Steve Ling Yean Shin
Bachelor of Economics (HONS) Financial Economics
Alumni March 2009
Dean's List, May 2007 Semester
Dean's List, January 2008 Semester

January 2006, was when I first stepped into UTAR Bandar Sg. Long Campus. My instinct told me that my university life was going to be an exciting and joyful experience. True enough, I did have an exhilarating life as a freshman. Initially, I spent way too much time on entertainment: computer games, karaoke, movies, futsal and lots of sleep. I even skipped some lectures and tutorial classes and studied at the eleventh hour. As a consequence, my CGPA for the first year reflected with my meager effort. It was only 2.05. It is a shame that I was satisfied with the poor results then and even proudly declared that I managed to pass all subjects to others.

I kept on with this lackadaisical lifestyle till the day my father passed away, due to nose cancer. It was in October 2006, during my first three month holiday at UTAR. I remember my father often reminded me of the importance of studying and learning. "We should put more effort in learning, even if you're 100 years old". I was saddened that I did not achieve anything other than disappointing him while he was still alive.

My father's death totally changed my life, and turned my world upside down. I firmly believe that, although he has passed away, he is still there and is watching over me. This belief had a positive effect on me. In Jan 2007, when the new semester started, I was transformed. I tried my best to wake up early for lectures and tutorial classes and I did not touch my computer games, I understood that change did not come about overnight. My father had taught me the meaning of "Perseverance" and that is an important ingredient for success for keep hanging on.

My grades improved from my second year of UTAR. Undeniably, my father's death has changed my attitude towards studying. However, I also realized that nobody could transform you unless you yourself are willing to give it a try. The sole decision maker is still YOU. My parents had tried all kinds of ways to motivate me to study, but mentally, I had shut them out and chase an exciting yet meaningless lifestyle. My father's death forced me to think more maturely.

Finally, with my hard work, I graduated with second class (upper) honours, I had challenged myself earlier. I told myself that "If I could not graduate with a CGPA of 3.0 and above, I had better not attend the convocation". My hard work paid off. My sister told me that my mother murmured something during my convocation, "Second upper only ah. Ok-lah, at least there is something". Frankly, deep in my heart, I knew this "something" meant a lot to my mother and to me.