Enriching experiences
IT’S going to be an enriching experience for Shivaliny Muthu Kumaran who participated in the Journalism in New Media programme organised by Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) held at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, USA recently.
This intensive, five-week programme is aimed towards providing undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.
The Journalism in New Media consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures for a group of 75 students from 12 participating countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman etc. Participants will develop their leadership skills, learn to think analytically as journalists and embrace continuous learning in a diverse and fast-changing society
As for Shivaliny, a Management & Science University (MSU) Bachelor in Games Design & Animation student, the two years wait was worth it as she recalled going through a very tight selection process.
She looks forward to the opportunity to interact with U.S. faculty and student peers, and for exposure to U.S. academic and classroom culture.
When asked about her feelings towards this selection, she couldn’t help herself by being grateful and happy to be selected as the lucky of 75 university students from participating countries for this programme.
“United States has always been my dream destination for me to pursue my studies. Yet this is only the beginning of an exciting long journey. It’s also a gift for my beloved parents”, she added.
The Alor Star born lass further added, “Throughout my five weeks of stay I did several activities during the weekend such as went for a home stay with the Slavin family, watched an International League baseball game and motor racing tournament at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, one of the most famous racing venues in the world.”
“I also for volunteered in a charity service at Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit group that has built more than 500,000 houses worldwide. Painting, insulation installation, and woodworking were all part of the morning’s volunteering activities.
“The next charity service which I did was work at Second Harvest of East Central Indiana, a food distribu- tion center that works to eliminate hunger.”
Community services are nothing new to Shivaliny. She has been active in the MSU’s “U Community: From University to Community” programme which focuses on five main areas namely the environment, orang Asli, wellness, urban poor and orphanages.
The programme is a part of MSU’s continuous commitment in encouraging its students to serve the society and instill in them the spirit of volunteerism.
For further enquiries on programmed offered at MSU for the coming intakes, please call 03-5521 6868, fax 03-5511 2848, email enquiry@msu.edu.my, sms MSUINFO <spac>name<spac>email to 019-341 9152/016-356 8251/012-249 6551 or visit www.msu.edu.my