Showing posts with label From a Freshie's PoV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label From a Freshie's PoV. Show all posts
You probably don’t know this, but yours truly isn’t a UWA student. However, I am probably the university’s biggest fan and would definitely go there, if only to be amidst the gorgeous, sprawling campus and all its aged charm. Anyway, favour me with your attention as I walk you through my (imaginary) first day at the university you’ve probably come to affectionately refer to as “U-Dub”.
Thank goodness winter’s weaning off, the nasty chill easing its way out the back door of the season. It’s lovely outside, with blue skies dotted with puffs of clouds, the sun feeling comfortably warm, an amazing remedy to the breeze that often causes you to shiver uncontrollably. Perhaps I’ll do what all sun-loving Aussies do- lie on the grass and just unwind, relax in the brilliant sunshine. Admittedly, I wouldn’t mind exploring the rest of the campus, maybe sit and revel in the stillness and silence of the library, taking in the novelty of the aged shelves and even the worn tomes that sit atop them. Nah. I couldn’t be bothered moving from where I am, sprawled out in the sun, a spectator to the symphony of the fountain, birds, even the whistling wind. Was there ever a day as perfect as this?
But wait. What’s wrong with this picture?
The imaginary me frowns slightly at this intrusion, exploring the ideas of what could be amiss. Deciding that it’s just some mild paranoia playing up, I lay back again, looking up at the sky. “Hey,” I say, lifting my hand to point upwards. “That cloud looks like a- ”
Oh.
Blushing, I purse my lips together, as if to eradicate all traces of my monologue.
Because there isn’t anyone I could’ve been talking to (aka, I realised I was talking to myself out loud...embarrassing!).
“It’s very possible to go through an entire course at uni and still be invisible.”
If you’ve read enough from me, you’ll probably be aware that I’m not out to scare you silly, but when my cousin said those words to me at the very beginning of my university experience, I never considered how true they could be. And believe me; I’m glad that he pointed it out.
Of course there isn’t anything wrong with exploring and unravelling the expanse of impressive scenery, to take a moment to appreciate the spectacular architecture and whatever attributes of the campus that strike your fancy. And of course lying in the sun in blissful contentment is certainly no crime against humanity. But what is worrisome would be a lack of human companionship.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” -Matthew 28:19, NLT
Now I’m sure there are few of us who would rather be alone than with at least one companion. But if not for yourself, may I suggest that you step up and be social for the sake of your faith? As ambassadors of Christ on this earth we’re called to be bold and steadfast, out there and not hiding behind the person in front of us, hoping to go unnoticed and unobserved.
Yes, I do realize that not all of us are social butterflies who grace the world with their fluttering ins and outs, but consider this: wouldn’t it be sad if you had been in a class for (at least) three years and no one knew you? That they could look at their graduation photo years later and wonder “Hmm... who was that?”.
And perhaps you’re shy, and of course, understandably so. I mean, you’re away from home, from your closest support groups, from the people who have come to know and love you, into an entirely new and socially-dry place. But think of this as a chance. A situation overflowing with opportunity and possibilities. Think of all the new people and cultures you can be exposed to and learn from.
Think of the lives you could touch.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”- Matthew 5:16, ESV.
Even having said that, we, the lights that should illuminate and display the form of our Saviour seem to be dim and waning. Perhaps we even put our hands over our brightly-burning flames hoping that being a little bit more conservative, low-key, and to just simply blend in with the crowd will allow us to be more socially accepted and inept.
“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.” Luke 8:16, NLT.
And even if you may reflect internally and consider your own faults and failings (not that I am to judge), you may think that your light is weird.
It’s awkward. It sways funny, and goes a weird colour when in certain conditions. My hair isn’t straight enough, my teeth are too crooked. I’m not smart enough. My accent is weird and I have issues speaking in public. How can I show the world a flame like this? How can a tiny feeble light like this possibly light the world?
