Interview with our KTJ School Doctor, Dr. Kumudhini Selva Kumaran

Which year did you join KTJ, and when did you graduate from KTJ? 

I joined as a Lower Sixth student in 2006, and graduated in 2008. 

Which Boarding House were you in? 

Jawahir!

What do you remember most about KTJ? 

I remember the strong sense of community, and walking to dining hall every Thursday morning for breakfast because the nasi lemak was my favourite. 

Please tell us about your educational journey since KTJ. 

After graduating from KTJ, I went to India to do my Medical Degree in Salem. I was there for 6 years, before I returned to Malaysia to complete my Housemanship at HTJ Seremban. 

If you could go back and redo your KTJ experience, what would you change and why? 

I would choose to enjoy the moments more! As a student, there was a rush to look forward to the next big step and leave KTJ. But now, I would tell myself to slow down, get more involved in school activities and enjoy the KTJ environment. I missed it a lot later on! 

What do you do now for work? 

I am now KTJ's Doctor, and I am very proud to serve this School. I have the opportunity to bridge the gap, and support students who require medical help and counsel them on medical matters as needed. I support students in both the Primary and Secondary, as well as the Boarding Houses. It's great that my children are also students at KTJ. They love School! 

What did you learn from the time you were in KTJ that is most applicable to your current position? 

When I joined KTJ, it was my first time in a boarding school. This helped me to step out of my comfort zone before taking the big leap into university life. I understood the dynamics of independent living, which is something that benefitted me as a student and even now! That gentle transition helped me to cope a lot more. 

The strong sense of community at KTJ and the numerous activities helped me to realise how important it is to get involved and stay connected. In the long term, you realise that connection truly matters, and being involved and taking opportunities is what makes a difference to your life. 

Who should we feature next in our KTJ Community? 

My roommates from Jawahir: Dr Lee Wen Shi who is a Dentist in UK, and Ruzanna who is an Engineer at the Sunway Group.