~freshmen luncheon~

date: 17th May 2008
time: 12-4pm
venue: KPD E,Level 4, Exhibition area.

And the event? The must have of every new semester, the Freshmen Luncheon. Loads of robe clad bodies,formal dress-codes, rows of tables decorated with flower petals, soft music, the tantalizing aroma of buffet lunch, pretty decorations and the icing on the cake? inspiring speeches from our fellow peers and lecturers. Apart from all these, the luncheon is symbolic in the lives of HELP University College freshmen as it marks the beginning of a new journey- the journey as the seeker of knowledge,the journey as a scholar, the journey of a psychology undergraduate.
This event is exclusively, as the name suggest, for freshmen of the May 2008 semester and was attended by the newbies along with their parents. The event was also graced by the lecturers of the Department of Psychology, among others Dr. Goh Chee Leong, Dr. Anasuya Jegathesan, Dr. Ng Wai Sheng, Mr. Franklin Morais, Dr. Graham Fulton, Ms. Yeo Pei Li, Pn. Fathimah, Ms. Vanitha Chandrasegaram and Ms. Serena Sinniah. Graduate tutors and staff of B.Psych, Ms. Farah Gulamoydeen, Ms. Joy Ooi, Ms. Josephine Gan, Ms. Sheryl Chong, Pn. Haslinda Islakhuddin and Ms. Serena In were also present at the event. Together with them, the B.Psych Student Council 08/09, tutors and volunteers were all there to help out where needed and join in the occasion.
Shortly after 11am, the guests started arriving at Block E and their first stop? Level 2 the robing area. Freshmen, faculty members and senior students were all given graduation robes (minus the hat) before they headed to Level 4 where the event was being held. Just for today, the guest who parked in KPD E were given a flat rate of RM3 for parking as long as their parking tickets were stamped. The tickets stamping booth was also in Level 2.
At level 4, the atmosphere and the arrangement of the seating was almost similar to the Opening Feast in Hogwarts, what with four long rows of tables and eager students and lecturers and all. The only difference was that we did not have floating candles, our food did not miraculously appear and our Dumbledore (Dr.Goh Chee Leong) does not have an overflowing beard and moustache :p what they (Dumbledore and Dr.Goh) do have in common, however is that Dr. Goh's presence as the emcee in the front of all the guest just demanded everyone's attention and who better to start off the event then the Head of Department himself. He's speech on his hopes of B.Psych students being scholars in their own right was a demonstration of the high standards he has set for us and one that all of us-juniors and seniors alike will strive to fulfill. Then, the president of B.Psych Student Council 08/09 Mr. Choo Kok Wui welcomed the freshmen to the psychology fraternity and gave a brief overview of the opportunities in HELP as well as an introduction to Careersense-which would have put all the parents' worries about job prospects for their children at ease. Next we had a senior student, Mr.John Kiat speak about his journey as a psychology undergraduate and what it takes to be an ace student- not books, not pens, not papers- but a dream and a will to achieve it. Finally, Dr.Ng Wai Sheng shared with us her own experience as a student and how she followed her heart and overcame all obstacles to pursue the study of psychology. She also gave an inspiring example of how obstacles can sometimes be blessings in disguise. After a series of speeches, the feast began!
The food was arranged by Banana Cafe and most people thought that it was pretty good with a lot of varieties and options. After eating, the guest headed back to Level 2 to hand back the robes and were able to leave. The disrobing marked the end of the event. A special thanks to Ms. Sheryl Chong and Ms. Serena In for organizing the event and for everyone who graced it with their presence. and to the newbies, Welcome to the B.Psych and All the Best! :)