Eusoff Hall Profiling: Lim Nian Deng
As a second year student majoring in mechanical engineering, Nian Deng sure has many things to juggle on his plate, on top of his academic pursuits. Besides having to fulfill the responsibilities as the president of the Eusoff Hall’s Choir, he is also the Head of Eusoff Special Projects Team.
His initial driving factor for wanting to live in hall stemmed from simply wanting to try out something new in university. He also had seniors who recommended a stay in hall because it will provide a true university experience; where you stay away from your family and learn to be independent without the comforts and familiarity of home. You will also learn to balance your time between different commitments which importance cannot be further emphasized in today’s fast paced society.
On the reason for joining Eusoff Special Projects Team, he shares that he enjoys planning events and working with people. Being part of the team allows him to organize exciting events in Eusoff hall such as the Eusoff pageant, as well as the Eusoff Fiesta. Through Eusoff Fiesta, the alumni and current residents are given an opportunity to interact with each other, extending their belief that hall experience is not something that ends when they leave. No matter the duration stayed in hall, one should always be able to return to Eusoff Hall and feel like its home.
There was also a time when his team organized a party to celebrate the end of a semester but the turnout was poor as finals were nearing. Despite feeling disheartened, his team still went ahead to knock on doors, block by block and invited more people over to take the much-needed break before carrying on with their preparation for finals. Although the eventual attendance did not meet his desired number, he was still glad that everyone had fun and the event was positively received.
Speaking about the challenges he faces, Nian Deng admits that it is difficult to balance friendship and fairness when making hard decisions as a leader because your followers are your friends as well. However, through his experiences, he has come to realize that the only way to accomplish tasks is when people come together and work in a team; he is not alone and must learn to trust in others’ capabilities and know when to ask his peers for help instead of struggling silently on his own. Ultimately, it is during times of teamwork that strengthen their bonds and Nian Deng is confident that these friendships will last an entire lifetime.
Eusoff Hall Profiling: Zainuddin
Despite only having spent 3 semesters in hall, Zai (for short), has already accumulated a wide array of activities under his belt.
The level head of Block C in Eusoff hall revealed that the reason for joining so many activities is because he wants to search for his purpose in life, and to understand the meaning of happiness. He also adds that it is in his blood to be adventurous and fearless in trying out new things because this is the only one life he will ever get so it is up to him to make the most of it.
His undying passion and thirst for knowledge has led him to be in various committees and roles, which includes being part of Eusoff Rag Dance in 2012, Eusoff Hall Dance Production, Chingay Performance in 2013 and Eusoff Publications among others. Outside of hall, he has also participated in an Overseas Community Involvement Project, “Big Hands Bigger Hearts 9”, to serve the under-privileged children in Bago City.
“It is really a heartwarming experience and joy to see the end result of all the planned activities and events; when the beneficiaries or the people we are helping smiles and are touched by our simple gestures. These are the little things in life that puts a smile to my face and such heartening experiences remind me that the simplest pleasures in life are often free and intangible,” says Zai.
“I have been very fortunate to have been bestowed with many opportunities for personal growth and by helping the community around me, it is my way of saying thank you for having benefitted from the various learning avenues. In a committee, no effort is insignificant and when things get tough, I always try to find a side of humour to it. Happiness comes from giving and sharing, and I feel honoured to be able to impact lives in small ways, because everyone is deserving of love.”
When asked how he manages his time between school and work since he is holding two part-time jobs, Zai responded that sacrifices such as spending less time on himself will have to be made as he is determined to lead a worthwhile and fulfilling university life. When he looks back in future, he is certain that all his efforts will be worth the while.