NEW BEGINNING: Unimas new students taking their oath at its campus near here yesterday.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Students in institutions of higher learning must always remember to never let their parents down.
Minister for Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, who gave this advice, said it had always been the hope of all parents to send their children to universities or colleges.
Hence, it is the duty of students to focus on their studies and to stay clear of unhealthy activities.
“I can imagine the pride parents have the moment their children are accepted into universities or colleges.
Some of them even cry, not because they are sad, but because of joy.
“Their hope is that their children will bring back their scrolls one day. So, my advice to those selected to enter any institutions of higher learning is never ever let your parents down,” she said at the oath-taking ceremony for 3,700 new Unimas students here yesterday. Also present was Unimas vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi Fatimah, a former academician, said undergraduates must also realise that university or college environment was different from those of primary or secondary school.
At the primary or secondary school level, children are guided by their parents. At the university or college level, they are on their own.
“Life in a university is more challenging, but this is what students have to go through to develop and to be prepared for the competitive job market.”
Fatimah also advised those present to be active in co-curricular activities and not to focus solely on achieving academic excellence.
“We don’t expect students to be bookworms. The most important thing is that your time must be spent wisely on things beneficial.”