UTAR Alumni

JANUARY 2013

A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step

Alice Lim Bee Chee,

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (HONS)

Batch of August 2007

A few years ago, as I was sitting in the TAR College's Library, Kampar doing revision for my diploma studies, enjoying the scenic view surrounded by lakes and hills, I looked across the meadows, to what appeared like an empty piece of land where I noticed a signboard labeled UTAR. I told myself, I will return one day to serve UTAR. I left Kampar in 2005 to pursue my Bachelor's degree at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

I joined Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman immediately after I completed my degree. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step- my first step begins at UTAR. I was attached to the Department of Student Affairs, Petaling Jaya Campus for about 4 months, after which I was transferred to my dreamland, UTAR, Perak Campus. I am extremely grateful to have my mentor Ms. Sum for her guidance along the journey. She is a leader who knows the way and shows the way. Ms. Sum gave me a bundle of opportunity to learn and grow under her strict supervision. With her guidance, I managed to be where I am today.

Life is like a marathon. Moving forward and improving further, I decided to further my studies. In 2008, I enrolled for the Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration at the Wawasan Open University. At the same time, to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I participated in a few marathons with a minimum of 10km per run. I learned from my running experience especially when crossing the finishing line, that it is not an achievement, but the state of mind where anything is possible, if you make it possible. With this in mind, I applied to my studies as well. While pursuing my Master's studies, I stumbled several times but I never gave up and I finally graduated!

For five and a half years, I served in the Department of Student Affairs. Each morning, I would wake up looking forward to working with my DSA colleagues and serving the varsity students. I am grateful to be able to share the festive atmosphere and happiness together. We are like a big family where we care and we share. This passion has driven me to look forward to greater successes.

The secret of my road to success is based on persistence. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Live it! Love it! Learn from it! I would like to offer my heartiest thanks to Dr Yeoh, Ms Tian and my dear friends and colleagues who have given me so much joy and happiness with their presence, understanding and continuous support.

What sometimes appears to be the end is really a new beginning.