Personal Narrative Essay: Experiencing in University

What everyone is doing, once finished SPM, UEC, STPM, or A-Levels? Some of us might find a job, and some of us might keep searching for what suits us the best in our future life. At the same time, some people might go for a long vacation after an exhausting, yet wonderful journey. However, there’s no right or wrong whether you continue your studies, or find a job, it is all about your choice and preference. For me, I opted to continue my further studies in UTAR Kampar. 

Why did I choose to continue my studies in Kampar? It is because UTAR Kampar is a good environment for studies, surrounded by nature and a lake. I love nature because it relaxes my mind, from the hustle and bustle of university life. At the same time, I prefer a university that is close to the academic environment. UTAR ranked no. 2 in Malaysia, and it is more competition among students, in terms of academic performance, at the same time it secures students’ job opportunities. Furthermore, it provides the course I want to study, which is Bachelor of Finance (Hons). It is because I want to be a Personal Financial Planner once I graduate from university.

During my first year, which is Foundation year, I met and made a lot of good friends and lecturers. I love their dedication and responsible attitude. At the same time, I created a lot of good and unforgettable memories, no matter the happy or sad moments. For example, I went to supper with a bunch of buddies during the late-night, went to Karaoke during the study week to relieve our stress, and hung out with them during weekends. One of the most significant memories is my birthday celebration during the study week. When I noticed that my birthday falls during a study break, I felt disappointed. Surprisingly, I celebrated my first birthday during my degree studies’ study break. That night, when I was preparing for the Marketing Paper examination, I received a call from one of my besties, CK. She called me downstairs. In the beginning, I felt weird, but I went downstairs afterward. They prepared my favorite chocolate cheesecake as my birthday cake, and my birthday presents. It was exciting but memorable, anyway thanks for fulfilling my wishes!

Last year, which is 2020, was a challenging but unforgettable year for us, with the outbreak of Coronavirus. Besides, when the Government announced the implementation of the Movement Control Order, which is MCO, four of us went back to our hometowns respectively. Apart from MCO, the challenging part is the implementation of online classes. Why would I say so? It is because online classes train and build our self-discipline and determination during the uncertainties.  In the beginning, I couldn't adapt myself to the new environment, as the environment and the assessment methods were changed. The assessments became more challenging and harder than before. At the same time, communication between the assignment groupmates is the biggest challenge, as we cannot communicate with each other physically. But on the other hand, online classes brought some benefits too! Firstly, it encourages the interaction between lecturer and students virtually, through the chatbox or switching on the microphones to interact with each other. Besides, it saves our living costs, as we spent most of the time in our hometown. However, I suffered from depression during the online classes, due to the stressful environment. At the same time, my health was also affected. Thus, I applied for leave for absence for consecutive 2 semesters, to let myself take a long break.

After a long break, I found that I was not suitable for the course I’m taking now, as well as the confidence. So, I decided to withdraw from the course and environment. During the long break, I kept on searching for what suited me the most, as well as what kind of life I wanna live? Yes, I am a Financial Planner from Great Eastern, but writing is my passion. Finally, I chose Han Chiang UC to take my new course, which is New Media. This course gave me a lot of opportunities to show my interest and passion in writing and copywriting, as well as the current issue analysis. Although we are having online classes now, I am looking forward to returning to the campus to meet with my classmates and enjoy university life!

In a nutshell, university life is a very precious moment for everyone, before we enter working life. The wise man says, ‘You Only Live Once’, let’s appreciate and create a wonderful university life with no regrets!