Alumni Takeover: From KTJ to UCLA

Ching Weiyang shared this article via LinkedIn. 

It is surreal to think about, but a month really has passed since I started my undergraduate classes at UCLA! With the quarter system in full swing and my midterms completed, I'm taking this moment to reflect on my journey from Malaysia to the States.

Having achieved 4A*s in my A Levels and an A in my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), my spot at the #1 Public University in the US was secured. Throughout New Student Orientation and Week Zero, I was busy taking it all in. From walking through the bustling Activities Fair at Dickson Court to enjoying the best campus food every day - the welcome to my new college life has been warming to say the least. Couple that with the hustle and bustle of Downtown Los Angeles, the beautiful sunsets at Santa Monica Pier, or the friendliness of the university town Westwood, and every single day here has been incredibly exciting.

That's not to ignore the challenges I have faced in college. Watching my friends join prestigious consulting clubs spurred my own attempts to apply, albeit being met with failure. The freshman flu was ruthless, and managing my Honors Chemistry class has been challenging. Adapting to both the grueling academic culture and the fast-paced quarter system has certainly worn me down. And that's without accounting for the culture shock!

But, I am taking this journey one step at a time, finding a balance between my academics and extracurriculars! I have joined the UCLA chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and started work on a year-long hands-on project. I also joined Club Archery, practicing for the first time and occasionally missing the target bales completely. Besides, I have returned to my SEA Forensics Speech & Debate roots, joining the newly formed UCLA Speech Team with hopes of competing at collegiate levels during winter quarter. And finding my home away from home in the Malaysian Students Association has certainly eased the inevitable homesickness.

All of this would not have been possible without the people I have met and studied with in Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar (KTJ). Special thanks goes to the Higher Education counselor Ms. Susan and the Head of Sixth Form Ms. Emma, both of who thoroughly supported me in my UK and US university applications, from essay reviews to university recommendations and the occasional pep talk. Greatest gratitude also to my sponsorship body, PETRONAS, for enabling my journey to KTJ and beyond. It's a prestige to be here at UCLA, and the stepping stones were laid by them.

Most importantly, I would like to thank my family for being my primary support system since ever. I would not have dared to dream if it wasn't for their constant advice, encouragement and love. Thank you all, truly.

To my juniors in KTJ, good luck in your applications! And to my friends and peers, congratulations on starting a new chapter in life! May your efforts guide you to greater success, wherever you may be. Here's to a wonderful year ahead.