Puteri Nur Afiqah binti Megat Abdul Samat (MIC180041)

GIG1005 SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

REFLECTIVE WRITING

Puteri Nur Afiqah binti Megat Abdul Samat (MIC180041) Date: 30 March 2020

Ever since I was a kid, I am always amazed by how through Science, we can learn more about our own self. This passion I had in Science since young became the sole reason for me to further my study in Biomedical Science. However, going through university life, I always find it hard to understand a few concepts especially one related to DNA and genetics as it requires me to be highly imaginative. I almost thought of giving up but fortunately that thought didn’t last long as the lecturers here are implementing super amazing approaches i.e. doing fun stuffs and experiments to help us visualise and understand better and that’s what we did too, in our Social Engagement project! It was during the last few weeks of our semester 3 that our course coordinator, Dr Puah gathered us, the first and second year students. I was excited upon hearing that we will be taking Social Engagement next semester because this course could be an escape from the typical ‘sit and listen to the lecturer’ course. Our project will be different, because instead of building a ‘touch and go’ relationship with the community, we will be conducting a few modules at the selected UM foster schools. By doing this, we are indirectly contributing in maintaining a long-lasting relationship between UM and these schools. At first, I did not have the confidence on doing this as we had to prepare the modules ourselves but I then realised that Dr Puah was trying to teach us to become more independent instead of being spoon-fed all the time. Although we need to come out with the tentative and modules ourselves, I am grateful that Dr Puah is always there to help us. Two days before our very first programme, an internal workshop was held to give us some insights on the programme flow. It was a draining day for me as the workshop started at 4 just right after my previous class ended but seeing Dr Puah’s dedication really energised me to continue the day. We did a trial-run on the hands-on activities with the help of a few postgraduate students. Although I had done DNA extraction several times already, it never fails to ignite a spark in me. We then gathered with our group members to distribute the roles. The discussion was done in a harmonious way, because all of us were enthusiastic in contributing and everyone did understand that every single one of us plays a crucial part to make the programme a success. Every single role, no matter how big or small does matter! The first module on DNA Extraction was conducted on 28th February 2020 at SMK (P) Sri Aman. Can I pause for a second to say how nervous I am on that day? I could sense a surge of adrenaline rushed through my whole body imagining how I am going to screw up while being the student’s facilitator as I am not a person who talks well in front of others. As we reached there, the students started to fill in the hall. I was not able to meet and greet with the students as I had to go to laboratory to set things up. This increased my nervousness as the hands-on session will be the very first time my eyes meet theirs. The set-up session ran smoothly as we managed to work well under pressure despite the limited amount of time. The hands-on activities really worn me out as the students were too energetic! It was difficult to handle the students alone, but I was lucky to have my faci partner, Hidayah who really did well than me. The hands offered by group 1 members also did help to lessen our burden. Despite my shaky voice and mistakes done here and there, we managed to assist the students well. Seeing the curious eyes of the students motivated me to try my best in explain the concept in an understandable manner. The quiz session was not going that well. Some confusions happened as we forgot to double check the slide prepared by year 1 students. We acknowledge it as the entire team’s fault because none of us actually reminded each other to review the questions. Despite the flaws we did, I could see all the students still eagerly raised their hands and some of them even opened their notebooks to find the answers. What a beautiful sight to be seen! Although syllabus-wise they might not have learnt in-depth about DNA extraction, their spirit in learning new things did break the difficulties. At the end of the programme, one of the students in my group asked me whether they will be staying in the same group with the same facilitator for the next programme because they just love us as their facilitators! I almost teared up upon hearing that, as though I have not done a good job as a facilitator, they seemed to really appreciate our efforts in trying to be one. This teaches me that whenever you are doing something, do it with your very best efforts because at the end of the day, the results don’t matter much, the efforts are! The sense of accomplishment I felt that day was beyond words. Despite the short time we spent, added to the cancellation of the second programme due to COVID-19 pandemic, I believe that the time we spent was of quality. This programme taught me a lot, especially the importance of working as a team and the essence of having good communication skills. Every programme will have their own uphill and downhill, but mistakes happen not be grieved on but to be improved for. If we were to improve for the next programme, I suggest that rehearsal of the programme should be done beforehand provided a longer preparation time. I won’t forget this beautiful experience ever! (979 words)