IMU Psychology Students’ First-hand Experience at a Community Engagement Project

IMU PS220 and PS121 Psychology students were involved in a Minda Sihat programme held at SS5, Kelana Jaya on 25 June 2022. This is the students’ first-hand experience at a community engagement project post-pandemic. Here, the students share their experience  at the community project.

Mirror Tracing Booth

Farah Nabila

This is my first-time volunteering after the pandemic. Also, it happened to be the first time for me to see a mirror-tracing task in real life. It looks interesting and considering how this set sparked the interest of people who visited the booth, filled up my energy more to explain to them about the purpose of mirror tracing task.

Seeing them eager to try this task is also another rewarding feeling that I feel because I am aware that they do not only try this out just for the sake of it but somehow this task increases their awareness on the importance of mental health.

Jo

Due to the pandemic, the opportunity to volunteer for physical events was limited. Hence, I felt nervous about performing my duties as a consequence of the unfamiliarity and uncertainties. However, as the programme progressed, I eventually felt more confident and comfortable in performing my role for example, explaining the instructions and conducting the mirror tracing task. Throughout the programme, the guests who joined us were more than I have expected and were more engaging than predicted, which I was appreciative of. Overall, I find this opportunity gratifying and was indeed a rewarding experience.

Hanoi Tower Booth

Farah Nabila

Other than mirror tracing task, I had a chance to explain further about Hanoi tower as well to the people who came to the booth as this set undeniably captivated lots of attention from them. They were also eager to know the purpose of this game and finish the challenge this game provided knowing the challenging rules it came with. Although the weather was very hot, those who came were willing to rack their brain in order to solve the game. Seeing their persistence and their interest fuelled my interest and my spirit to encourage people to try out the activities in the booth. Interestingly, during the programme, I spotted one boy who was able to finish this task faster than any other people who came, considering that he was very young. This proved his ability in problem-solving skills and not only that, this indicates on how the Hanoi Tower task serves as a good platform to practice your problem-solving skills and strategies and also on the importance of these kind of tasks (not only Hanoi Tower) to be provided to children to enhance their problem-solving skills.

 Yeoh Li Wen

I am very grateful to have this opportunity to volunteer with IMU Cares. During the day of the event, my task was to explain about Hanoi Tower to the people who visited the booth. This is a game that requires one’s problem-solving skills and working memory, which allows them to practice their cognitive abilities. When people came to the booth, I first explained the rules and instructions,  then I let them try out the easiest level, which is starting with 3 disks. Once they were able to solve the 3 disks level, I congratulated them and asked if they wanted to proceed with the rest of the levels. Most of them attempted other levels and it was very fulfilling to see them being so determined to try to solve it. I can see their persistence and spirit throughout the game. It made me happy seeing their faces light up after being able to move on from one tower to the next. What surprised me was that people of all ages came to try out the Hanoi tower, not just adults, but there were also kids as young as 7 years old and the elderly above 70 years old. It was so fun to interact and communicate with them, and get to know their strategies in solving the Hanoi Tower. This was a memorable and rewarding experience, I truly enjoyed it.

Biofeedback Activity Booth

Tan Ni Ki

It was my very first experience to volunteer in a physical event after the pandemic. Initially, I was very nervous and excited because I had never try to perform this activity before. However, after the explanation and few demonstrations from Mr Alex, the person in charge of this activity, I became more confident and I did learn a lot from him. In addition, we are required to communicate with the public during this event where we need to explain the activity to them and also need to conduct the activity. Throughout the event we did manage to have many participants who were very interested in all activities and they were also eager to seek information from us. Lastly, I really appreciate all the lecturers and all the volunteers who are very friendly and I am really happy to have this opportunity to work with them. I am also truly grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer in this event which was rewarding and unforgettable.

Mandala Booth

Veishnawee

This is my first-time volunteering with IMU Cares ever since pandemic. I did not know anything about mandala before this but then I researched about the task and got to know more about it. My table drew more children than adults throughout the activity since it was colourful, as I utilised Mahjong paper, crayons, and colour pencils for the activity. It was difficult for them at first to draw some patterns in the circle, and I felt like I was restricting them to drawing within the circle, so I modified the rules and asked them to draw whatever they wanted. This activity was done mostly for them to relieve stress and to showcase their creativity. It was enjoyable to connect and speak with the children, as well as to inquire about why they drew that drawing and learn more about them. It was indeed a tiring day but the interaction with the children made it worthwhile. I am grateful that I took advantage of this opportunity because it was a remarkable experience for me.