Discover U.S. Education - KL '07

I never liked seminars or talks but at Experiences 2006 Kuala Lumpur, I actually sat through the whole panel discussion. As I listened intently to the panelists' wonderful stories of life in America, I imagined myself being a part of the diversity of the American way of life where I could be me and yet experience the culture from every corner of the globe. Their accounts of their fabulous American education ignited my flames of desire to realize my American dream to study in the USA. An American education will open many doors of opportunities.

Completing the US university application process can really be a daunting task. I still remember how shocked I was to see Stanford�s application. How on earth was I supposed to write 5 different essays to impress the admissions officer as I compete with around 24,000 other applicants? What can make me stand out from the rest? Thankfully, there was Experience KL 06. The highly enthusiastic and informative alumni that Experiences managed to gather delineated to me the one important thing that all successful applicants must have; the one thing that can make you special and differentiate you from the rest � a burning passion that lies within you. Through the passion of the alumni present, I was inspired and I knew what I had to do for my application. I followed their advice, completed the essays and got into the university of my dreams.

I came to Discover KL '06 in a strange state of mind- the logical, no-nonsense side of me was thinking 'Why am I even going for this? Am I not going to study medicine in the UK?!' and the other inner, idealistic half was nurturing secret dreams of pursuing my lifelong passion in literature and the arts in a Neo-Gothic (Yale!) style campus surrounded by the idyllic beauty of a lush, green lawn in the States. I had a barrage of questions about education in the US lined up in my mind like a row of soldiers on the battlefront, just waiting to be answered but I didn't think I would find the answers to every one of them in one go at Discover. The 'row of soldiers' in my mind fell down one by one the moment I started talking to the extremely helpful students and alumni manning the various booths. I had expected disinterested glances, by-the-book answers and a huge emphasis on marketing and advertising from the facilitators just like every other education fair; instead I beheld lively and honest anecdotes about their experiences being a student in the US, passionate, insightful conversations that convinced me of how much I suited the philosophy of a liberal arts education, and an eye fest of photos depicting the amazing student diversity and beautiful scenery on campus. It was at that life-changing moment that I realised the difference between personal happiness and monetary pursuits; and that a liberal US education, not a constrictive medical career, was what I was yearning for all this while. At Discover KL '06, I saw a whole vista of possibilities I never dared dream of unfold before my eyes, and I have never looked back in regret. I don't think you will, either.

Do you think admission to Ivy League universities is completely out of reach? Will applying for financial aid affect my chances of gaining admission? What criteria should I bear in mind when I select my colleges?

Those were a few, among many, of the questions that I had before attending Experiences '06 KL. After I stepped out of the Convention Centre, however, the questions that I initially had were more than answered. I left not only with the answers to my questions, but also with plenty of information, encouragement, and a couple of lunch invitations on the side. And I can only thank the Malaysian students who were manning their respective booths. I personally found their involvement in Experiences particularly helpful. Because their education in the US was still ongoing, they were able to give up-to-date information on tertiary education in the US; from the tests and scores required, to the special attributes of each college, right down to travel details. I truly believe that they had so much more to offer than any ordinary education agent as they were learning and growing and basically, living in the US. I left Experiences feeling absolutely excited at the prospect of being a student ambassador for Malaysia in the US, and eventually returning to Malaysia as a student ambassador for the college of my choice.

I was once a US bound scholar who was very uncertain about my future. I did not know what I really wanted from a US education, where I should apply to or what forte there is in a particular university. I grew up to the likes of Cambridge, Oxford and the Imperial College while their nemesis in the US (Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Chicago etc) rang little(if any) in me. However, when I was at the most confused stage, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to the Experiences KL 06 which proved to be a turning point in my life. The encouraging alumnus opened my eyes to the vast spectrum of a US education while the enthusiasm in our conversations made me understand the various universities, their cores, the prestige and how I could fit in. For once, I had an aim: I knew what I wanted, I knew what needed to be done and that definitely reshaped my destiny!

No expensive brochures, fancy pens, color coded booths, elaborate decoration and goodies bags. That was probably the only let down with Experiences 2006 Kuala Lumpur, a let down, nonetheless, more than made up for by just about everything else the fair had to offer.

If I had to sum up Experiences in a single word, it'd be extremely useful. That's two words, I know, but useful alone quite honestly doesn't cut it. As I gathered email addresses from alum members, I remember admiring the practicality of the fair, a trait reflective of US education. At Experiences, you won’ t get the usual marketing fodder normally dished out at educational fairs. Instead, you’d have some of the nicest, most sincere people tell you fascinating details about their universities, personal experiences and events that will touch you and stay with you during your applications and beyond.

The eagerness of alum members to speak to any inquisitive soul interested in their university reflects their deep passion for their respective universities, a passion that is almost contagious as you make your way from one booth to another. Choices are abound and information aplenty. All you have to do is ask.

If you’re into pomp and formality, there’re a whole host of fairs you’d probably have more fun attending. With Discover U.S. Education - KL '07, things will be pretty informal and down to the basics. Friendly, bright and energetic people with very helpful and constructive information. This is one fair you wouldn't want to miss!