MC News Online

Student Forum

2005-12-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

"Speak out! Let your voices be heard!" All 224 slips of paper on which we write our suggestions (and grouses!) have been read and taken into consideration by the student council.

Last Thursday, the student council presented their findings on MC students’ suggestions concerning the cafeteria, MC Mart, internet and computer facilities, and miscellaneous items.

As for the cafeteria, complaints have been made on food prices, variety and the staff attitude. Two of these have been resolved to serve students better. If you have noticed a fortnight ago, the opening hours of the cafeteria have been stretched to 7 pm. Other improvements include price labeling, more fruits, and the general cleanliness of the cafeteria.

Regarding internet connection, things are starting to look bright-- ADSL connection might be installed in February and hopefully in the near future, wireless too! It is also explained that limited funds are the reason why new computers are not yet available for the computer lab and library. Looks like we have to bear with situation till the new ones arrive..

Students who asked for aerobics-- you got it! By next semester, aerobic classes will be conducted by Apple but its time has not been established yet.

There was also a demand for more study places on campus and the college has been informed about this. Look out for more of these new areas in the dorms and the IT building next semester.

So keep those suggestions coming in-- we need your feedback. Let's work together to make MC a better place!
-MCNO

Peter Gregory is in town!

2005-11-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Have you seen him? If you haven't heard the man with the voice in the lower registers, here are some pictures!

Music Rendezvous (Volume II)

2005-11-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures of the event by the MC Ensemble!

MUSIC RENDEZVOUS vol.II

2005-11-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

For the second time in Mission College history, the Mission College String Ensemble, conducted by Mr. Gerald Schafer, hosted a concert at the foyer of the church on the 19th of November. At around 6:30 p.m., the String Ensemble opened with "Spanish Garden."

But it wasn’t just the String Ensemble that performed in the concert. There were various students, who performed in the concert, playing the flute, saxophone, piano duets, piano solos, and singing. A 15-minute intermission gave the audience a chance to talk about what they have seen and heard so far, and also to get some refreshments.

To conclude the concert, the String Ensemble played a series of three songs, including one piece, which was 15-minutes long. After the last song, the applause would not stop until Mr. Gerald came back and conducted the Ensemble for an encore. Later, Mr. Gerald was presented with a bouquet of flowers from Dr. Mack Tennyson’s daughter, Allie.

After the concert, the usual round of picture taking with the participants occurred. A lot of people enjoyed the concert very much and hope that this new tradition will continue for years and years to come. So make sure to look forward to Music Rendezvous vol. III.

~Fiona Cassie Majilang~

Loy Krathong 2005

2005-11-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

Loy Krathong 2005
Photographs by MCNO Press Photographers

Loy Krathong was celebrated just two days ago on Sunday, 13th November in Mission College. MCNO will be bringing you interviews with contestants of the beauty contest and comments from students who attended the program!

Meanwhile, here are some photographs from the evening - the atmosphere, dancers, krathongs and more through the lenses of our photojournalists!

FREE DOWNLOADS - Loy Krathong Pictures
Right-Click and SAVE-AS to download

1. Photo-Story (MPEG format) - DOWNLOAD NOW
2. Photographs (Zip format) - DOWNLOAD NOW

There was a festive air during the Loy Krathong celebration last Sunday night. Many students took this time to enjoy the event with their friends while others were busy preparing for the beauty contest and dance. Although it threatened to rain, the weather held up nicely throughout the night. Students were seen lazing around on the mats that were laid out on the field. Besides eating, students were strolling among stalls that sold Thai souvenirs, desserts and Krathongs.

"There’s improvement in the organization of the event and there was also more variety of food being sold."- Harsha

Among the highlights of the evening was the beauty contest with an impressive line-up of ladies representing different departments. Miss Shannon Gibb won the first prize in the event. After that, the ladies led the students and teachers to the nearby pond to release their Krathongs that have been lit with candles. Many couples and friends made wishes before setting their Krathongs afloat on the water.

Waleed said, "This is my 2nd time here and I really enjoyed myself tonight. I was looking forward to the beauty contest."

The night ended with an elaborate fireworks display that shot bright colors against the dark sky. Samath really liked the festival even though "it was the same each year".

For a freshman like Abednigo, Loy Krathong was a part of his new experience here in Thailand. Whether it was the food, the beauty pageant or the fireworks, we're sure that everyone found something special that night.

