KYT's Portfolio: March 2014

Editor’s Note - Power of Personal Appearance

Why do we wear what we wear? Why do we speak the way we speak? Why do we do the things we do? Is it because, it is out of our own initiative? Or are we doing so and so out of what others are doing, following the crowd?

I am a huge supporter of individualism. And that idealism should be realized by anyone who dares to be themselves and feel like themselves.

Now, have you ever thought that what we wear, can be a reflection of ourselves? It can be according to: our belief(s), what interests us and/or how we feel (about ourselves).

Take myself for example; I love running, to be always ready to make a move thus the sports shoes. I want to feel free and unrestricted thus my sleeveless top, so that I can move my arms freely and feel the windy breeze against my skin. I love pockets, as I love to bring stuff with me along-side when I am outside my home; thus the cargo pants.

I see myself as an adventurer thus why I wear what I have just described. In a way, we are dress according to how we see ourselves as an individual. So, what’s is the big deal you ask?

The thing is, if everyone dress according to what they personally believe in themselves with a positive light, using one’s dressing as a tool to embrace that thought: won’t that help with one’s self-esteem and self-confidence? I know it did for me.

We should not underestimate how one’s clothing can affect our outlook in life.

When was the last time you feel? Feel like yourself? Allow the way you dress, to be an influence on your life.

When you can get the chance, take the time to get that look that represent yourself as a person. Get that hair-cut you have always wanted, change your wardrobe; just spend time on yourself.

Remember the focus here is you, as a person and as an individual. Do not bother about what others think, if you take the thoughts about you too literally and personally, how will you ever appreciate yourself? Start with yourself, embrace yourself and be proud.

Counselling cases rising in TU

The importance of mental health in Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus is a responsibility of and by the students themselves, the staff and the members of the Counselling and Psychological Services Centre (CPSC).

The cases that have been handled in CPSC so far has gone up about 1,200 cases in 2013 from the 1,000 cases in 2012. The cases includes Taylor’s University’s (TU) staff and students. The major cases for students so far were, adapting to university life, relationships and academic performances.

Marian Elizabeth Arumugam, 54, Manager of CPSC and Health Services Centre (HSC) said that the increase is due to the new batches of students who joined in TU last year.

She said, another common case is helicopter parenting, whereby the parents are constantly doing all or most of the thinking and suggestion on how and what their child should be doing. Once their child is in university, she or he may not have an easy start with doing things on their own because they are used being dependent on their guardians.

“Parents have to understand that there will be a time they have to let go and let their child experience things on their own. Or how else will they learn to be independent?

Marian confirms that there is a stigma over the prominence of mental health (counseling) in Malaysia, as many locals are taught to not ‘talk it out’ or speak their mind; probably over the practice of conservativeness in the country.

“That is why some students who have trouble, do not approach us but we cannot force them to come to us as well, only when they are ready, we can help them.

“Mental health all comes down to how one think and feel about a particular situation. Which in turn, affects one’s behavior and attitude towards the situation.

“Mental wellness is a state of how we overcome challenges, how rationally we approach the problem, how emotionally resilience we are during stressful moments and choosing to either fight or flight (running away or face it) in response to the problem.

She also mentioned that stress is normal and natural, it happens when we are in a position that challenges us or frightens us, it all depends on how the recipient sees and think of it (the problem or situation).

Being stress can make us worked up but how we respond to it is another story. She said, see the good and beneficial part of a situation, it will help with dealing with it.

Marian shares her thoughts on how mental wellness can be achieved:

“A simple step is (to face our challenges) by living in the here and now. Take each thing (you have to handle) step-by-step, why worry about the future as it has yet to happen. The future will settle itself.

“Be flexible with your thinking and adapt.

“Engage yourself socially, positive and healthy relationships (mix with a crowd that supports you and cares for you).

“Have a bedtime routine, having a good rest can affect one’s brain’s performance.

“Have a balance with work and leisure.

“Nutrition, have one proper meal a day.

“Physical exercise, should be incorporated on a weekly basis, at least three times a week.” she added.

Top 3 eateries at Syopz mall

An online survey was made for the Taylor’s University students and lecturers who were around and available to share their thoughts of their top three preferred eateries at Syopz (the commercial block of Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus).

About a 101 students from the American Degree Transfer Program, School of Architecture, Building & Design, School of Biosciences, Taylor's Business School, School of Communication, School of Computing & IT, School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts, School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy partake the survey.

The first runner up (with 29 votes) is Bakofen.

Bakofen was voted over its:

Atmosphere/ambience (how the atmosphere compliments the theme of the restaurant - 16 votes)
Cleanliness (12 votes)
The time taken to get their food (5 votes)
The hospitality of the servers (10 votes)
Having their favourite dish(es) there (20 votes)
The variety of dishes available (11 votes)
Reasonable price for their budget (4 vote)
Food portion (6 votes)

Second runner up is (with 28 votes) is Subway.

Subway was voted over its:

Atmosphere/Ambiance (3 votes)
Cleanliness (4 vote)
The time taken to get their food (15 votes)
The hospitality of the servers (2 votes)
Because you favourite food is available there (16 votes)
Variety of food available (7 votes)
Reasonable price range for your budget (14 votes)
Food portion (7 votes)
The third runner up (with 28 votes) is Star Teh Tarik Restaurant.

Third runner up is (with 28 votes) is Star Teh Tarik.

The following runners ups were:

Zhia's Kitchen (如家小厨) (27 votes)
Face to Face Noodles House (25 votes)
Matsuba (Japanese Restaurant) (25 votes)
Arisan (23 votes)
Miso Korean Traditional Cuisine and Café (17 votes)
Starbucks Coffee (16 votes)
Mekong House (15 votes)
Pizza Cottage (10 votes)
Chic-licious (10 votes)
Kampung Cili (8 votes)
Grub Bistro (8 votes)
JC's Pancakes (6 votes)
Selera Penang Cafe (used to be known as Jelapang Padi) (4 votes)
Ecoba Café (3 votes)
Snowy Café (3 votes)
Jek Café (1 votes)

A total of 32 lecturers from the American Degree Transfer Program, School of Architecture, Building & Design, School of Biosciences, Taylor's Business School, School of Communication, School of Computing & IT, School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts and School of Pharmacy partake the survey.