Ding Hans Xing (MIC 190008)

GIG1005 SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Reflective Writing

DNA Introduction Programme in SMK Lembah Subang

Ding Hans Xing (MIC 190008)                                                                Date:13 March 2020

Solomon Ortiz said that “education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” We are so blessed to be born in the country where 11 years of education is totally free for each and every one of us. Maybe due to this fact, we rarely even take time to appreciate all the dedications made by teachers. We often forget to appreciate them that every time when we manage to pass the tests with flying colours, all these glorious moments should be shared with the beloved teachers. Sadly, most of us do not realised that they are the people who mould us to who we are and where we stand today. I am glad that we have the chance to be one-day tutor for students from SMK Lembah Subang.

On 6 and13 March 2020, my teammates and I had three hours sessions of workshop for form four art stream students in SMK Lembah Subang. The workshop aims to give exposure to them about DNA. So, we shared with them about DNA, PCR, DNA fingerprinting and many more. What make me feel touched is that even they don’t learn biology like us since they are art stream students, they still paid full attention and remained active throughout the workshop. Even though they cannot understand our presentation slide since it was in English while their teaching medium was Malay, they did not afraid to ask for our assistance when they did not understand certain part of the presentation. Moreover, they jotted down all the knowledge in their notebooks even we do not tell them to do so. 

I am lucky to be chosen as one of the presenters on DNA Fingerprinting. I tried my very best to deliver the knowledge to them with my not-so-fluent Malay. There was no language barrier when it came to them as they gave full cooperation when I talked. Of course, the highlight of the days was the quiz sessions. I cannot really describe how brilliant and excited they were! Clearly, our hands-on activities on DNA extraction and DNA fingerprinting were success!  

However, the only sentimental part of the workshops was when they asked us whether we would come again on another day. There was nothing much I could do since it was the end of the workshops. So, all I could do was telling them to study hard and obtain good grades. Perhaps someday in the future I will meet them in University Malaya!

It was a very meaningful programme to see those students enjoyed themselves very much throughout the workshop. Our greatest wish was that they were able to learn basic about DNA from us during the workshops. Being a one-day tutor made me realised that it was not easy to educate children. Education is not about good grades and it is meant to train the mind to think. I can’t imagine how much responsibilities, sacrifices and patience a teacher should take in order to educate young generation with knowledge as well as moral values. Parents should work hand in hand with teachers in order to produce outstanding leaders in the future. Thanks to Social Engagement course, we were given this golden opportunity to appreciate the efforts of teachers that contribute a lot in our life journey.