By Siti Fatimah Azzahra
GOMBAK, 4 October 2021: IIUM Art Club invites students to participate in their new series with the title ‘Reboot with IAC’ on Instagram live.
The first series which is ‘Start the semester strong’ discussed balancing academic and society club commitment, structuring assignments and art as an escapism.
As the moderator, Adi Irfan introduced the speakers and their multiple positions in different society clubs to elaborate their experience in managing their time and commitments.
Balance academic and society commitments
“Don’t bite more than you can chew, ” Amirah Yasmin, the speaker from Political Science Department emphasised on knowing our responsibilities and capabilities. “It’s important to know when is ‘too much’ and learn to say no.”
Yasmin also suggested Google Calendar as a great tool for a planner based on her experience. Unlike book planner, Google Calendar can set a reminder for important dates and events.
Focus is also a key to help balance between academic and society commitments. Meanwhile, Huda from Quran Sunnah Department said that setting our priorities on important and urgent matters can help organise and ease our student life.
Giving full attention in class is a must so that there would not be extra work on catching up after that. Huda pointed out that a commitment needs strong self-discipline. One should make time during the day for study and at night for society activity.
Besides that, students can also study ahead for the syllabus so that they can understand better and clear out their questions.
Nuruddin, the last speaker from KICT, recommended students to also make time for themselves such as doing art works, taking an evening walk, and many more.
Structuring assignments
Yasmin’s first rule is to finish an assignment at least two days before the due date. She stressed that in structuring assignments, students should not just plan but to also execute in early time.
Not only it helps understand assignments better but also gives time to plan properly and avoid simple errors.
Step by step plans such as doing a few drafts before finalising the end product and consulting lecturers while at it are more efficient rather than doing one whole assignment at the last minute.
Next, Yasmin mentioned that finding dedicated group mates is also important. Adi added that if there are free riders, students should report to their lecturer as it affects all members of the group.
Dividing the tasks between group mates should be equal and aligned with rubrics provided. One should not just focus on one’s own parts but to also take note of others’ part of the task.
Huda believes that seeking knowledge is not supposed to be for the sake of scoring marks but to share, practice and apply with others.
Art as a form of an escapism
Escapism is a tendency to get away from reality or even responsibility for a short moment to relieve stress and tensions from work, study and such.
Nuruddin urges students to dive into arts as it is a way of expressing our emotions and feelings. He said abstract arts are good to let go of our emotions and creativity.
The famous and high-priced arts in museums are costly because of the emotions shown by the artists and the story behind it. Therefore, Nuruddin encourages students to create art works and try to sell some of them.
Huda mentioned that, we don’t have to chase perfection in making art and we are free to express our creativity in many ways that can make us happy and confident.
On Instagram live last night, IAC assured students that they will give support and help for those who are seeking help and guidance. Students who want to join IIUM Art Club can fill a form using a link on their Instagram bio.***