Music Rendezvous 2

2005-11-14T20:45:00.000-08:00

Music Rendezvous is back with part 2! They present the Mission College String Ensemble again! Excellent music at NO COST! Admission is free!

Venue: Mission College Church
Time: Evening
Entrance: FREE (donations are welcome)

This Week's Poll!

2005-11-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Last week's poll results can be found HERE.

This week, our poll is about food! Where can you find the best food around this area? Would it be our very own Cafeteria or Bakery? How about the food in Muak Lek or just outside of our school at New York, New Zealand and Las Vegas? Have you found another place with food that's excellent?

Have your say here! Vote now!

- MCNO

MC Yearbook Photoshoot Update

2005-11-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

The Yearbook Team began shooting portraits for the yearbook last week. The turnout at the Women's Dorm II was fantastic and we thank each one of you for your enthusiasm as well as your promptness. The next shoot will be this wednesday at the Women's Dorm I.

If you live in that dorm (Women's Dorm I), we will be there from 5pm to 6:45pm. See you there! Remember to dress up for your photograph!

Yearbook Team

Yearbook Photoshoot 2005/2006!

2005-11-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Yearbook Photoshoot 2005/2006

Have you taken your yearbook picture yet? The Mission College Yearbook team will be going round the dorms to take pictures of all the students for the 05/06 yearbook. The name of MC's yearbook for this school year is "PERSPECTIVES". We all need to look at life from a different perspective to get fresh insights and ideas as well as to have some change in our everyday lives! Our yearbook will look at all of us from a new perspective! On with the year! (and this article)

If you've been alert enough, you would have seen many advertisements as the one you see on the right and below, with Nathaniel, Pappu, Nicholas, Aiichi, Weoi Siong and Ben Soontorn starring in ads that have been pasted around campus, encouraging students to attend the photoshoots to get their faces in the Yearbook 2005/2006.

Our photographers have been trained to take quality photographs and you can be assured that your photo will be taken with expertise.

FAQ.

1. When and where do I get my photo taken?

The Yearbook Team will be going from dorm to dorm to take pictures from the 9th of November to the 17th of November. Be present at the times allocated for the photoshoot at your dormitory (first floor). The dates are as follows:

Men's Dorm I: 9th November 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Women's Dorm I: 10th November 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Women's Dorm II: 16th November 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Men's Dorm II: 17th November 5:00pm - 6:30pm

2. What am I supposed to wear for this shoot?

Put on clothes and makeup (if you look better with makeup on) that make you feel handsome/pretty! Anything from casual, gothic, punk, cutsie-pie, mind-blowing clothes will do! If you wish to come in the pink... naked... our photographers will not at all mind too (but you didn't read this part). To sum it up, anything you feel comfortable in/ anything you think will make you look good!

3. What if I miss the shoot at my dorm?

Come on down to the next shoot scheduled and inform the photographer on duty! We'll shoot you without hesitation! (pun not intended)

4. What if I don't live in the dorm?

The Yearbook team will accomodate students who do not live in the dorms also - Come down to any of the shooting locations and inform our photographer on duty. We'll also shoot you without hesitation! (pun intended...)

5. Can I have my picture taken with my girlfriend/boyfriend/someone else?

Sure! You can have your picture taken with your special someone or a friend! Our photographer on duty will direct the poses so as to bring our the main subject (YOU) in the photograph so that people won't mistake you for someone else!

6. Can I NOT have my picture taken?

Yes you can choose not to come... but to miss out on a yearbook that's gonna be really awesome this year? Think again! :)

The team will be taking pictures for the faculty and staff next month.

- MCNO

Exploring on Two Wheels

2005-10-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Feeling adventurous? Longing for a bit of fun on weekends?

Everyone is welcome to join the MC Cycling Club every Sunday as they look for trails and new routes around the college area. If you're interested, come at 6.30 am outside the cafeteria.

Hope to see you there!

Last week's poll results!

2005-10-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Last week's poll brought out 27 people who expressed their preference in styles of worship. Of 27 votes, 18 (67%) voted for a preference of contemporary styled worship. 5 votes (19%) went to both contemporary and traditional and 4 votes (15%) went to traditional worship styles.

Thanks for taking part in the polls!

This weeks poll is about stress. Are you stressed about schoolwork? Do your professors/lecturers give you too much to handle? Are the assignments too tough? Have your say!

