After Principles of Advertising and Design presentation, Joanne & Co bring me to the university foyer where there is a closing ceremony of "Lose the Blues" campaign which was organised by BA (Hons) Communication Year 2 students who are specialising in Corporate Communication and Public Relations. What is "Lose the Blues". To answer your question: "Lose the Blues" is a campaign that to raise the awareness of depression. Did you know that 1 in 4 of the people suffering from depression? It's a serious mental health issue that most of us would just "ignore" and carry on with our own life. Okay, now you know how depression "kills" people silently, let's just lighten the mood and move back to the scene.
I find a good spot so I can take a good look on the stage. After settling myself down, I walk around the foyer to get my energy pump up. I walk up to the registry booth to sign myself up for the closing ceremony. I get to see my seniors practicing their opening lines and speeches, while I just sitting in my seat observing how they host the event. The emcee, you've guessed it, it's none other than Ruwan! He is wearing a "Lose the Blues" t-shirt with a grey overcoat. He walks over to me and I reach my hand out, he is clueless at first but I give him a hint: "You know what I want." Ruwan says "No, no, not today Kar Marn. The microphone is for the closing ceremony," Well I can have the microphone next time.
At 10.48am, the VIP start to arrive by the escorts of the crew members of "Lose the Blues", lecturers, and Directors of Sunway University under the School of Arts and DCLA's lecturers. An opening speech made by the director of the campaign. Her story was moving as she told the audience how her friends willing to get her an Oreo McFlurry even though it's late at night, this follow by the speeches made by Sunway Education Group Senior Executive Director, Dr. Elizabeth Lee and Her Excellency Hannah Yeoh. They show the highlights throughout the campaign from "Happiest in Sun U" Instagram contest to "Colour War" which is also known as the water fight.
Prizes are given to the winners, and what's with a closing ceremony without a little bit of entertainment? The crew members, lecturers and VIPs are welcomed to the stage to take a group photo. "Lose the Blues" ceremony is officially ended. Now the moment everyone is waiting for the whole day- food! I have two rounds of miniature egg sandwiches. I even got the chance to speak Her Excellency Hannah Yeoh herself. The advise she gave us students is "Don't let attitude change you," Which is true because we are the ones who in charged of our personality and attitudes, it's not the other way round which might end up being depressed at some point.
If there's something bothering you, don't be afraid to speak up because one voice can change your whole life. Talk to your parents, teachers or lecturers and friends. If you're not comfortable with the people around you, just call up BeFrienders, a Malaysian help line which can help you to go through your times because keeping it to yourself it's not an option, instead it will become a burden not just the one you love the most but also to yourself. If you speak up you help yourself to walk out from the dark to see the bright future ahead of you. If any of your friends or family members suffering from depression, talk to them and understand the situation you might safe a life.
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