An Interview

Live, Laugh, Learn.

A motto of the guest speaker of the school.

I was told that he is a good motivator who brought a lot of laughter and fun during the session. It is the exam season and the fever is on. Last Saturday was designated to delight the hearts of our protege and to coax them into putting the final gear of the run. But alas, many did not turn up and so they missed the tips, information and laughter ... sometimes you really miss out because of disobedience. And... free nasi lemak with chicken for those who came.

Me : So, Dr. Nelson where're you from?
Speaker : United States, Tampa Florida.
Me : Oh , Universtiy of Gainsville?
Speaker : Yea, that's my alma mater.
Me : My brother is residing in Orlando with his family now. What about you? Where's the family?
Speaker : Oh, my wife is teaching in a local International School and my 2 girls are back in the States for their studies. One is in Gainsville doing a Masters in Education Programme and the other is in Tennessee. All will be in the teaching line.
Me : Wow, a family of teachers. How long have you been here?
Speaker : 12. Intend to stay longer.
Me : You must love Malaysia a lot. What about the food? You love them?
Speaker : Oh we love them. My daughters request for maggie mee and old town teh tarik ! We have to send to them occasionally.
Me : Oh but maggie mee? Can't they get there?
Speaker : It's not the same. They have been here since they were eight. Malaysian taste buds. So, madam, tell me what are the challenges you face among the students ?
Me : Right now there are some who fail to see the need to strive academically as they do not see the relevance when parents provide them all they want. Some even think you don't need academic excellence to make that buck. So basically it's a challenge to lead them to realise the need to discard instant gratification and learn for themselves. I have a student who tells me that it is alright to not do so well because the mother has already found him a solution. So how does one respond? What about you ? What are the challenges you face among your tertiary ones?
Speaker : Low proficiency of the English Language, rote learning, wants to be spoon fed all the time and not taking effort to look for further knowledge on their own and worst still - regurgitating. They don't strive to be creative and are plain happy with the notes given to them.
Me : But... I see them graduate too? How do you reconcile with that?
Speaker : Oh the private institutions are also money making concerns... they need to produce results too. How do you attract business when they don't graduate? However, presently my college takes great effort to narrow the gap between academic values and monetary gains...yes we are obliged to produce academic excellence too. And also, I wish Malaysian employers are more creative and are not bent on giving instructions all the time. There must be room for their employees to contribute ideas on how the company is managed and not run them down.
Me : Oh ok...good luck with the effort. I've got to go... nice meeting you.
Speaker : Bye and thanks again for the opportunity to share with the students.

Another reminder to cultivate self- access learning for excellence on your own. It's crucial to think out of the box to make a difference. And by the way if you think you can simply get by with private colleges, you are wrong.

5 credits in the school SPM trial exam for entry into a learning programme.

Strive not to beg for marks.

All the best in learning.