The Risers initiative involves Taylor's College alumni who guide students by sharing their experiences.
ENTERING a new college environment can feel like a daunting transition, especially when leaving behind the familiar confines of secondary school.
This pivotal shift into tertiary education is not only about tackling challenging classes, but also about making new friends, navigating a new environment, and starting to discover who you want to become.
It serves as a crucial foundation for social acclimatisation at university and in the working world, offering the ideal time for students to develop habits that will support a healthy work-life balance in the future.
Recognising these concerns, Taylor’s College introduced its student engagement initiative, The Risers, in 2019.
This programme is aimed at nurturing well-rounded students by easing the transition from secondary school to higher education.
It not only instils confidence in students but also arms them with the necessary skills needed for both academic and life challenges ahead.
The initiative adopts an ‘engage, equip and empower’ approach to cultivate a positive school culture, fostering community, and reinforcing identity by championing positive values, skills, and knowledge.
This platform connects secondary school students with like-minded peers nationwide, where they can inspire and empower one another to actively shape their future while contributing to society.
Bridging the gap with mentorship
Aidil offers guidance to incoming students, drawing from his own experiences to support and inspire those embarking on their college journey.This initiative involves Taylor’s College alumni who are passionate about guiding others by sharing their experiences.
Aidil Iqbal Ridzuan, a second-year student in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) programme, is one such ambassador.
Aidil was drawn to The Risers for the opportunities it presented to challenge himself and grow.
Reflecting on his journey since starting higher education, he shares, “It is very different from the rigid way of studying in high school.
“In college, there is a newfound independence and I had to learn how to discipline myself.”
“University will be tough and different, but those experiences are what make us grow,” he adds.
He openly shares the struggles and successes of his journey to build more personable relationships, putting students at ease by treating them as he would a friend.
The Risers initiative guides every new intake of students as they navigate the journey from high school to tertiary education, offering invaluable direction and support to ease their transition and foster a sense of belonging in the college community.
The most common question he receives from high schoolers is, “What is college life like?”
Aidil emphasises the importance of balance and exploration, from trying new clubs to focusing on academics.
Through his role, Aidil has made tangible impacts, notably by sharing personal experiences and offering insights into the ACCA programme and conducting campus tours.
This has given prospective students the confidence to make informed decisions about enrolling at Taylor’s.
Aidil points out that having a platform like The Risers is invaluable to younger students.
He wished he had access to such a resource when he was starting his journey, as it offers students a comfortable environment to ask any questions to a mentor who has experienced similar challenges.
Importance of community
Similarly, Sabah Azrin Karim from Bangladesh, currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, found a sense of belonging and purpose through The Risers.
Her journey at Taylor’s was initially challenging, especially adapting to a new culture and foreign environment while managing academic pressure.
Sabah leverages her experiences to mentor international students, ensuring they find a welcoming community and sense of purpose at Taylor’s College.However, being involved in campus life, including clubs and serving as a Risers’ ambassador was an especially significant turning point that transformed her experience.
“Being a part of The Risers felt like being part of a bigger mission at Taylor’s,” Sabah reflects.
“The programme has not only provided me with numerous opportunities to engage closely with my peers but also allowed me to take part in a wide array of activities that have deeply connected me to the broader campus community,” she notes, highlighting how The Risers had facilitated her transition seamlessly, and contributed to her personal and leadership growth.
Engaging with a diverse student body, participating in cultural festivals, and taking part in activities that showcase different cultural perspectives have expanded her understanding of global issues and enriched her interpersonal skills, she shares.
This has not only helped her assimilate into Malaysian culture but also allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the university community.
In her role, Sabah works diligently to ensure other international students receive the necessary support when starting at Taylor’s.
She encourages participating in clubs and societies that focus on cultural exchange, advocating building relationships with locals and students to feel integrated and at home by sharing and being proud of their own culture and heritage.
Shaping the future
Embarking on a new chapter of life, students often find themselves in a period of self-discovery and learning.
It is during this phase that the guidance and support offered by initiatives like The Risers are crucial.
Both ambassadors underscore the importance of fostering a supportive environment, helping students navigate their academic and social transition to university life.
Aidil and Sabah’s stories highlight the initiative’s success in empowering students to become confident, well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to society.
Through The Risers, Taylor’s College not only prepares students for the academic rigours of higher education but also instils in them the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the real world.
Aidil’s and Sabah’s experiences exemplify how this initiative shapes the students’ present and brightens their future prospects, embodying the college’s commitment to creating a supportive and informed student body ready to face global challenges.
For more information, visit https://college.taylors.edu.my/en/the-risers.html
