Good Afternoon to all! At the outset, I would like to join former
speakers in welcoming you to ANU and congratulate all of you for making to this
premier institution, premier not only in Australia but also has a prominent
place in the list of top universities in the world. I also would like to thank Global Programme
office for all the assistance and support that we have enjoyed so far and also
for giving me the opportunity to speak in today’s function.
Well, to introduce myself, my name is Phurba and I am from Bhutan. In
my brief interaction with some of you I came to know that many of you are not
aware where Bhutan is. It’s a small Himalayan country sandwiched between two
Asian giant, China in the north and India to the South. Before getting this
opportunity to study in ANU, I was working with the Bhutan government for the
last five years the field of planning and policy formulation. Currently I am
pursuing Masters in International and Development Economics at Crawford.
At this moment, many of you must be thinking what I have undergone
last year at this time of the year. At this time last year, I was excited and
at the same time worried. Excited because I am getting chance to study in such
a renounced university in the developed country with the support of prestigious
scholarship. This was a huge achievement for me especially considering my
humble background where both my dad and mom has never been to school and they
remained illiterate today. Worried because I was to study in an entirely different
system along with other international students. Worried because I just arrived
here and have to attend class from the very next day, before I even know how to
navigate around.
I would now share a few difficulties that I have faced during my
initial phase of life here in ANU with the intention to make you aware of the
situation.
I was educated in a system where teachers almost spoon fed us. But
here if we want to excel, we have to really double our effort to deep drive
into the topics which lecturers will only sort of introduce in the class. I was
used to in a system where the first session is spent on introduction and
interaction to know each other. However, here the lesson starts from the very
beginning. I wasn’t aware of that and I was not prepared mentally. I went to
the first lecture with a diary book like I was going for meetings back in the
office. And in the class I thought the lecturer was just introducing the topic
and he would repeat in the next class with a greater detail. But I was wrong,
terribly wrong. It was indeed a real marathon. By the time I buy proper note
books and settle for studies, a few weeks has already gone. By then I realized
that I was trailing. My suggestion for all of you is to take seriously from the
first week itself so that you don’t fall behind.
In my previous college, we had main exam only towards the end of
year that is in December. At that point in time, my college doesn’t have
semester system. We can afford to relax first few months and and work hard a
few months before exams and get through. However, here we have to do mid-term
exam in merely 7 weeks. I was not aware of the need of double our
effort in such system. Time flies once you are into academic session and you
really don’t know how the time passes.
ANU has a good set of teaching team and rich teaching-learning
materials. Lecturers and tutors are accessible upon prior appointment or during
their consultation hours. Beyond that unlike in my previous college, we cannot
meet them as and when we like. Special tutorials are available but only upon
payment. So I urge you all to meet your professors during the consultation
hours and gain maximum out of it.
Another point that I felt important is knowing one’s strength and
interest. What we thought when we were planning to go for further studies is
one thing and the reality is quite another.
Try to assess the course that you have enrolled properly and see how you
can cope up and also how interesting is the course. Your brain and heart has to
match. If they don’t match, explore other options before it is too late.
Today when I enter into my second year and look back at those
difficulties that I have undergone in my first year I can safely say that it is
possible to beat the odds if you are willing to. And I am still trying hard to
keep up the pace and I believe that it should be continuous process.
Lastly I would like to take leave of my colleagues with the
message, don’t loose your focus. Take learning as a moral responsibility. It is
only through continuous learning and life long learning that can add to the
vast knowledge of mankind. ANU has one of the rich libraries and fabulous
facilities, use them. Open your mind and enjoy the scenic beauty of vast campus.
Wish you all the best in your endeavour
and enjoy your stay here.
Tashi Delek
Phurba, ANU