-MCNO

Heavenly Humor

2005-10-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Every Sabbath should be a day where we find rest from our studies and work to find peace and to enjoy the day that God designated as a day of rest. How often have you taken the time to really enjoy the Sabbath and rest in Christ? Just a thought to tickle your mind - Are you doing too much on Sabbath to be really resting in the Sabbath as God has planned for you to do so? Too involved in programming that you're all stressed out and tired to rest and enjoy the day? Can some of the things that you do on Sabbaths that make you all tired and stressed over be done on another day instead? Think about it! Meanwhile, enjoy these little anecdotes!

Happy Sabbath!

Bury the Baptists!
A member of a Baptist family died while the pastor was out of town. THe family asked a local Methodist minister to conduct the funeral service. He said he would have to check with his Bishop. He wired to the Bishop: "Could I bury a Baptist?" The Bishop wired back: "Sure, bury all the Baptists you can!"

Praying for the country
Someone asked Rev. Edward Everette Hale, while he was the chaplain of the U.S. Senate, if he prayed for the Senators. "No," Hale replied. "I look at the Senators and pray for the nation."

Doesn't Jesus ever do anything?
Little boy: "Mom, who made the moon?"
Mother: "God made the moon darling."
Little boy: "Well then... who made the stars?"
Mother: "God made the stars too dear."
Little boy: "And who made the trees?"
Mother: "God made the trees too, son."
The little boy obvously was becoming more and more frustrated with the same answer. Finally he asked, "Well, all I want to know is, doesn't Jesus ever do anything?"

Throwing up
A Sabbath school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. SHe described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama. Then she asked the class, "If you saw a personal lying on the roadside all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"
A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence. "I think I'd throw up."

Jokes taken from 500 Clean Jokes & Humorous Stories, Rusty and Linda Wright

MC S.W.A.T. in action

2005-10-26T23:30:00.000-07:00

Mission College's very own drama club, MC Student Witness Acting Team (MC S.W.A.T.) is putting up its first drama performance this Sabbath, 29 Oct 2005.

The play, entitled, "Meet Me in Heaven" will take place in the church at 9 a.m. Be sure not to miss it!

-MCNO

2005-10-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Have you taken your photo yet? Come down to the International Expo and have your photo taken for a small fee! Try on Malaysia's traditional costumes like some already have! Hurry!

Exclusive interview with Warren A. Shipton

2005-10-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

MCNO speaks to Warren A. Shipton in an exclusive interview
MCNO Pictures

MISSION COLLEGE: Dr. Warren A. Shipton (BSCAgr PhD MEd DpBact Cambridge CELTA FASM) has been chosen as the successor to Dr. Siriporn, president of Mission College. MCNO staff were able to get this exclusive interview with Dr. Warran A. Shipton during his extremely tight schedule while in Mission College. Dr. Shipton is now back in Australia and is due to return to Mission College to take up his new office at the end of January 2006.

"I don't speak Thai; I'll try to learn the basic elements of the language"

In his guest room, our photojournalists were warmly greeted at the door and welcomed in by Dr. Shipton for the interview. Dr. Shipton, who has been married for the last thirty-two years is an Australian Citizen and the Associate Professor of Microbiology in Immunology at the James Cook University, Australia. He has been the dean of science at that university where he is head of about a hundred staff who come under him. Specialising in Biomedical Sciences, he is currently working on a project to help solve a medical issue in New Guinea where the islanders have been contracting illnesses that kill within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Taking ten days of working leave from James Cook University, he has travelled up to Thailand to start building relations with the staff of Misison College and to check out the school which he will be soon be in charge of.

When asked if he could speak the Thai language, he smiled broadly and replied saying, "I don't speak Thai; I'll try to learn the basic elements of the language". He briefly noted how the Thai language would be very important for him to pick up as the president of the college. He added that he liked the atmosphere of the college, noting that it was a "very beautiful campus".

"I would like to link the theology students with the community with health-related programs"

Speaking about his thoughts on the school, Dr. Shipton hopes that the theology students will be able to reach out the Muak Lek District community with health-related programs. Dr. Shipton's passion is in health-related issues and it is no surprise that he hopes to be able to use his knowledge on health to reach out to the town. This will be in conjunction with current efforts to evangelize in the neighborhood such as the Branch Sabbath School programs that Mission College currently does.

"I have come to help the staff, not to clean anyone or anything up"

Dr. Shipton spoke with due respect for the parting president, Dr. Siriporn when asked if he felt the pressure of filling the shoes of one so highly regarded by both the Kingdom of Thailand and the student body in Mission College. He said that it would be "difficult to fill the shoes of someone like Dr. Siriporn, but I will work closely with her to guide the school."

