Giving back: Mirza tutoring underprivileged pupils during one of her volunteering sessions.
WHAT do a startup competition, an English programme, and a volunteer initiative for underprivileged pupils have in common?
They all taught me that the world is the best classroom, and the lessons you learn stay with you for life.
In essence, education should extend beyond the four walls of a classroom and a curated syllabus. In today’s fast-paced world, students should venture out and stay proactive to ensure they are well-equipped with in-demand skills.
By seeking beyond-the-classroom experiences, I not only developed relevant skills but also discovered the joy of giving back to the community and broadening my horizons.
Imagine being the youngest participant in a high-pressure environment alongside individuals from different walks of life. In just under 54 hours, you must work together and come up with the “perfect” startup pitch. It requires a high level of adaptability.
Every hour that passed during the Techstars Startup Weekend 2022 was precious. At first glance, this was not the most ideal environment to break out of one’s shell. However, that was exactly where I found myself.
Though my team did not secure a spot on the podium, the experience was invaluable. I gained insights from professionals and fellow teammates, each bringing unique perspectives to the table. More importantly, I learnt that failure is not the end but a stepping stone to improvement.
The fast-paced nature of the event sharpened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills – qualities that no textbook could have fully taught me.
Beyond the business world, I discovered the power of effective communication through an English enhancement programme at a university.
Attending the four-week programme on my own last year was intimidating at first, but it became an invaluable opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. Over time, these connections blossomed into meaningful relationships that I cherish deeply.
I used to believe that language proficiency was just about grammar and vocabulary. However, I have since realised that it’s much more than that – it’s about confidence, articulation, and the ability to express ideas in a way that resonates with people.
By stepping into an environment where public speaking and interpersonal communication were essential, I understood the importance of making my voice heard – it is a tool that opens doors to countless opportunities.
Yet, perhaps the most profound lesson has come from my ongoing volunteering experiences with Teach For Malaysia. They have made me appreciate the privileges I have and fuelled a sense of responsibility to give back.
Volunteering to tutor children in basic literacy skills has reinforced a truth I have begun to grasp, which is that knowledge is not just meant to be acquired but also shared.
Stepping into classrooms filled with underprivileged pupils, I have seen firsthand how education – or the lack of it – shapes lives.
Though different in nature, these experiences taught me a common lesson: growth happens outside our comfort zones.
Stepping beyond the structured learning environment of a classroom allows us to cultivate adaptability, resilience and empathy for both personal and professional success.
This does not mean that conventional education is any less important; however, it is crucial that we incorporate more outside-the-classroom experiences.
The world itself is the best classroom, filled with endless opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.
To fellow students, I urge you to take that leap, seize new experiences and push your boundaries. The lessons you gain will last far beyond any exam or degree, shaping you into a more capable and compassionate individual.
Mirza, 19, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
