Thursday, January 22, 2009

Now, I am Connected

Eversince i moved into my new humble abode at MURNI, i have been deprived of internet communication - can't imagine so many months without internet access.

Today, life has returned to normal and i feel so much alive:) and rejuvenated. After a whole day at work, coming back home tired and restless, i now return to the luxury of internet connection.

Those days without internet were almost unbearable - no online reading, no emails, no access to blogging. Arrrrgh:( Thanks to broadband technology - we can now meet more often in this blogging community.

For those who subscribe to broadband, perhaps you'd like to share your experience, opinion, or comments on broadband technology.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Student Crisis

Alert!If you notice any kind of change to your behaviour, attitude and response, any abnormal or extraordinary pattern in the way you react and respond to simple daily chores - check things out and reflect. Why? This may very well be manifestation of crisis which needs immediate attention or help. Unless changes happen intentionally, it is best to be cautious and take the necessary steps to bring things back to normal.

In layman's term, crisis can be defined as conflict, problems, dilemma, anxiety, etc. In this predicament, an individual will not be able to use the common and familiar coping strategies and tension may arise. Common types of crisis include financial , identity, as well as relationship crisis. At university, decline in academic performance, peer pressure and conflicting priorities may pose an obstacle in the everyday pursuits. Hence, crisis erupts and the individual becomes easily agitated, disorganized and hostile.

Can crisis be avoided? Well, some matters in life are simply unpredictable and we may become victims of circumstances. Nevertheless, I believe that we can prepare for crisis by observing a few simple procedures daily:

1. maintain good friendship and relationship with people around so that they can alert you about any peculiar patterns of attitude or behaviour

2. whenever you are upset or disturbed, do not suppress your feelings but try to find a suitable way to express your fruestrations, and anger. Some people scream!!!, write in the diary or talk to somebody close and trusted

3. have faith in your life and future. Believe that God has created different pathways for different people in the different pursuits of success. If you meet an impasse, perhaps it's time to try another solution - opt for the road not taken and less travelled...

4. never give up! Seek for help and assistance. You should never be by yourself in circumstances like this... contact your friend, roommate, lecturer, mother, or counsellor, for help.
Lastly, crisis lurks in every corner of our challenging life. If we are prepared for it, there's hope that we won't fall prey to emotional outbursts or immature decisions. At UNITEN, there is a special club called PRS that trains its members to help peers under pressure. Of course, if they figure that the situation requires professional help, you will be referred to the counsellor or anybody more senior like the lecturers or the advisor.

Recently, the PRS at UNITEN organized a knowledge-sharing forum entitled: Student Crisis. Congratulations to the organizing committee. I think it's a brave and noble effort to carry out such an initiative. Students should be exposed to realities like this in order to better equip themselves with coping mechanisms to handle unforeseen circumstances.

Here are some photos of the event. Great job Mai (chairperson) and the panel speakers: Dominic (COE Third Year student, 7 times Dean's list award) and Muhammad (UNITEN alumnus, successful entrepeneur). I was also invited as a speaker, and I hope I have shared my ideas, thoughts, and experience well with the audience that evening. Last but not least, thumbs UP:) to Firdaus, project Chairman.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

So...what's New?

New Year means a lot to us. Well, if it's not significant, why would we have all the joyous celebrations, mind-blowing aspirations, and absolute resolutions.

Most importantly, 2009 is not just ANOTHER year. What do you think?

To me, twelve months is like a grace period for many who have yet to accomplish goals ... like me:) It's a lucky charm for friends who are starting a new life... and a sweet challenge for graduates and final years when it comes to employability. Looks like the job market is getting all the more competitive these days.

360 days is like an endless to-do list reminding us of responsibilities and deadlines. Fine, that does justice to our pledge to quality and productivity. But, all work and no play makes John a realllllll dull boy..so, let's take a portion of it and make plans for some holidays, vacations and celebrations....

Just a final thought for us to ponder...the tag 'NEW' may be so cliche, but if it's the accepted expression of goodness and goodwill, why not cherish it, and make things happen. Nevertheless, it does not take a NEW year to make us committed, dedicated and alert. In fact, every breath we inhale promises hope, happiness, and wisdom.

Let's hope this NEW year brings joy, prosperity and friendship to us all.


To the blogosphere community, Happy NEW year...


Sincerely,
Zue