In the light of recent rumors that went around the school about the new president coming to Mission College to "Clean it up", Dr. Shipton stated that the 'statement' was fabricated and totally untrue. "I have come to help the staff, not to clean anyone or anything up. No one asked me to clean it up. It's not true." It hasn't been the first time he's heard about this and he emphasized that the rumor has "no foundation to it". This statement from the new president now clears the air on the baseless rumor that has created a panic amongst students and staff in the college. Dr. Shipton added that he hopes for more involvement from the staff in decision making as a greater involvement will bring with it broader opinions.

When asked about music styles, Dr. Shipton matter-of-factly said that he enjoys the "best of both worlds", the best of what traditional music and worship styles have to offer and the best of what contemporary music and worship styles have to offer. "Being at either end is not helpful", is what Dr. Shipton believes.

Dr. Shipton hopes that the student body will warm up to him with he takes his office and would like the student body to know that he would be more than happy for students to see him a meet with him. "I wish to be approachable", was what he said with a grin on his face.

We can expect to see our new president taking his office and walking around campus in late January, 2006.

Mission College News Online

Weekly Poll Results!

2005-10-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Last week we asked you what you liked best about the Festival of Faith! There were 41 votes in total and here are the results!

1. Worship Music - 28 votes
2. Special Songs - 8 votes
3. Testimonies - 5 votes
4. Sermons - 0 votes

We thank you for your participation!

This week's poll is about preference of worship styles! Do you prefer to worship with contemporary music or traditional music, or is your taste a blend of both? Have your say at MCNO's weekly poll!

Interview with the President

2005-10-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Exclusive interview with Dr. Siriporn, President, Mission College. Vivian MCNO Journalist. Photographs by Nathaniel Tan

After 10 years of being president of Mission College, Dr Siriporn Tantipoonwinai has officially announced her resignation from this post. MCNO had the opportunity to meet up with Dr. Siriporn for a short interview.

"It’s more important to know how to step down than to go up"

"It’s time for me to rest," she said as she leaned back into the chair. "I’ve seen the college grow to where it is now, so I guess I should take a break." Since the merge of Southeast Asia Union College, the school of Nursing and the Branch Sabbath School, Dr Siriporn had contributed much of her energy to see Mission College expand. From an empty plot of land in the Muak Lek district, Mission College has now established itself as a recognised international college in Thailand. The presence of the school has also prompted many improvements to the town in Muak Lek. "It's more important to know how to step down than to go up" she said as she reflected on her resignation. It is true that many people strive and make it to the top in many firms but do not know how to step down from their post wisely, often leaving their successors a huge mess to clean up after. Dr. Siriporn stressed the point that it is also very important to know how to step down from a post.

Now that she has already ‘paved the way’ for the new president, she is confident that the the job for the new president will be easier than the road that she traveled. Asking if she expected the next president to come from outside of the college, Dr. Siriporn replied that it did not matter to her if her successor was selected from within the school rather than from outside. "It does not matter. Wherever he comes from, he must have been appointed by God." She did however express her personal feelings that a person from within would be able to adjust to the job quicker and help with a smoother transition.

As for her future plans, it looks like she has got a lot in her hands. In fact, Dr Siriporn will continue to support the college as President Emeritus, an honorable position appointed for lifetime by the Union. She also mentioned guiding a Micro MBA nursing program in leadership and management. Apart from the Micro MBA program, she will also conduct seminars to help develop the college financially. "If somebody is going to think out of the box, I will do it." With the Union and School lacking in funds, Dr. Siriporn is determined to do all that she can to help the school financially so that students who come through Mission College will have a better time in college.

On the alleged stament made by the new president: "I will clean up Mission College", the statement allegedly made by the new president that has caused a frenzy among students with regard to what he meant by cleaning up the school, Dr. Siriporn replied curtly, "There is nothing to clean up. If there is anything to clean up, we will clean it up ourselves."

