21 August 2018

Back to University: Year 2 Semester 2 (21/8/18)

School is out for primary and secondary school students, but for the students at Sunway University, it's back to university after a long month of semester break. Yesterday was a big day for us, because the examination results of our previous semester were released! I was super happy with my results because I passed every subject, so I'm officially stepping into Year 2 semester 2!

I head to my favourite place on campus- the library, to chill out before the first lecture begins at 10am. At around 9.30am, I make my way to the first lecture of the day which is Intercultural Communication. As I reach the classroom, my course mates are already in there. "Hey girls, nice to see you all again!" I say as I make my way to my seat. "It's so good to see you too!" Jaya says.

Ms. Serena comes in and lecture begins! It's not really a lecture but more of a introductory of the subject of Intercultural Communication. I'm going to see her again at Psychology in Communication later on. I have a three-hour break, where should I go to first?

I come across the Sunway Peer Counseling Volunteer (PCV) booth at the university foyer. They have an upcoming event which is focusing on mental health. I have a passion in mental health. "Hi, are you interested to sign up for one of our job scopes? We are currently looking for students to fill up these roles," I study the flyer, they have job scopes such as poster designing, photography and video editing. I don't fill the requirements in any of the job scopes. "I'm sorry, I don't fill in any of the requirements," I say.

"It's alright! Would you like to leave a message?" the student asks me. I leave a message that it is okay to say, we can't just keep things to ourselves. As I'm making my way to the college lift, I bump into a student who I met at Sunway Model United Nations (SUNMUN) earlier this month. "Yes! I do remember you! You're the admin in UNHRC right?" I say. "Yes, yes I am! Where are you off to?" he asks.

I'm heading to the MUFY office, but also checking out the activities that are happening now around campus. Just before I head to the lift, there are some booths along the link bridge. Why not check them out for awhile? Sunway Student Volunteers (SSV) is having an event which is Run Towards the 17 Goals. I can't run but I'm passionate in Goals 3 and 4- quality in education and goodness in well being . I bump into my friend, Jia Xin. We have a short chat as he is going out for lunch with his friends.

As I enter the MUFY student hub, the juniors staring at me. Probably they didn't see me around before, but I bump into Daniel, who I met at SUNMUN. My lecturers are very happy to see me, and I get to talk to my new juniors. To fill up my free time, I watch some videos online to pass the time since there is no assignment yet.

I go to the wrong class, so I rush to the university because I'm missing a lot right now. I take a tumble while I'm on my way to UW 7-6, luckily my course mate helps me up. I'm running of breath but after I settle myself down, it is back to normal. Ms. Serena gives us an insight of Psychology in Communication, and the first two assignments are up for the day. One is an opinion paper and the other is a group project. 

I'm looking forward to the new semester and I'm going to give my best. What's in store for Katelyn this time?

11 August 2018

Sunway Model United Nations 2018: The Future Is... (10/8/18-12/8/18)

After I attended my first MUN (Model United Nations) back in April, I found it quite interesting and was looking forward to the next MUN. Four months later, I decided to make a come back at Sunway Model United Nations (SUNMUN) 2018!

Since I'm still on semester break, might as well join SUNMUN to fill up the boring holiday into a fun one. My council is the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and I'm representing Japan. As a tribute to my host country, I wear a white dress and accessories with a red hairband to represent the national flag of Japan. When I arrive at the SUNMUN scene, delegates from other high schools and universities pack the corridors of the JC auditoriums. I'm happy to reunite with some of my friends who I met at my first MUN- Malaysia National Model United Nation (MNMUN). I also make some new ones as well.

The doors of JC1 are opened, delegates are given the green light to go in for the opening ceremony. I'm approached by Gordon, the chair of United Nations of General Assembly, who assumes that I'm a delegate of France. I tell him that I'm in the UNHRC and representing Japan. The opening ceremony begins with an introductory video, follow by speeches made from Dr. Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive of Sunway Education Group and YB Michelle Ng, the state assembly person of Subang Jaya. With a bang, SUNMUN has now begun!

Admins escort delegates to their respective councils. My council is at LT3, sometimes I have lectures during normal university days. Anyway, we have a role call and the first thing we do is lobbying. What is lobbying? Lobbying is delegates go around the council to work together with other countries to discuss the topics they have in common. The countries I work with are India, Pakistan, Columbia, Myanmar and United States of America. We discussed on the working conditions of force labour in businesses.

After what we had discussed on the first day, the lobbying continues until 10.30am for the debate. I lobbied with the delegates of Brazil and Sierra Leone. We discussed on the legalisation on the sex industry. Thanks to delegate of Saudi Arabia, the council is getting to spice up a little. In mid debate, there is some security control on the campus, but thanks to the SUNMUN secretariat team everything is under control.

We are very tired after debating on the topic for hours, I can feel tummy rumbling. How to make that tummy frown upside down? SUNMUN Social Night of course! With all the good food and performances, my energy is recharged! During the after-party, I decide to take a stage to showcase my singing skills? Did I mention that Walter has a great singing voice?

The third and final day of SUNMUN, UNHRC is debating on the topic of working conditions in businesses. As I'm the main submitter, I have a rough start. I answer questions from delegates of Iran, Nigeria and Kenya. During the second half of the council, I'm informed that I'm shifted to the World Healthcare Organisation (WHO). WHO was my initial council as I have a passion on mental health. I'm placed as the delegate of Switzerland. The delegate of Germany discusses on how to normalise mental health by giving the appropriate education and guidance to change the concept towards certain social groups.

The debate comes to a close and we have a "mini award" within the WHO council. I'm crowned for best dressed female. The power of fashion! To fill up our energy for the closing ceremony, we head to Subway, where it's nearby the campus. I have a good chat with some delegates who I met earlier at the WHO council. Even though I attended for only 20 minutes.

The closing ceremony ends with a highlight video throughout these three days and awards are given out for outstanding delegates. Although the event is over, the friendship between delegates is not. Everyone takes selfies and group photos to commemorate the memorable day. I'm super happy when I receive my certificate of participation as the delegate of Japan in the UNHRC.

I'm proud to represent Sunway as a delegate. I'm looking forward to the next MUN. The future is really happening! Happy International Youth Day! What a day to end SUNMUN on a momentous occasion.


Day 2 of SUNMU