My Journey So Far

My Journey So Far

Still kindred spirits: Henry and Jessie, together with Kendrick after the results of the elections were announced

My Journey So Far

Henry Angala receiving his letter of appointment from the Vice President of Business Development and Student Affairs, Mr. Moses Ling

My Journey So Far

Jessie and Henry together with candidates from Team B, Simon Goh and Kendrick Ng

My Journey So Far

Henry and Jessie during the candidates’ debate

My Journey So Far

The author together with his deputy president of Student Council, Jessie Lim


I was asked to tell a short story of myself and how I became involved in leadership, thereby, becoming the 10th President of the UCSI University Student Council.

I am Henry, born in the mid-1980s to a Nigerian family. I grew up like every other normal child with high and low points, successes and failures in my life. Nevertheless, I grew up with a realization that I love to contribute to the well-being of any community I am in.

I guess that was the spark I needed to launch me into leadership and voluntary community service. It ignited within me a passion for service and selfless contribution to society, bringing me to this point in my life.

My first attempt at leadership was in my first year of secondary school when I was appointed the deputy captain of my class. Then, I became the captain for the next three years. I was also the president of the Science Club for one year, before graduating in 2001.

In 2002, I was granted admission into the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology to study Environmental Health Technology. There, I also contributed in various capacities to the Student Union Government, the National Association of Environmental Health Students and the entire college community.

My life journey was not all fun. I had to learn from my own mistakes as I went about my daily routines. But it is second nature for me to look at every opportunity as an opportunity to learn. It is this learning posture that always keeps me going whenever I encounter any difficulties.

Being an avid reader, I also got to read a lot of books. Which range from leadership to philosophy. I read to ensure I develop a healthy, wholesome view of leadership. The book that made the most impact on me was "The Man who Tapped the Secret of the Universe". It was the autobiography of Walter Russell, a twentieth century philosopher. I share his view that every man is capable of achieving anything as long as he believes he can do it. It strengthened my resolve to dream big and to pursue my dreams.

I joined UCSI University in January 2007. And as I have always loved to be involved in the community, I made wonderful friends here when I joined the Student Council in the same year. Thus, I participated in several student activities. UCSI University offered me a wonderful opportunity to work in a very culturally-diverse community. It is a unique experience I cherish and would encourage everyone to embrace for this university was living up to its tagline in providing me with: The University. The Experience.

I was the Director of Research and Action (North Wing) during the 9th term of the Student Council under the leadership of Stephanie Liew, and when the time came for a new president, my friends and others who believed that I could lead them, called me to run for office. So, I did. And I promise to do my best to keep alive the faith entrusted in me.

Thus, my message to all: Don’t be afraid to get involved. You never know whose life would be changed by it!
     
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