REIS LIEW YIE CHENG (MIC180043)

GIG1005 SOCIAL

ENGAGEMENT REFLECTIVE WRITING

Visit to SMK Sri Aman

REIS LIEW YIE CHENG (MIC180043) DATE: 30 MARCH 2020

I believe that everyone has that one dream that they wish to fulfill, be it a small matter like eating an ice-cream on a rainy day, or in my case, becoming a scientist. I always have an enthusiasm for science since young and that passion for science had influenced me while I was choosing my university course. Now that I am studying biomedical science at the university level, it is my sincere hope that I can play a role in encouraging the younger generation who has an interest towards science, to take a bold step in chasing their dreams. Therefore, I was really excited when I was told that we will be visiting SMK Sri Aman for our Social engagement programme. By exposing the secondary school students to some fun experiments related to genetics and microbiology, I wish to ignite the sparks of love for science in them. Before the visit to SMK Sri Aman, we attended an internal workshop held by Dr. Puah, with the assistant of several post-graduate students. In the workshop, Dr. Puah gave clear explanation on the principle and procedures of the experiment so that we can have better understanding about the experiment. We also had hands-on practices to make sure we fully understand the procedure so that we can teach the students in a correct way. We appreciated the effort made by Dr. Puah as she was really dedicated in making sure that all of us are wellprepared for the visit. On 28th February 2020, we visited SMK Sri Aman as planned. I felt equally nervous although I was only the assistant for Group 2 members as it was my first time conducting such programme in my university life. Time is gold, so we started to set up for the activities as soon as we reached there. During the seminar, I was amazed by how well my friends presented the principle of the experiment, in a fun and interactive way. I was really glad to see the students paying respect and full attention to the presentation, without making any noise. After the presentation, we proceeded to the experiment session where we taught the students how to extract DNA from the cheek cells and fruits. All of us played our parts in the programme and this was where we learnt how to cooperate in order to get things done. During the experiment, some of us played a role as facilitators, while some of us acted as photographer. To ensure the students fully understand the procedure, our friends had also explained the procedure one by one in a way that all the students can follow. The students were very curious and they had asked us all kinds of questions. I was nervous but I had tried my best to make sure they get correct answers to their questions based on the knowledge we learnt from Dr. Puah during the workshop. It is undeniable that the facilitators had done their part well by guiding the students and explaining the reasons each step need to be taken to the students in their group. From the students’ facial expression, I can tell that they had a great time doing the experiment as they were all laughing all the way. They were really excited and satisfied when they had successfully extracted the DNA. The hands-on session was followed by a quiz session in which the students can get attractive prizes if they are able to answer the questions correctly. The response from the students were overwhelming as they were very active in answering the questions. Some was fast learners as they were able to answer the questions correctly based on what they had just learnt from the previous sessions. However, the quiz session would be more perfect if we can take extra precautions by checking the answers prepared beforehand because some of the answers for the questions were not accurate. I almost shed tears of joy when the students gave us all kinds of positive comments and told us that they had a really good time with us, hoping that we can meet again soon someday. After that, we left the school reluctantly and went back to our respective homes. As a conclusion, I was proud when I saw the students participated themselves in all the sessions held enthusiastically, as all of us had put their heart and soul in this programme and all the hard works had finally paid off. Through this programme, I had acquired communication skills which enable me to talk bravely in front of the crowd without feeling panic. I had also learnt how to work together with others as a team as cooperation is the crucial key to ensure the programme goes smoothly. Other than that, we were given a golden opportunity to learn more in depth and new knowledge on genetics and microbiology through this programme. This programme would not be successful without the guidance of Dr. Puah, as she had spent a lot of time preparing this programme for us in order to make sure both the students from SMK Sri Aman and us to have the best experience. I was grateful that we can expose the students to the world of science by sharing the scientific knowledge with them. Undeniably, we can improve this activity in the future by avoiding all the mistakes that we had made this time. However, it is no doubt that this was a great and unforgettable experience for me. (929 words)