In the Information Resource Centre

OK, another day, another blog entry from me. I'm currently not in my room. I'm at the Information Resource Centre, or what is actually commonly known as the library. It is located at the Chancellor Complex, which is quite a distance from my hostel. You might ask, "Why are you there when it is such a long way from your room?" Well, I heard that there is a meeting with the Rector (or Vice-Chancellor) of UTP regarding the collection of our SPM results. We are supposed to attend the meeting in the Chancellor Hall, which is just opposite the Information Resource Centre (IRC).

Do you want me to comment about the Internet connection in the IRC? Well, it's better than the connection that we get from our rooms, definitely, which makes my updating my blog a lot easier. The IRC is not like any other library. Sure enough, the Marian Library in my school was already good enough, but it simply cannot beat the IRC of UTP. I was first mesmerised when I came in. I've never seen a library so much beautiful and so high-tech. From the outside, you can look into the library through the glass panels from the first till the 3rd floor (honestly, it looks like a six-storey building to me). You can see the massive collection of books from the ground till the highest floor. There's a lounge for students to read newspapers, leisure reading, have a little discussion. There are tables and seats for students to study and do their assignments. There is also an IT Zone where fifty computers are at the students' disposal (not including about 16 to 20 computers that are not linked to the Internet to browse for books). And then there is this discussion zone where students can discuss homework without disturbing other students who may want a quiet time. Is it necessary for me to say that there is a first-clss washroom built in the library also? Everything in the library betrays the most tranquil of all places. In fact, the whole Chancellor and Academic Complex is built in such a way that it gives a tranquil effect.

It's been quite a hard time for me. It rains almost every day now, and people are startin to fall sick. I'm down with a mild cold and sore throat. Luckily I felt that something was going to be wrong and I quickly went to see the doctor in the UTP Clinic before my illness could get worse. The doctor gave me some lozenges and antibiotics, which I dutifully consume according to time. For your information, sick students who seek medical treatment in the UTP Clinic (although it is actually opened by another company in Ipoh) are not charged for any medical fee. Therefore, I get free outpatient treatment.

After submitting my Physics assignment, I thought that I could have a rest for a day or two. But I was wrong. Not long after that, the Student Representatives for the respective Courses were called for a meeting by the Student Leader. He then passed us a few petition sheets which we were supposed to pass them around to students to write their names down and sign the petition as a sign of their support for us to apply for exemption or leave from lectures for three days, at the most. This I did. I printed out instructions and information on why I'm asking the students to sign the petition form. To my annoyance, I found that very few students actually read the instructions, although they knew what was the petition about (some were completely oblivious about the petition). That was bad enough already, but wait, here's the greater part.

They should understand that the petition forms are official documents and should be treated decently. But when I got them back, there were stray marks at the bottom of the page! Oh, what could be worse then that? And I specifically wrote down that they need to write their names down only ONCE, but then I would see some of them writing their names for the second time and then when they realise their error, they just simply cut their repeated names off. I don't know what to make of them. I think that they are intelligent enough to understand simple English. Of course, I might have used difficult words here and there in my blog, but as far as the instructions are concerned, I've tried all my best to use the simplest English possible! How utterly preposterous, isn't it? Furthermore, I've highlighted the important words in bold, italics and underlines plus two different font colours to attract their attention! They can't be that blind, can they? I spoke to the Student Leader and showed him the petition form, and all he could do is shake his head and feel frustrated. Who wouldn't be frustrated? You see, this group of students here are specially selected and have undergone thorough selection tests before they qualify to be a student in UTP. These people are expected to have at least some Form 5 thinking level, with Form 5 standard English (not to mention GCE "O" Levels)!

Why the fuss, you might say? That's because that particular petition sheet will be submitted to the Head of Foundation Studies, who is an Associate Professor! What would she say when she sees stray marks here and there, and especially from CIVIL ENGINEERING students! If our Student Leader could convince the Head regarding our reasons to apply for exemptions, then these documents would be submitted by the Head to the Senate, where she is one of the Directors. She would then discuss this issue among the Senators, whom one of the members is the Rector of UTP (he's the chairman, if I'm not mistaken). The Senators might go through all the documents. What if they associate those stray marks and ugly correction marks to immaturity? What a shame, then! Our efforts might just go down the drain then. Anyway, I'm just hoping and praying for the best.

The conclusion here is very simple. Never expect ALL university students to be so civilised. There are bound to be some rotten apples waiting to ruin your efforts. Nevertheless, bear in mind that there will still be some decent people here, who will at least understand your frustration when the appropriate time arrives.