Education

  Star Education Fair

Sunday August 14, 2005

Help freshmen adjust

I TOTALLY agree with the suggestion made by Worried Parent in his letter entitled “
Nightmare of orientation” (StarEducation, Aug 7), that orientation week in public universities should involve freshmen in beneficial activities.

What makes the seniors think that they are ''bigger'' than the freshmen anyway? The seniors are students too, not lecturers or people in authority.

During orientation week, some seniors go all out to “torture” the freshmen. This tradition, which happens in all public universities, should be abolished. Someone should put an end to this tradition.

My friend who entered Universiti Malaya last month told me that there was one day during orientation week when she did not get to sleep at all.

And if they did get to sleep at all, it was usually past midnight and they had to be up before 6am the next morning, doing silly activities again.

On the last day of the week, they were asked to “dip” into a small lake.

I could not believe my ears when she told me.

Some of her friends fell sick because of all the stupid activities and because they were not given enough time to rest.

I remember how, a few years ago, a freshmen who could not stand the pressure of orientation committed suicide.

Is such “torture” necessary?

I really hope that the Higher Education Ministry will do something about this matter.

Do not dismiss or view this matter lightly.

Orientation week should be used to help freshmen adjust as this is the period when they miss home the most.

They are still trying to get used to the new environment and need help.

PUZZLED Via e-mail

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