Wong Zheng Yan
Full name: Wong Zheng Yan
Age: 21
Nationality: Malaysian
Bachelor of Science, major in Psychology (2017)
If you are working, who is your current employer and what is your role?
I am currently not working but will be undertaking a postgraduate studies in Melbourne soon.
Why did you choose Monash Malaysia?
I chose Monash Malaysia because it is known as a prestigious university and I am proud to be a Monashian. In addition, the course structure for psychology major was also very well structured. It deepens our knowledge about psychology and provides us with the flexibility to take interesting electives and broaden our horizon.
While at Monash, what type of opportunities did you participate in?
There are lots of clubs and activities, programs as well as parties held in monash. Particularly, I love the MUVP where I got to interact with special children and have some practical knowledge related to psychology. There are also many other opportunities in Monash such as the visit to Oasis Place, Brickfields to understand the psychology of workplace. Counselling services also held many workshops for us to learn more about ourselves. I participated in sports such as in-line skating. It's a good way to make friends too!
What insights, skills or experience made a difference to your own life or the lives of others around you?
The skill to communicate and sympathise with others. I think this is a very important skill to help me understand those around me better andto be a good listener when they need one.
Whilst at Monash, did you have any industry exposure/placements? How has it benefited you?
I didn't go for any placements but instead I registered for a program called BBM (Best Buddies Malaysia) where we are paired with special children to build friendships that will be monitored. I believe this is a great hands-on experience that will allow me to understand more about special children and how they feel.
What do you love most about your student life at Monash?
Definitely the people. A mixture of local and international students from all around the world. We all had different stories to share about ourselves and our experiences in life. Also, friendly lecturers and tutors who helped us out during consultation hours and occasional jokes.
If you moved to come study at Monash, where did you live? How did you find that experience?
I lived at Sunway Monash Residence, which was a few minutes walk to campus. I joined many activities such as bbq and movie nights. We also celebrated festivals and went on small trips together.
Outside work or study were you able to build on your interest (i.e. volunteering, mentoring other students, other educational pursuit )?
Definitely. Throughout my uni life, I had volunteered several times especially for psychology campaigns inside and outside of uni. It's good exposure to explore more about the recent updates in the psychology field. As for mentoring, I wouldn't call it mentoring but during my own time, I would chat with my friends and motivate them when they asked for advices.
If you are a graduate, have the experiences you have been talking about above made a difference to the way you approach your work and your career?
Yes. All the experiences above provided me with lots of exposure and allowed me to have a clearer vision of what I am looking for in the future.
What is your goal/dream in life, where are you headed to in the future?
My dream in life is very simple. It is to feel and understand others. To help them find peace in themselves. I believe that psychology is a very important field to be studied because no matter what occupation, gender, nationality, age, ethnicity, religion, we are all humans and we all have feelings. Specifically, I will be going for developmental psychology for adolescent as that is the stage of life where rebellion kicks in. I think it is a stage of life where one strongly feels the need to be understood.
What is your advice to current Monash Malaysia students?
I would say university life is not as scary and hectic as you think it is. Just focus during tutorials and read more background readings for your assignments. Don't overwork. Give yourself some time to relax, socialise, join some clubs and activities. Have a balance and I guarantee you will enjoy your uni life in Monash Malaysia.