Closing a Chapter

"Class of 2024", Image by The inkSlingers

“Every chapter of a story has its final word” is a sentence that many people relate to when they are about to close a certain memorable chapter in their life. For me, that chapter would be my university life. It is in university where I made my best memories like new experiences, new friends and of course new challenges! 

But sadly, this chapter of my life is coming to a close.

The past three years of studying at university has been a rollercoaster of emotions as I constantly faced challenges whether it was relationships, academics or your usual drama. They always say with each new challenge you always grow as a person and throughout these three years I have matured as an individual. Seeing friends come and go, GPAs drop and rise and the constant changes in life. But let's not forget the good moments too where I made new lifelong friends along the way and discovered new experiences.

Uncertainty is something that I feel as I'm about to finish my final two weeks of university. The uncertainty of what the future holds after I submit my final papers. The thought of what direction my life will go after I graduate, these are the thoughts that linger in my mind in these last two weeks as a university student. On top of that, the stressors of our final year project and internship placement pile up on one another like stacks of pancakes. Trying to balance applying to companies and working on articles is surely a feat of its own, what fuels this fire is the sweet encouragement from both my peers and my lecturers. 

As I'm sitting here tinkering the last parts of my broadcast and editing the few sentences of my article, I can say that it has been a good run and I hope it will be another adventure for me. 

One chapter closes and another opens.

This is Kenji from Inkslingers TV, signing 

out one last time…

. . .

Here are some words from my fellow classmates:

‘Although I am eager for my time at university to come to an end, I can't help but reflect on the many wonderful, insightful, and enticing memories I have made here. I will always remember my journey in Taylor's with enthusiasm as I look forward to seeing what the future holds. If I could give the future graduates any piece of advice, it would be to make an effort to connect with your lecturers. These ties can open doors and provide support even after you graduate. Looking back on my personal journey, I am filled with gratitude for the amazing lecturers who were there to teach me and guide me.’ - Nadja Saraya

. . .

I have always loved open-ended stories, for they offer limitless possibilities to everyone. The unknown is like Pandora's box, tempting us to open it. But what lies behind it—endless vistas or endless risks? No one can say for sure. I'm grateful that three years ago, when I stood at a crossroads, I chose journalism without hesitation. My university years were the happiest, not just because of what I learned, but because of who I became.

Goodbyes are always tinged with sadness, yet the end of one story marks the beginning of another. I am fortunate to have lived a story filled with positivity, which gives me a unique perspective on the next chapter of my life.

These past three years weren't filled with dramatic highs and lows like in the movies, nor were they marked by intense emotions needing an outlet. I simply did my best to blend in—to immerse myself in this unfamiliar country, to integrate into the local community. I made many Malaysian friends; we exchanged ideas, supported each other, and tried to understand each other's cultural backgrounds. There was no discrimination, only respect. I cared deeply about my CGPA. Though the fluctuations in my grades were sometimes frustrating, I believe they will help me secure a good master's program. I strove to excel in my field, even if my performance wasn't on par with locals. My comparison was with myself. I'm satisfied with my progress—an incredible journey from zero to one.

Now, sitting at my newsroom desk, the path ahead seems clearer. I'll intern, not only at traditional newspapers but also at consulting firms. I aim to broaden my horizons, enhance my communication skills, and develop crisis management abilities. I plan to attend a master's program at one of the world's top universities—whether in the UK, the US, or elsewhere. I hope to build a network, learn more about media and markets, and create my own brand. Ultimately, I will return to my original dream of becoming a journalist. Like my idol Robert Capa, I wish to walk the world's edges, fighting between dawn and darkness.

Perhaps we will not meet again, and you will also leave this beautiful university one by one. But please cherish your time here. Every stage of life is crucial, but the university experience has its unique hue. - Timothy “Stylebender” Zhao

. . .