Well, firstly, consider that you’re not alone. Like I’ve mentioned in the other instalment of the series, besides an awesome and all powerful God, you’ve brothers and sisters in Christ who are always here to help you along, to support, encourage, and motivate you. Also bear in mind that your light isn’t of you, but of God. A God who is flawless and entirely lovable. You may see flaws in you that you reckon would repulse and put off others, but you’re perfect, complete, whole, and more than just presentable. You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), the flawless craftsmanship of the master craft man, ready to emerge and not only be accepted, but be applauded by and marvelled at by others.
...So how many new friends have you made?
Look who’s stepping out today. ;)
Yours in all companionship,
~Su-lyn Y.~ =)
Have a comment, question or suggestion? Email us at uwalive@gmail.com!
It’s an auditorium. A lecture theatre. A hall meant for lessons and tutorials for the masses. Even the uniform tiers of seats giveoff a nerdy and studious vibe. Then why is there music playing? And you notice that everyone is smiling and excited. It’s hard to decide which is louder – the music blaring in the background, or the chatter of the occupants who move about the hall, separate entities to the band of musicians upfront. Someone takes your hand, your attention grabbed at the reception of a warm handshake. Oooh, is that pretty booklet really for you? The person smiles at you.
Welcome to Zion Praise Harvest.
Picking up from where I left you in the first part of the series, I assume that you have attended at least one service at ZPH. If you haven’t, you must, with great haste, repent of this preposterous, unforgivable sin and- Oh, I kid, I kid.
But back to the description in the opening paragraph – the lecture hall. Besides being the place where ZPH services are held, your lecture halls play their fundamental and essential role, leading to the second tip I would like to share, that is to value and place a heavy priority on your studies. What I have found is, yes, being sent abroad to study is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons, views, gain a firsthand experience of the cultural diversity and customs of another land. However, it’s also so important not to lose sight of your initial goal, that is, to further your education.
As nerdy as it sounds, I have found that coming back to considering why I’ve been sent to Perth in the first place always puts things in a clearer and more mature, responsible perspective. Because I know that my parents paid a whole sum of money to get me here and into an educational institution, I’m of the opinion that academic excellence always comes first, but that if I can (and you will, fear not!) gain other experiences and life lessons, that’s always a bonus.
At this point I can pretty much sit back and cringe as I re-read everything that I’ve typed. Yes, dear reader, even I haven’t come to terms with how nerdy and square I come across as. And I’m not saying that you should stow your camera away, hang up your dancing shoes, decline every offer to hang out with friends, and Heaven forbid, dare to even dream of taking a road trip to explore the country. It’s about balance, which I will elaborate further on, later in this article.
Now that I’ve got you thinking of things of the academic and studious variety, perhaps you’re breaking out into cold sweat, nervously glancing at the whole barrage of assignments, tests, and projects you’re expected to produce by the end of the semester- and it’s just one semester! Worry not, as I share a little secret with you – it’s near impossible to fail a unit unless you really just couldn’t be bothered with the subject. Because so long as you perform decently in all your course work, attend lectures and sit for the necessary exams, it is actually difficult to fail. Having said that, I by no means guarantee that you’ll pass if you’re out late partying when you’ve an assignment due the next morning. Keep at your work consistently and you’ll definitely pass.
However, if you’re dissatisfied with merely passing, let us return to Aristotle’s eudaimonia for pointers on raising the performance level (if you have no clue what this is, check our Su-Lyn’s earlier post!). Two important factors are knowledge and balance. So if you’ve taken up the eudaimonia challenge, which I strongly encourage you to, here are more details to assist you in that effort
Knowledge, part of Aristotle’s eudaimonia was a quest for rationale and enlightenment, so that an individual may be equipped to make the rational decision, that virtuous and right actions become logical and natural to the individual. Applicable to all students such as ourselves, this earnest striving for wisdom, whatever your major or degree, causes us to be increasingly efficient, professional, and skilled in our future professions.
Eudaimonia also operates on the Principle of the Means. Likened to establishing a sense of balance, this principle says that one is to settle for a mean value, one that is neither lacking or in excess. For example, courage (an approved virtue) sits between cowardice (lack) and foolhardiness (excess). Even as you do so with virtues and moral deliberation, consider applying it to your life and daily activities. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but Jack would also be an utter dunce to play all day and end up with no work or future.
