Impressions and Perceptions Change

They say first impressions are everything; I disagree to a certain extent. I feel that impressions and perceptions change over time, just as the way we communicate with each other. I am stating this through my experience during the Nomad Adventure camp, as explained in my previous post.

On Saturday morning, we had to rise early as breakfast was served at 7.30am and the truck that was taking us to Gua Tempurung for caving was leaving at 8.30am. The ride to the cave was really fun as all of us were standing on an open air truck. When we arrived, to prevent ourselves from being backtracked as there were a lot of visitors, we went into the cave through the back, unlike everyone else. In the cave, it was dark and wet, and we were told to bring torch lights.

In the cave, there were many obstacles which hindered our movement, and at most parts we had to crawl, and even some where we had to do the "commander crawl". However, the most challenging part was where we were required to climb up a steep slope to continue our exploration. The boys, being stronger than girls, went up the slope first. Most of them stationed themselves at parts of the slops, to help the other boys and girls up. At this point, my perception towards the boys completely changed, it was not everyday I saw the leaderships qualities of a person being revealed. I never knew that they had it in them. I could see the teamwork among us, the feeling that nobody would be ever left behind.

On Sunday, we we went to mountain school to rope climb. In this activity, four groups of nine members were required to rope climb. However, as there were only three courses available, our team was the last to start the activity. Our team decided to do the second course first, and it was rope climbing in a cave. Feirdhauz, being our group leader, made sure that he was the last to go, so that he could make sure that everyone would be fine. This action gained my respect towards him, as I never saw him as one with such responsible traits.

After the camp, my perceptions towards most the boys, especially Feirdhauz and Joshua, completely changed. This clearly proves that impressions towards people can be changed. Therefore, if you worry that your first impression has been tarnished, no worries. Be yourself. In time people will eventually see through you, and there will be hope to redeem yourself! (Or fall further into unfavorable and "avoid-at-all-costs" category)


Written by,
Hooi Kit Wei