He may be at a top position now, he may have lesser energy than before, he may have a different mindset and perception now, but are those stopping him to live life as an ordinary student for one day? No.
Him who?
He is none other than KDU's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Teoh Kok Soo, who tried experiencing life as a student for one day. He joined the students from SUKDU (Student Union of KDU) to walk in the shoes of and live life as a student in the 21st century recently. Now, do we have a cool Vice Chancellor or what?
How much can you eat? Our Vice Chancellor taking part in the "Hotdog Eating Competition" organized by KDU's Student Union.
We spoke to him about his day as a student, his experiences and such, and this is what he has to say:
What made you think of doing this?
I wanted to know more about our students' life in KDU. I want to be in their shoes and feel how the students feel. It's a different point of view and from here, I can find out how they come to college, how they mingle with their friends, their class experiences, extra curricular activities and such.
We are aware that not many Vice Chancellor would do that.....
"Not any Vice Chancellor would do that. When the committee members from SUKDU heard about it, they were shocked but also very happy. The students felt that it was a cool thing to do so. So, the students actually planned a schedule for me throughout the whole day.
Were there any rules and conditions from the students?
Yes! They said the condition would be, no formal attire. Besides that, my wallet should not carry more then RM20.00 , because as students, they do not usually carry much around in college.
Can you spot Prof. Teoh? Looking like one of the students, donned in checked shirt and khakis. This is the day where he loses the tie, jacket and shiny black shoe.
So, tell us how the day went.
We started our journey 7.50am to catch the shuttle van, heading to KDU Section 13 campus. The students and I sat on the bench and read the newspaper while waiting for the van. It was fun riding the van where I sat right at the back and chatted with a few students. When we reached our destination, the students brought me around the campus. We went to the library and also the computer lab where the students usually hang out.
Later on, we went across the street to eat. It was dangerous for students to cross the busy roads along Section 13. However, I managed to overcome my fear while crossing the street. It then rained heavily and luckily one student managed to fetch us back with a car, back to the main campus.
By 10.00am, I attended a Spanish class for 2 hours. It was my first Spanish class ever. We also had group presentations, as well as games and activities in the class. One of the example was to act out a drama, conversing in Spanish. It was really fun. After the class, we had lunch at the cafeteria and I chatted with more students. We then played basketball and it felt really good! It has been a while since I last played and managed to score twice. I used to be a basketball player back then. Overall, it was a good game.
Later on, we went across the street to eat. It was dangerous for students to cross the busy roads along Section 13. However, I managed to overcome my fear while crossing the street. It then rained heavily and luckily one student managed to fetch us back with a car, back to the main campus.
By 10.00am, I attended a Spanish class for 2 hours. It was my first Spanish class ever. We also had group presentations, as well as games and activities in the class. One of the example was to act out a drama, conversing in Spanish. It was really fun. After the class, we had lunch at the cafeteria and I chatted with more students. We then played basketball and it felt really good! It has been a while since I last played and managed to score twice. I used to be a basketball player back then. Overall, it was a good game.
What else did you do? Was your experience only at the Section 13 Campus?
Nope, we did head back to the Damansara Jaya Campus and I participated in the Hotdog Eating Competition. It was a challenge for me! However, I managed to finish all six hot-dogs in 8 minutes and 52 seconds. I was proud that I finished it. After the competition was done, I headed for another class on "Human Biology". I find the class very interesting as they discussed about human and animal evolution. I then joined the students again to have another round of chit-chatting session discussing about problems that they faced in college and other related issues.
How would you describe your overall experience?
I would personally say that, being a student again, was very interesting. I miss being a student and living life as one. Life in KDU is fun and I can foresee many future leaders, and hopefully more students will come forward to involve themselves in more activities that is happening around campus. From there, they can learn and enjoy their college life, utilizing their chances now rather than regret in the future.
Having a friendly chat with a student
Any last word?
The best part to learn is now and not when we start working. We can still seek guidance and advice from our lecturers, mentors and even our friends. I had a great opportunity meeting with so many students from all walks of life and I believe networking is vital in today's society. During college, it is the best place to make friends and mingle around while we still can.
Very inspiring and interesting experience you had!
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