"The college ‘practices what it preaches’"

Her face expression spoke volumes when she described the recent visit of the Chinese delegates from Beijing. Dr. Siriporn admitted that the board and faculty were wary of the Chinese delegates' visit, especially as it was during the festival of faith; afraid that they would be turned off by the different genre of music the students preferred and a possible 'overdose' of religion. It turned out that the visitors were very impressed with how Mission College handles diversity in its academic and worship programs and were full of praise for the school. Pr. Yu, chairman of Beijing Three-self Patriotic Movement Committee, commented that the college ‘practices what it preaches’. Dr Siriporn was then delighted in explaining to him that Mission College is a place where the gospel is integrated with education; and where students come to know God in their own way. According to her, Pr. Yu said that the government officials were impressed and have said that they would be very happy to send students from China to study Theology here at Mission College.

"There is nothing to clean up. If there is anything to clean up, we will clean it up ourselves."

Does she see herself as a role model for young people, especially for young women in this competitive world? She believes that she is a role model for the younger generation and shared some thoughts on life. Bringing up marriage as an example, one doesn't have to be married to someone else if you cannot find a partner. You are not a failure in life if you don't get married eventually. "Both female and male complement each other. If you do not get married, you devote your life and knowledge to serve people; you are still 'married' - married to your church, your profession and to mankind."

In her eyes, young people face too much distraction and ‘are defeated before they enter the battlefield’. "Although you might come from a low academic background, you must have determination and focus in order to succeed. Choose your path wisely and surround yourself with good company and good advice", added Dr Siriporn. "If you honor God in everything that you do, God will honor you."

With that said, we wish her a happy retirement and will surely miss her presence on campus. - MCNO

Heavenly Humor

2005-10-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Sabbath to those logging onto MC News Online this Sabbath! We've got some Heavenly Humor lined up for you to bring a bang to your sabbath!

All jokes taken from 500 Clean Jokes and Humorous Stories - Rusty and Linda Wright

- Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than walking in to a garage makes you an automobile.

- The other day a fellow asked me, "Can I smoke and still get to heaven?" I told him, "Sure, and if you smoke, you might get there a lot sooner."

- When a little church stopped buying from the local stationer, he called the pastor to ask why. The pastor explained, "Remember those pencils we ordered from you so that visitors could register?"

"Sure," the stationer replied, "didn't you get them?"

"Yes, but you sent us pencils from the country club that said, "Play Golf Next Saturday.""

- A mother didn't feel well one Sabbath so she sent her little girl to church and told her to be sure to remember the text of the sermon. When she came home, the little girl said, "The pastor said, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt."" The mother was perplexed. Finally she phoned the pastor. He explained that his text was, "Fear not, thy comforter will come."

- A mother was trying to comfort her little girl upon the death of her pet kitten. "But Mommy," the girl asked, "what in the world would God want with a dead cat?"

- A minister who told his congregation there are one hundred different sins, already has received forty-six requests for copies of the list.

- "Be grateful for all that the good Lord has done for you," the minister told his congregation. "Surely each of us should give one-tenth of all we earn to the Lord."
"Amen!" shouted a particularly fervent church member. "I say let's raise it to one-twentieth!"

- MNCO

Coming up this month!

2005-10-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Mission College News Online is proud to be able to bring you news that no one else brings to you! Coming up this month:

- Exclusive interview with our college president, Dr. Siriporn, on her resignation as college president and what she sees in Mission College's future.
- What's the commotion about at 5am every morning? Students and Faculty speak out!
- Interview with "CLAY", MC's latest band!

News brought to you by students, for students.

- MNCO

Introduction to the Acoustic Guitar

2005-10-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

A 6-part course to introduce the Acoustic Guitar to beginners to the instrument. Ground yourself in the basics of playing the Acoustic Guitar with Nathaniel.

Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Place: Girls Dorm I Study Room

Lesson #1 - 11/10/05 - Knowing the parts of a guitar, How to choose and buy a guitar, Tuning your guitar
Lesson#2 - 13/10/05 - How to fully utilize a plectrum, The basic Major and Minor chords
Lesson #3 - 18/10/05 - Basic Fingerpicking Techniques
Lesson #4 - 25/10/05 - Basic Strumming Techniques
Lesson #5 - 27/10/05 - Secrets of Transposition (Circle of Fifths)
Lesson #6 - 01/11/05 - Building confidence in playing the guitar

Guitar Plectrums are available for sale at 30Baht each and at 50Baht for 2 pieces.

- MC Online News

We want YOUR stories!

2005-10-11T01:40:00.000-07:00

Mission College News Online is looking for stories to post. We know that there are many untold stories that remain untold, because there hasn't been an avenue for sharing. This has changed and we would like our readers to contribute!

If you have seen something worth reporting, if you have a story that you think is worth publishing on MCNO, contact us today!

