Latest news with #BRATsYoungJournalistProgramme
The Star
27-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Letting go of eldest child pressure
Growing up as the eldest child, I often wondered if I had ever made my family proud. Working hard and getting good grades would earn me praise, but amid it all, I forgot that my life did not depend solely on others' recognition. Receiving my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results last year was nerve-wracking. My heart pounded as I searched my sister's face for any sign of a reaction. She didn't respond at first – then she ran off to tell our family and relatives: 'Nittila got straight As!' Wait, I did? No matter how much effort I put in, it never felt like enough. I constantly believed I had to do more – more exercises, more reading. Back then, that mindset only pushed me into a deeper slump, worsening my mental health. But like all difficult phases, it eventually passed. That very experience helped me juggle my subsequent matriculation life better. I learnt to give myself space to make mistakes and not let the fear of judgement hold me back. I also realised I needed to share how I felt with my parents. They, in return, offered guidance. When I got sick a week before one of my semester exams, it felt like everything was weighing on me at once. But my parents made sure to check in and see how I was doing. They made sure I never felt alone. They gave me home remedies to try, reminding me that even if they couldn't be there physically, they were always supporting me. Looking back, I realised the pressure I had placed on myself was far heavier than the expectations of those around me. I used to believe that being great at something made my loved ones love me more. In reality, that wasn't true – they also saw me for who I was, not just what I achieved. Do I still feel the pressure of being the pride of my family as the eldest child? Yes, but not in the way I used to. Before, I thought I had to be 'perfect' to earn their pride. Now, I understand that their pride doesn't come from perfect grades – it comes from effort, perseverance, and staying true to myself. My family is proud of me, not just because of my results, but also because of the hard work I put in. And more importantly, I have learnt to be proud of myself. Nittila, 19, a student in Perak, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to
The Star
22-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Making science fun to attract the students
PETALING JAYA: Evangelene Teoh was told by her relatives to stay away from the science subjects – but she went ahead and took up biology in Form Four. The 17-year-old has no regrets. And she has her teachers to thank for it. 'My Physics teacher often conducts simple yet relatable experiments that connect to our everyday lives, while my Biology teacher is like a 'walking biological dictionary', always ready with answers, even beyond the textbook,' said the SMK Assunta student. Teoh and her fellow students say the government needs to step up efforts if it wants to attract more students to learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Teoh said she finds students are often discouraged by the stereotype that the science stream is the hardest path in school. 'But that's far from the truth. To combat this, I think the government could organise free educational science fairs or even workshops that could emphasise how exciting and relevant science is, helping to break those stereotypes,' she said. She added that platforms such as TikTok or Instagram can be used to promote science using trends, relatable content, or even interesting short video clips. 'When students see science being presented in a fun, relatable and engaging way, they might be more enthusiastic. 'My curiosity and determination to prove others wrong outweighed my fears. 'Also, I've always been fascinated by how things work, and I grew up watching medical dramas with my family, which later sparked my interest in forensics,' she said. Fellow Biology student Lim Xi Ying, 16, also said the government plays an important role in nurturing the passion for STEM among students. 'The government should invest in modern lab equipment and tools to make learning science more engaging, especially for schools in rural areas. 'Scholarships or financial incentives for science students should also be provided to reduce economic barriers and prevent a situation where students avoid taking up science due to higher costs,' she said. She added that teachers who are supportive and passionate are equally important, adding that her science teachers make lessons engaging and easier to understand by relating concepts to daily life applications. Both Teoh and Lim are participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star's Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) team. Meanwhile, Nurul Aisyah Munawarah Asan Mohamed, 17, said the government can attract more students to the science stream by promoting the wide range of career opportunities that come with it.
