Education

  Star Education Fair

Sunday August 21, 2005

Respect freshmen, too

I REFER to the letter “Seniors not gangster but friends” by Foo (StarEducation, Aug 14).

I am currently studying at a foreign university and had undergone orientation the week before.

It is totally different from the experience entitled “Nightmare of Orientation” posted by Worried Parents (StarEducation, Aug 7).

Hence, please do not say that all orientation programmes are similar.

Orientation in my university is exactly as defined in every dictionary, that is, it is ”an introduction to the new environment and helping freshmen to get used to it”.

Among the activities organised were social activities like campus tour, social meeting with seniors and staff tutors, visiting tourism spots nearby, speeches, etc. There was absolutely nothing that required freshmen to do something silly that stretched till midnight. All our rights as freshmen were respected.

There is no doubt that the freshmen need to be trained to be independent. However, it is not right to force freshmen to do something against their will, especially if it is something that is humiliating.

What makes the seniors think that they are “powerful” enough to be law enforcers?

Seniors in foreign universities do have more experience than freshmen. They know what freshmen need.

Freshmen need helpful seniors who will show them kindness right away and not pretend to be fierce.

I really hope those in power can look into this seriously.

I urge seniors who organise and plan orientation programmes to think of others.

Would your own parents be proud of what you are doing and be supportive of your so-called “kind, charitable activities”?

I have my doubts. Seniors have no right to force people to do something against their will.

MALAYSIAN IN FOREIGN LAND Via e-mail

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