[Read@Utm] Read & Relax Siri 9/2020

Read and relax is an online reading session that took place online using Webex. It is an activity that encourage reading among students and staff, it has been presented by Muhammad Afiq Izzudin and Muhammed Azmi Khaled and moderated by Akmal Alif, featuring 2 books; “Pendiam?” and “Bestnya PHD”.

First book, elaborate on introvert personality, as being quiet and lacking socializing skills. It limits the person from interacting with others and the opportunities that can come along with it, there is no shame on being an introvert, as it has its own advantage such as; thinks before talking, has less but meaningful friends, enjoys his own company and he is very loyal. Being either an introvert or extrovert comes with its own benefits which the person has to be proud of his uniqueness, and accept god’s creation.

While in the other book, it discusses about the journey of pursuing a PHD and the challenges that comes along with it. In the process of university studies, the person would change a lot as a person, be independent and self-aware. But the PHD is not served on a golden platter, but it requires usually 6 years of continuous research, reading and writing on a topic of interest, which such a long period of time. In that whole period of time, the focus is on writing about a thesis that would have an interesting finding that are dependent on others work which results in a cohesive research structure, putting other research into use that might result in something bigger.

The activity was interesting to attend as it encouraged me to give more time to reading, as it’s an activity with a lot of benefits and keeps the mind discovering new thoughts and ways of thinking.