If I am worrying or making you anxious, do forgive me. My goal was to make you only a tiny bit uncomfortable. (Grin)
But in all good intentions, I do hope that this article was of any use to you, if only to tickle your mind a little. And with that, I shall leave you with an assurance that transcends not only whatever little of my experience, but sometimes even defies logic and natural capabilities and expectations-
“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”
-Proverbs 2:10
This is an assurance from an unfailing God. Claim this promise for not only your studies, but for your learning voyage through life, allow Him to knock memory into your head, get your way round difficult concepts, with a wisdom that teaches, unravels, reveals, enlightens, and inspires you in ways you never even thought you were open to or capable of.
Written by blog writer,
~Su-Lyn~
Have a comment, question or suggestion? Email us at uwalive@gmail.com!
So maybe you’ve just stepped off the Boeing747, gotten past the never-ending queues of borderline security and the luggage carousel, hoping beyond all comprehension to catch even the slightest glimpse of a familiar-looking piece. Stepping out from behind the automatic glass doors, you’re hit by a strong gust of wintry air, the smell of clean, piny air filling your lungs. Good grief, even minus the snow, no one told you it was going to be this cold.
Welcome to Perth.
First time studying abroad? Longest period, or maybe even the singular (event, time), you’ve ever been away from family, friends, and home? In the very first of a series, fellow newbie Su-lyn Yeang shares a few pointers on what it takes to not just survive, but to flourish in the whole new experience of being an international student.
So perhaps it’s already been a few days, maybe even weeks since you first set foot in this new (and possibly alien) part of the world. Textbooks and stationery neatly stacked on a yet-to-be-familiarized-with desk, you wonder what’s left to settle before you get submerged, then paddle neck-high, in assignments and course work.
“But first be concerned about God's Kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be provided for you as well.” –Matthew 6:33 (International Standard Version)
One of my favourite theories on morality is by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. He theorized that the main goal of all our actions should lead us to ‘eudaimonia’ - flourishing, excellence, happiness, success. Eudaimonia is being the best of you, all that you could possibly be. He believed that this state of excellence was only achievable if one habituated the practice of rationality and virtue. However logical that may sound, the main flaw in this theory is that there wasn’t (and isn’t) any way to know what actions are right or wrong. But I believe that he got the concept right, and that it can work for any believer who is willing to read, know, and live His Word and commandments, one who participates in the Body of Christ- His church.
“So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:5 (NIV)
Now I know that this may sound preachy and you may think “she just wants us to go to church”, but think about it. You’re in a foreign, alien even, country with pretty much no links to anything or anyone here. Being a part of a congregation provides you with not just physical protection (not that ZPH has big, burly, bouncer-like guys, worry not!) with people who care for and take notice when you start to get the sniffles, your body still adjusting to the winter chill, but also a spiritual covering, with fellow cell members keeping you in prayer at all times.
Also consider the church as a place to meet new people, those who share the same faith as you. With them is a special bond and connection, unique to any other relationships- with these people you identify, worship, and sing praises to your God. But not just that, think of them also as comrades in arms, all of whom battle against the same menacing, vile, and terrifying perpetrator – stress and examinations!
Oh, but it doesn’t just stop there. Your Christian circle doesn’t just face the same hardships during the exam season, but the same temptations and trials along the way as well. So it’s also important to be able to have people who you are able to be accountable to, who can and will help you steer clear of stumbling blocks and aid you along the clear and straight path.
Last, but certainly not the least, it’s because He has commanded each of us to be a part of a congregation. And if you know our God, He takes notice of such obedience, and will cause those who do so to grow – not like a stunted plant struggling and desperately competing with others for sunlight and nutrients, but like a well-tended flower that blooms and flourishes.
So now that you’re here, miles and miles away from a place you call home, think of what you really want to achieve here, consider the things that are of utmost importance to you, and as you begin this new chapter of your life, go over the things that are closest to your heart.
Is your goal for your time here in Perth one of eudaimonia?
Written by blog writer,
Su-Lyn Yeang
Have a comment, question or suggestion? Email us at uwalive@gmail.com!
