After having online classes for the past 18 months, the IMU Psychology Club decided to host a virtual welcoming party for the new incoming students of our programme with the beach-theme “Sea New Friends”, held on the 1 October (Friday), via Microsoft Teams. Due to the pandemic restrictions in Klang Valley, students have not been allowed to be back on campus for physical classes and activities. Missing the physical presence of their beloved classmates, friends, and lecturers, the virtual welcoming party was hoped to be fun, casual, warm and a bridge for connection.
The event began with a big bang with a motivating opening speech by Mr Alexius Cheang, behavioural psychologist and lecturer, who inspired the students with his rousing speech on staying true to yourself during one’s journey in the undergraduate programme.This was followed by a speech by Dr Serena In (in the above photo on the right), the Programme Director of the BSc (Hons) in Psychology programme, who shared her journey of pursuing her studies from undergraduate to postgraduate studies in the field of Psychology.The take home message was that, in order to pursue one’s dream in life successfully, we stay determined, reach out for help along the way, staying authentic to ourselves, and never ever give up.
Subsequently, ice-breaking games were carried virtually out where a game of Spin the Wheel and “Never Have I Ever” were played, followed by a round of the students introducing themselves to each other. These activities allowed lecturers and students to get to know one another better with funny and interesting stories exchanged.
Finally, there was a ‘Meet the Seniors’ segment with campus life sharing by seniors from the cohorts of PS118, PS119, PS219, PS120 and PS220 of the IMU Psychology programme. Hearing about personal lessons learnt and encouragement from the seniors surely boosted the spirits of the bright-eyed new students.
All in all, it was successful event. Albeit we could only meet virtually, we bonded across distance and time zones. Throughout this pandemic, our Psychology students have learnt to be adaptive, flexible and resilient, navigating through many challenges and changes in life. Written by IMU Psychology student, Lee Rulin (in the photo on the right) Edited by Dr Serena In