MCNO Staff:
Vivian
Pappu
Fiona
Nathaniel
Sendy
Yvette

Malaysia Truly Asia

2005-10-11T01:28:00.000-07:00

Malaysia, Truly Asia! The Malaysian students are offering all MC Students a chance to have photographs taken with tradititional Malay costumes at only 20 Baht next week at the Malaysian booth which includes one 4R print. Have your picture taken and framed in a beautiful "Malaysia, Truly Asia" picture for memories that will last you a lifetime!

Watch out for the Malaysian booth next week at the International festival!

Prices:
1. 20 Baht for one picture with a choice of Malaysian costume.
2. 10 Baht for each additional print.

- Malaysian Club

Compulsory Supervised Self-Study

2005-10-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

"I don't like the idea of study hall..." says a student who has to attend the compulsory study program. Mr. Smith *name has been changed* adds that "the place is too noisy and not good for studying". Another student, Matthew, said, "it is very helpful to me. If I studied in my room, I'd probably be on my bed sleeping".

"... the rules are too strict; there are too many rules. Students dont understand or appreciate what we are doing..." - Ms. Bang Chau

We're looking at two sides of a story, with some very much taking the study hall program as a curse and others as a blessing. What exactly is the study hall program? Who has to attend this program and when? I made the effort to check the place out for myself and interview both students attending the study hall program, those not attending it and also, a supervisor, Ms. Bang Chau, who was sitting at the entrance of the third floor of the Mission College library.

What is the study hall program about and when did it start?

The study hall program began last year (2004/2005) for both ESL and college students who were not doing very well in their studies. The program flopped however, as the rules were lax and students simply showed up, signed their names on the attendance sheets and left without studying. This prompted a change in rules when the study hall was reintroduced this semster for students who are on probation (low GPA).

The rules for the study hall include:

1. Arriving on-time at 7:45pm sharp (there is no grace given for late students)

2. No cell-phones

3. No music

"I think that the idea of study hall is great but some of the rules are too cumbersome," says Kevin who is a sophomore in the CIS department. He is one of many students who believe that the rules for the study hall program are too strict. Irvyn, another CIS student who is a freshman also added that "it's too long! A whole two hours, and the rules are too strict". Are the rules too strict? Bang Chau admitted that she thinks that the rules are too strict, but what can one do when students did not appreciate the relaxed rules that existed the previous year?

Other answers from students interviewed included complaints included:

1. Too many students studying at the third floor

2. Too noisy to study

3. Bad timing

4. Supervisors too strict - marked absent for being a minute late

5. Supervisors making students feel like slaves

6. Two full hours too long, takes time away for doing other work

7. Not allowed to leave third floor; threatened to be marked absent if seen doing so

"I think that study hall is okay, but it should be less strict. If the rules are relaxed a bit, I will be able to study better" - Mr. Yo

With a large number of the students complaining about the strictness of the rules, there has to be some truth in it. Attacks have been made on the staff who volunteer their time to help students who attend the study hall programs. Even Ms. Bang Chau who was interviewed for this article said that the "rules are too strict; there are too many rules". She also added that the students did not understand how the study hall program is supposed to help them.

"We have three volunteer supervisors here each night to assist students in their studying."

Here are some rules that give students some freedom:

1. Students are allowed to leave the third floor for a drink or to get a book, but only for a short time.

2. Students have to attend four of five study hall programs a week. 80% minimum.

3. If a student attends for a full five days for a week, he/she can attend three of five the next week.

With every rule is a reason, sometimes one we cannot seem to understand. On hindsight though, we might someday finally realise why and appreciate the 'suffering' experienced.

- Nathaniel Tan

MC Yearbook's online weekly poll!

2005-10-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

Dear readers, we thank you for your very encouraging support with the MC Yearbook team bringing news to you online! We're introducing a weekly poll here and would like you all to participate in it! Get on with the poll's and see what others opinions are!

This week's poll is about the Festival of Faith that just ended last week. What did you enjoy most during the Festival of Faith? The sermons, worship or something else? Vote now!

- Editor

Wai Kru Day

2005-10-09T02:57:00.000-07:00

Wai Kru Day was celebrated in Mission College on September 29 2005 with much respect and honor to our beloved teachers. The auditorium was packed with students who came to witness this important ceremony. The program began with a song service and a poem recital entitled “Why God Created Teachers”. Next, students representing different faculties presented elaborate flower arrangements and performed the wai to the teachers seated onstage. These
flower arrangements were later placed on a table for judging.

