Scholarship winners and organisers at Aston
University. Su Ann sits in the front row
Looking back now, I am thankful for all that
my lecturers have done for me
Lim Su Ann says that her passion lies in the
education field
I find that I did not need to struggle a lot,
as my lecturers at UCSI University taught me all
that was necessary
While others follow the path to be leaders in their
chosen industry, others find that they were born to teach
and to mentor the young to be leaders. For former UCSI University
student, Lim Su Ann, this was exactly the case.
Lim Su Ann graduated from UCSI University in 2009, and was
a First Class Honours student in the English Language and
Communications programme. She said that after graduating,
she realised that her passion lies in the education field.
“I loved both English and teaching, and TESOL seemed the
best option for me,”
Su Ann chose to enroll at UCSI University after she heard
about the institution through friends and read about it
in the newspapers. She said that she was interested in the
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Communications
course which the University offered. “It suited what I wanted
to pursue, as the scope of the course was broad and versatile.”
According to Su Ann, she learnt not only the linguistic
elements of the English language, but also useful topics
in Mass Communications. “I liked this aspect a lot, as it
gave me an insight into two different fields.”
On pursuing her Masters degree, Su Ann discovers that those
who do their postgraduate studies need to exercise a lot
of self-discipline, and be independent. “I find that I did
not need to struggle a lot, as my lecturers at UCSI University
taught me all that was necessary, from how to read a journal
article, and down to small details, such as writing a synthesis
for each article and writing proper research papers for
assignments.” According to Su Ann, she used to dread doing
all of that when she was doing her degree in UCSI University.
“But, looking back now, I am thankful for all that my lecturers
have done for me.”
After graduating, Su Ann decided to go overseas to obtain
her Masters degree. She soon found out about the Commonwealth
Shared Scholarship Scheme, which would allow her to do her
Masters at Aston University in the United Kingdom. The scholarship
scheme is open for anyone living in Commonwealth countries.
According to Su Ann, among the items she had to include
when applying for the scholarship was a written personal
statement on why she chose the Masters degree in TESOL and
how she would serve her own country with that qualifications.
Su Ann did receive the scholarship, and is now sponsored
fully by this scholarship scheme.
Although being recipient of a full scholarship takes a huge
financial weight off her shoulders, Su Ann says that being
a Commonwealth scholar can also be daunting at times. “Most
of my peers are married, and already have extensive teaching
experience. However, I constantly remind myself that I should
not be pressured to compete or perform well, as this is
an opportunity to learn from others, and also to enjoy my
time in a totally new environment.”
Su Ann advises that for those who are passionate about teaching,
one can gain great experience doing their MA in TESOL in
the United Kingdom. “The programme is a very practical one,
and the module requires me to teach English to University
students and adults every week as part of my assessment”.
She says that her tutor sits at the back of the classroom
every time to observe her as she teaches, and receives feedback
and marks after the end of every lesson. “It is never impossible
to obtain a scholarship overseas no matter how difficult
it seems.” She also adds that although obtaining good results
is important, engaging in extra-curricular activities is
essential as well.
Su Ann believes that one should never doubt one’s own ability
to the point where one stops trying things which may seem
impossible. “You will be surprised that you’re actually
more than what you think you are. Trust God and be thankful
for all the blessings you have received, no matter how big
or small.”
