, after acing it in English, I aced my French tour, guided by the fabulous Marie Andrée, our experienced French-speaking guide. What a ride!
Immersive Experiences and Personal Triumphs
Then came my very first official tour, and guess who was in my group? A VIP – a distinguished professor, a big shot in the tin world. Was I nervous? Not really nervous, but this thought kept popping up: ‘What if I blank out? What if I can’t find the right info?’ But then I told myself, ‘Come on, Emna! You’ve put in the work for this moment – you’ve got this!’ I had eight visitors in total, and you know what? I completely forgot it was my first tour. It felt like second nature, like I’d been doing this my whole life. Sharing my knowledge was an absolute blast! And you know what topped it off? The feedback was all thumbs up, which gave me a huge sense of peace.
That day, entering Gallery C, I ran into my mentor, Mr Jega. His smile and words of encouragement felt like a beacon of honour, affirming my efforts. The tours kept rolling – English, French, and most recently, Arabic.
Peering out my window every day, I see the National Museum, a place that now feels like a second home, draped in its traditional Malay style. Memories rush in – cultural escapades, eye-opening visits, mind-boggling conferences, city jaunts, and delightful lunches.
We’ve woven a tapestry of experiences, deeper than the mere tours. Opting for this program stands tall as one of my most pivotal choices since landing in Malaysia.
Uncovering the layers of history in this remarkable land has been a rewarding quest. Yet, the real gem lies in the friendships, the extended family I’ve discovered along this path. This expedition continues, and I hope that our friendships endure, transcending the museum’s walls.
A resounding thanks to everyone, near and far, whose contributions supported our journey. Your encouragement has been our fuel, and we’re driven not to disappoint.
Thank you!
Museum Volunteers, JMM 