‘My undergraduate life has been one I could have never imagined to turn out so unpredictably, yet it was certainly enjoyable. From figuring out what to major in following my background in linguistics during my A levels, to taking up Mass Communication in foundation, I never thought I would go on to study a specialisation in Journalism, but I hold no regrets. The knowledge I have gathered alongside the skills I have been able to hone are invaluable, indispensably so. Taylor’s has been memorable; a place I could not quite call home, but one that nurtured and sheltered me through my worries with the help of my respected and well-loved lecturers. To those embarking on this journey of undergraduate studies, I suggest: learn to live on without regrets. Everything you do, make sure you are choosing yourself first, and tackle hbu tasks at hand with what you have learnt; if you have not learnt much, refer back and refresh your memory on what you HAVE learned. Learning never stops, and neither should you. Every experience is valuable. Grow from that. Push yourself to be better. Even negative emotions will teach you things about yourself and the world that you previously would not have known. 

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. There’s only one of you.’ - Nafisa Labib

. . .

I came to this campus with a empty book… filled with blank colourless pages. Looking back now as I flick each pages, all filled with colours and writings, yet I ask myself… what have i missed? Did i miss the vibrancy of the stories illuminating the place? Or was it the unique shades of characters I missed the opportunity to greet? Or did I miss the bigger picture in something great? As I have reached this final step in my undergraduate studies my mind is filled with the thoughts of “what if”? I came to this campus knowing exactly what I wanted and I am so close to achieve it yet why does my heart feel like there are so many doubts and regrets that i am leaving behind. It feels like i know the answer but i dont know the question. To be honest with you, even i dont even know if “the answer” is an answer till this day. I am already heading for my internship and preparing myself for the future that everytime I feel like I have stopped I am still moving. I guess that is just life… you will always be moving even when you want to stop. I get that now. I get that there were so many routes in life that we all know what we want but we have made choices to let go off some. “Ahh so thats what I am missing…”, I told myself. There are just some colours you will lose even though you wish you had it and thats what I felt. The regret that certain choices could have shown me a different picture in my book. Thats when I reminded myself, “Look at the picture you have already made, it has colours, looks amazing and you even smiled making this…”. We all face those kinds of moments in life where choices becomes regrets, thinking of “ifs” and “buts” in creating perfection but what is perfection without a hint of imperfection. Living amongst regrets will only have you living in greyscale. What attracts people isn’t solid colours but the mixture of it all in one piece we call it art. 

All in all, I know there were many regrets i have made while i was still in campus but I am proud of the picture i have created of myself and the story. I know down the road i will make many different pictures with different shades of colours that i have missed out this time. The people around me have shown and taught me on all the opportunities and choices that we still have not come across yet… so why regret now and lose whats ahead? All the excitement and thrill is waiting for me and I am going to strive from it. I am leaving this campus in hopes of finding different colours and stories to keep filling the empty pages. I will leave you with one of my favourite quotes said by Greg Anderson “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is not in finishing something but doing it”. Everyone will be heading to similar destinations but it is the journey we take that will separate a different story from others. It was great to finish the painting of you Taylors University but I am going to move forwards and find the next canvas for my next masterpiece. - Sreeraam Sivaswamy

. . .

Life is a journey with its share of high and low points, and it's important to make the best of every situation we face. My time at Taylor's University has been a lengthy and unforgettable experience, starting from my diploma. The memories of this university will hold a special place in my heart for a long time. I wasn’t intending to pursue journalism after completing my diploma, but I have no regrets about what I've accomplished so far. I owe a great deal of gratitude to my exceptional lecturers who provided me with invaluable support and guidance, making my journey much easier and meaningful. I firmly believe that where there's a will, there's a way. Life is an ongoing journey of education and growth.

Taylor's University provided a platform for self-discovery. By engaging with different workshops, clubs, and other extracurricular activities, I found my own voice, pursued my passions, and honed my leadership skills. These opportunities allowed me to identify my strengths and interests, steering me towards an exciting future. As I approach graduation, I am flooded with a mix of emotions. My time at Taylor's University has been a journey marked by various moments of personal growth, exploration, and transformation. It feels like just yesterday that I first set foot on campus, filled with enthusiasm and a hint of nervousness, ready to embrace the unknown. Taylor's University will forever have a special place in my heart. I am eager and ready to commence the next phase, confident in the groundwork I have established here. Thank you for being a part of my journey. "Do what you love, love what you do." - Rumman

. . .

THE END