The First and Last : Beginning and Ending of University Life
By Wong Karmen
University years are the best years in a person’s life. You are young, energetic and fresh out of school with a full-on passion and enthusiasm to put yourself out there, discover yourself and make lifelong friends. But have you ever wondered what you will achieve at the end of it all? This is a series of shared experiences from three TU graduates who came to college with high hopes to achieve meaningful memories to keep for the rest of their lives. And for them, those expectations reached beyond their hopes.
Sonia Louise Hiew, TU-Dual Degree (Hons) International Business & Marketing
First Week
I started my first week with a dream. My ultimate goal in university was not just about excelling academically; I wanted other things. I wanted to be different. I wanted to do things outside the classroom walls. I wanted to form business networks. I wanted to develop personal growth. I wanted to dirty my hands with hands-on experiences. Most importantly, I wanted a job before graduation. And back then; I believed that TU could provide all those opportunity.
Last Week
During the final week, all I could think of was to get through with school. Exam preparations, assignments, final year projects were intense with sleepless nights and caffeine overload. But there I was reflecting on my three years; how much I have achieved. I got what I wanted – even more than I could have ever dreamt of. Brandster’s winning trip to Paris for L’Oreal Brandstorm; a business idea AND a business partner; a chance to share with my peers on what it takes to be outstanding and a leader; two amazing internships with multinational companies; great friendships, and as a bonus, a new-found love. Into my final week, I have already had job offers from big MNCs. They were at the tip of my fingers. It was a dream come true.
Joshua Wong Jun Wai, 21, Communication and Business- American Degree Programme (ADP)
First Week
I came into this university fresh out of high school, and it was a life changer. Taylors' provided me with more than just education; it provided me friends, which is an important foundation in growing because friends are more than just acquaintances. The environment is fantastic, and I believe I am really lucky to have studied in this Lakeside Campus.
Last Week:
There's a common misconception going around most teenagers today, and that is regarding education not being as important as it should be. I was one of them, and then I came to realize that it does put us at a different social standard as adults. My only advice to anyone who is still studying is to put in all the passion and talent you have in doing what you love. If you think you don’t like what you're doing, take a break and reconsider. Be smart, we know you are. After all, you're in Taylor’s.
I left TU at the end of 2013 and transferred internationally to Denver, Colorado in the United States to pursue a BS Recording Arts for Music Engineering. Taylors' provided me with a stepping-stone, and now I'm up high, literally in the mountains, pursuing what I love, music.
Benson Chiang Lin Yang, 23, School of Architecture, Building and Design (SABD)
First Week
My university life started off at the PJ (Petaling Jaya) campus in Kurnia. Although it is still a fun experience meeting new friends, campus life is just not complete without clubs & society. Back then, C&S is not that prominent back in the PJ campus. Most active clubs & societies are stationed at TU.
Last Week
Like any final year student, the final week is hectic with finishing assignments, presentations, and portfolios. I felt happy that I won’t be facing lectures & assignments anymore, but surely, I was going to miss my friends & experiences I had throughout the years. Being active in clubs & societies since moving to the Lakeside campus, my university life has been filled with diverse friendships. I have to admit that I know people from clubs and societies more than my course. I might not be the top student in class, but I had plenty of good times organizing events, dealing with sponsor paper works, liaising with local artists, even practicing design works, & not to mention performing on stage. My advice to those who are still in university is to “Get Involved”.