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Here is the story of a person I know. He was a guy who held a position in high school, but since it was his first time holding a very high position, he was really excited and planned a lot. However, he only implemented a few things. Obviously there were limitations, being a high school student and all, but being in a high position, didn’t that mean he had assistants or leaders he could work with? Thing is, he didn’t communicate much with his team. All he did was to plan alone and execute them alone. He did everything by himself, not remembering that he has friends. At times he forgoed going to a teacher for second opinions. So what happened in the end? He failed that position, or at least I think he failed. I’m not sure what others thought of him, but you might see where he went wrong.
Fast-forward to university. It was culture shock, classes were differently timed for everyone, girls looked different and matured, some stopped wearing tudung after orientation sessions, and he got into MSU without thinking he would even get in. Two or three semesters went by without much occasion. In his second year, he was excited for the Student Representative Council elections. He thought of his high school failure and wanted to correct it somehow. He wasn’t sure how to. But he ran for the position anyway, and lost big time.
He thought he was qualified. He had held class rep positions, club positions, and other positions during his last year. But he lost.
You know that saying where while one door closes another opens? He was given an offer to be part of the facilitation team. He wanted to know why he lost, and to correct past mistakes. This guy by the way, can’t even speak in public without shaking, was low in confidence, looked nerdy, and was unknown by the students. He was not popular, and some said he was aloof. Not even good at smiling. He tried so hard to look cool, not wearing spectacles even though he couldn’t see. People would wave at him but he wouldn't wave back because basically, he couldn’t see. Wasn’t it funny?
Let’s go back to the part where he was offered to be a facilitator. He was really shy and did not know anyone else, and frankly didn’t make friends very well, so it was hard to get to know people. Then, they went camping. It was such an amazing experience, a miracle even, and it transformed him. He found family in MSU, this family of facilitators, who accepted him for who he is. He learnt day after day what his issue was in high school - he thought he could handle everything alone. But no, you need a team, you need friends, you need family. He isn’t alone now, he wears spectacles because he wants to see people clearly and smile back at the people who smile or wave at him. His family taught him to trust in friends and communicate with advisors. After the camp, he became an official facilitator. With this bond, he got his first orientation job as a coordinator. He felt like it was time to show others how he had improved. He left no one behind and made sure everyone could be on stage with him. He made sure that the bond he had with his friends, he portrayed to the students. His teamwork improved, his communication better, and his confidence greater. He thanked God for his first time as a coordinator and the family he had obtained in MSU.
Now although this family changed from time to time, with commitments, work, and others rising to the Student Representative Council, he stayed with the team. In his 3rd year, he felt like he needed to correct his past mistakes. But he didn’t want to leave this family.
But if he wanted to be a better version of himself, then he would have to think bigger. He was in a dilemma.
Torn between staying with the team or trying to be elected to the Student Representative Council. He thought a lot about it. If he lost, pride and ego were at hand, but if he won, he would leave the facilitation group. He went for selection. He believed it was time to try harder and higher. He believed in his successor, knowing they could handle the group he was leaving. His hunger for knowledge and experience called him in for the elections.
The selection came. He crafted an orientation that was fun and memorable for both facilitators and students. If you know the person I’m talking about, he’s really passionate about sharing and doing things together, getting feedback, and interacting with students of all courses. He wants you to know that nothing is impossible. You might think you are alone, but this guy started with nothing, gained a family, and now reached the SRC, thank God. He wants you to remember to always communicate with people as clearly as possible and be passionate about what you do.
Last but not least, he wants you to join a family, like the one he loves so much. He is thankful to this family and hopes that more people can experience what he has. If you are in your first semester, think about your reasons for joining activities in university. Think about your passions. And God-willing, you will be better than this guy. He wants a greater future for all of you, and good days ahead.
Errniezaam Abdullah is a Outdoor Leisure & Adventure Management student of the Management and Science University (MSU). He was the MSU Student Representative Council 19/20 Sports and Recreation EXCO. He also runs a catering business, ZamRaan Meals and is passionate about event management.