Take charge of your life
BE the boss of your own future,” says Dr James Walsh, commenting on how students should embrace university life. “Being a student in school is very different from what it is like as a university student.”
The MAHSA Pre-University Studies director explains that in a school setting, teachers tend to end up being the “boss” in the teacherstudent relationship. However, in a university setting, the lecturers impart their knowledge in the class and the students are the “boss”.
The PhD holder from the National University of Ireland (Dublin) has always been passionate about a career as a lecturer. Dr Walsh who has a strong and impressive background in Physics, explains that the MAHSA Pre-University Department aims to develop students into university material.
Students enrolled in the programmes offered by the Pre-University Studies Department at MAHSA are nurtured to reach their optimal preparation for a smooth transition to a degree programme.
There is a key level of commitment and persistence required for students in a degree programme without which they may fall by the wayside.
Dr Walsh further explains that often students may struggle during pre-university studies. This may be due to cultural differences, homesickness, maturity levels or language skills. MAHSA provides ample support for students who may need it.
An optimist, Dr Walsh says students must always look at the glass as half full instead of half empty. He also shares how he is currently involved in mentoring students.
In addition to his duties as director and related teaching experience, Dr Walsh also has extensive research experience with numerous publications in journals and papers worldwide and has been awarded many grants. He is also an Adjunct Associate Prof at the University of Houston, Texas, the United States.
Despite his hectic schedule, this father of one and director of a fast-growing pre-university department, still finds time to relax and enjoy being a football fan and an astronomy buff.
He says, “Similarly, it is essential that students manage the two – university life and academics. If students are interested in a particular field, apart from the clearly stated academic entry requirements, they must have the practical skills required in that field of interest.”
He elaborates that students need to have personable and practical skills, as they would most likely be dealing with people in their line of work.
Although some of his biggest accomplishments are his achievements in his impressive academic career and family life, one of the most fulfilling moments is when his students graduate.
“MAHSA is definitely a place to be in with its upward trajectory of growth since 2005. It is bound to be a very special institution in a few years’ time. The continued steep growth curve of MAHSA is a sign of its future success.”
He believes that the MAHSA Pre-University Studies department will continue to expand to offer many more selections for students in the near future.
He advises students: “Do well in the SPM, get the grades and take control of your academic career. Always make sure that as students you do what you want, not what others tell you to do, but accept advice from those with greater experience in life such as your parents and family. Come to MAHSA and see what we can do for you to help you reach your goals.”
MAHSA has a range of Pre-University Programmes available.
For more details, call 1800 88 0300 or visit www.mahsa.edu.my