NEW SEMESTER, NEW ME?

Ah... The new semester is here. New students, new faces, new hairstyle, new bla-bla. With the coming of the new semester, students will face the reality of how well did they do in the last semester? Did they do well? Or, will they get the axe??? This is the time for reflection and improvement. Ask ourselves, "What have I achieved so far? Can I be proud of what I've done?"

I've met some of the first years. I can see their eager, curious, and some, frightened faces. From my own experience, the first year could be pretty much a traumatic experience or full of adventure and challenges. Traumatic experience as we are in unfamiliar grounds and for the 'anak manja's, the distance from family and friends. Full of adventure once we are familiar with uni life and trudging through the pot-holes and drains of adapting.

I believe that the first year of studying in uni is very much crucial in determining the later years of our life in uni. Here is where we must find and set our pace. It is the foundation on which we will build our achievements in uni. A friend of mine always said, 'Start well, Finish well'.

Of very much importance is our focus to our goals in uni. Ask ourself, "Why am I here?" and focus on that. Never lose sight of that goal. I've seen many students losing themselves to the lures of the dark-side of uni life. They wouldn't care less about their studies (studying seems so much boring and dreadful compared to the freedom and exciting 'social life') and so their grades starts to suffer and finally, they get the boot. What a waste.

Be wary of choosing friends. Sadly, peer pressure is stronger in uni. Will you be in the 'in' crowd? or will you be in the 'nerd' or 'brainy' crowd? or will you be just be somewhere in the middle? Be very wary of those who will tempt you and distract you from your goal.

Have faith and pray. Life in uni can be full of challenges. So regardless of what faith you are, nurture your spiritual life. It will be your refuge in times of challenges and difficulties.

Balance your studies with social life. Moderation is the keyword. Too much of one thing can be bad for you.

Cultivate the habit of doing extra in your studies, assignments & projects. It shows that you are an active knowledge-seeker and not merely a passive learner. Respect your lecturers and build a good relationship with them.

So, what about me? This semester I will continue to achieve my goals and hopefully contribute something to family, friends, colleagues, and uni. hehe