I am currently in my third year, second semester - meaning, I have another one and a half year before finishing my degree, Inn Shaa Allah, in 2021. For those who did not know, this year commemorates my fifth year wrestling through tertiary education in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)/ Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM). One and a half year spent in Centre for Foundation Studies (CFSIIUM), the remaining years (and still) doing degree.
I remember, a friend once asked where do I want to pursue my studies after SPM? To which I answered without hesitation, "UIA". My 16 years old self does not even know what course I want to pursue in. I bet most of us have experienced that confusing moment, but I know if I were to study at a local university, IIUM it is. When I was in PLKN, a friend I met told me that I should not go to IIUM as there are a lot of deviated teachings/people there. I was scared, but nothing can change the choice I have made over the years.
I can handle scary things, yet not regret.
"I do foundation in CFS, then a degree in IIUM. Even for my Master pun, I dekat sini. At this point, I'm afraid I might even died and get buried at the grave behind IIUM." - Miss A, 2018.
If I have to be honest, I love IIUM to the core. I love the environment, the people I met; colleagues, friends and the lecturers (though they could be quite harsh to us), the foods, the programmes and events, the stray cats we could meet in every 10 metres radius, and most importantly - the RM5 brewed coffee I crave for currently. Latte anyone? Lol.
Coming from a normal plain daily school, I thought I would have to work extra harder by coming to IIUM. (Spoiler: YES I HAVE TO!) I started speaking English only when I got to IIUM, at the age of 18. IIUM taught me to be more aggressive than ever when it comes to intellectual pursuant. Speak when you ought to. Argue when you have to. I am not surprised when IIUM was trending a few weeks ago on Twitter as students are calling out the administration responsible for the implementation of the new system :)
Regardless of any universities, we seek knowledge from, I believe they are going to play a crucial role in our character development. We spent a lot of time there. The people we meet and mingle with will influence the way we treat the world in the future. The environment we let ourself loose in would affect the way we view the world. I met a number of people with a multitude of characters to confront and deal with. Looking back, I have changed a lot. I have grown up, shaking off the shell I used to wear.
Coming from a normal plain daily school, I thought I would have to work extra harder by coming to IIUM. (Spoiler: YES I HAVE TO!) I started speaking English only when I got to IIUM, at the age of 18. IIUM taught me to be more aggressive than ever when it comes to intellectual pursuant. Speak when you ought to. Argue when you have to. I am not surprised when IIUM was trending a few weeks ago on Twitter as students are calling out the administration responsible for the implementation of the new system :)
Regardless of any universities, we seek knowledge from, I believe they are going to play a crucial role in our character development. We spent a lot of time there. The people we meet and mingle with will influence the way we treat the world in the future. The environment we let ourself loose in would affect the way we view the world. I met a number of people with a multitude of characters to confront and deal with. Looking back, I have changed a lot. I have grown up, shaking off the shell I used to wear.
"You have to live in your struggles." - Mr. Afsar, 2017Even though the 'I' in IIUM represents the word 'Islamic', not everyone who comes to this university were equipped with a KLCC-height of Islamic knowledge. That is the first thing people need to know. Do not assume we are all saints. Do not be in despair by comparing the amount of faith that is not even visible in our present eyes. Faith is not material after all. IIUM tries to implement Islamic element in the university. I would say instead - it is up to the students either to take and hold to the Islamic elements taught in IIUM or not.
Metaphorically speaking, IIUM prepares the ingredients, utensils and the kitchen for the students. Yet, it is up to us either to cook or vice versa.
Lol.
How does your university changes the current you?
13 comments
I couldn't agree more to that metaphor. Regardless of our university/college/school reputation, how we ended up is totally depend on us. It's immature to judge people based on the the places that they went to study. Same goes to the perception that teachers are not allowed to make mistakes. I deal with this a lot when I was studying. People judge us saying say teacher trainees shouldn't be doing this, shouldn't be doing that. But come on, nobody's perfect right? Life is a learning process and we learn.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've graduated, I think I don't particularly miss the place? Okay okay maybe I do, a bit hahaha. But it's the people that makes me miss being there. Did it change me? It did. Both good and not so good changes. I guess the comfort of being with good people in good places made me too complacent about certain things?
I want to say I've grown up but I'm not so sure sigh.. Feels like I'm still stuck somewhere. Guess I'm a bit of a late bloomer after all. That's fine too I guess. Life's short, gotta enjoy it while we can hehe. Nice post btw! xx
Yep, most people are acting like the school we attend to should produce the same end product when as a matter of fact, we are human beings. Every human beings exist in non-'definite' shape - and that's the thing in particular is making us peculiar as an individual.
DeleteI do agree that sometimes its the people that make us missing the place hehehe :) We spent a lot of time with them.
I'm pretty sure we have undergo changes but the heart choose to not taking that into account. How should we define the phrase 'grown-up' after all? Lol.
Thanks for reading!
I don't know how I feel after entering university, maybe I don't change at all?
ReplyDeleteYour heart knows the best :)
DeleteLovely post! And I wish you all the best in your studies and grad soon! As for me, I think I've changed a lot during the time I was taking my degree. From being that super quiet girl in class, I'm now a lot more friendly and approachable. Well, I'm still generally reserved but as a person, I think I've built a lot more confidence since then. I loved my degree years and now that I'm finishing my masters off, I hope I can discover something else about myself. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHehehe, I used to be super quiet too but now I am literally a chatterbox!
Good luck! Leaving a sheltered school environment is terrifying but you would be fine. Cherish the time you have now and start job hunting before you graduate! <-penting
ReplyDeleteThanks! Job hunting before graduate is on my list! Hehehe
Deleteaaa takutnya TT adult world got me like ... hshshs
ReplyDeleteI used to, tapi nanti dah masuk adulthood sebenarnya okay je XD Setiap orang akan ada pengalaman berbeza, you will be fine!
DeleteSis, IIUM student here too although from different campus ahahahaha. Tapi betul lah, environment IIUM sangatlah best and feel safe. All the best in your studies and pray that I can graduate on time :D
ReplyDeleteHey, buddies! Hehehe, Inn Shaa Allah, please pray for me too :)
DeleteMasa mula2 orang tanya nk masuk mana lepas SPM, my answer is Monash Uni sebab ada Neuroscience tapi dapat Law dekat UIA, terus tolak. Dapat bukan sebab layak tapi sebab my aunt lecturer Law kat sana. Taknak orang fikir bukan2. Last2 tak masuk mana2 sampailah sekarang.
ReplyDeleteI wish I know how it feels like going to the Uni. Regardless, all the best to you on your degree.