After the ceremony, Dr Siriporn delivered a short speech regarding the origin and significance of this custom. She explained that Wai Kru Day reflects the Thai culture that appreciates values and humility. Furthermore, she said that by wai-ing, we present our empty hands to prove our pure intentions in our hearts and minds. This also creates a commitment in the teacher to impart his or her knowledge to the student, she added. Finally, the event ended with a special song sung by the senior students.

When asked about her first impressions of Wai Kru Day in Mission College, freshman Nang Tha Phaung Awar mentioned,” I liked it when the students presented flowers to the teachers. In Myanmar, a similar event is held to show respect to our teachers.” Makara Ros, also a freshman, felt that students can also appreciate a teacher simply by paying attention and being respectful at all times in class.

--Vivian

Cultural Night

2005-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Word from the editor: Welcome to the virgin post of this blog... the official virgin post. Now that I've officially 'de-virginised' this blog, lets get on with the news on campus!

MC Cultural Night
Article & Photographs by Nathaniel Tan

Cultural night was a smashing success! The fun, laughter and 'education' as stated by our dear president were all present as various countries put a last-minute act together for the visitors from China. The program which was scheduled to begin at 7pm eventually started at around 7:30pm (what's new?) with people beginning to stroll in at around 7:05pm.

"I loved the Indonesian dance! It was so cool!" - Tresor

The Malaysians did their bit with Mark leading out in a song that inspired Steve to start yelling! It really got to the crowd and everyone was tickled silly when he made the weird (rather strange) calling sounds! The dance inspired the emcee's for the evening, Mr. Kimani and Mrs. Khamsay to bring out the Malaysian group for an encore performance with the both of them dancing to the music! (I must add that you rarely see guys like Kishen and Frendy on stage playing the Bass and Guitar respectively, so all in all, it really was a treat!). Notice how the clothes that the Malaysians are wearing are all similar? I had a close look at their outfits and I must say that I really do like them! I might not wear the thing that Mark (the one in the front) is wearing on his head, but the rest of it looks neat!

"I am here to be the next president of the college" - Max Dowling

The Indonesians were next (not all were Indonesian though...) with a dance item that was a joy to watch! The dancers were vibrant and full of energy, especially Yvonne who was really grooving to the beat of the music! Bayu even managed to put out a 'peace' sign before the dance started, causing the crowd to break out into a fit of laughter! He sure does have a lot of humor!

One would have had to be deaf or blind to have not enjoyed the performance put up by the Vietnames students. Live music provided by the likes of Sang and his team that was really upbeat put the crowd to a great mood when the Vietnamese students put up a display of costumes from their country. Interviewing the people who attended, the most well-received show was that of the Vietnamese students who put up a fantastic display of their cultural outfits! Their high-school uniforms (if you didn't get to see them) look so elegant! It's like... whoa! Coming from Singapore, it's a real eye-opener indeed! "The Vietnamese are very co-operative and creative. Good variety of clothes; school uniforms etc" said Doedoh, a student who noted that the Vienamese item was indeed refreshing. Shimona, an education major student said, "Vietamese constumes were very elegant and unique! Elegance and grace...".

The delegates from China also put up a performance with Mr. Zhao going up to stage and belting out a number which was well received by the faculty; they clapped really enthusiastically (with a little laughter from the students as they don't really know how to appreciate the singing).

"I enjoyed the program very much! Chop mak mak!" - Tae (Nursing Freshman)

The cultural show also brought out all the photography enthusiasts in the school, with a phalanx of photographers crowding the floorspace in front of the stage! Small cameras and big cameras were out - you could have a camera exhibition! Big smiles from the performers were everywhere and you could see flashes firing off one after another during the show.

"Very nice! Wonderful program! I'm waiting for the next one!" - Smith

The Indian performance was a treat with Mr Max Dowling coming out with a turban and joining in the dance! An Aussie-Indian? That's a first for me... he was 'turbanised' by the Indian/Nepali students and a faculty member who was also in the dance! The very energetic performance was almost canceled half-way through because of a technical fault. During the little 'break' that took place while the EMC was trying to solve the problems, Mr Max was interviewed by Mr George and Mrs Daranee.

"I am here to be the next president of the college..." he said, jokingly. Everyone got a good laugh at that statement and it even prodded our dear president Dr. Siriporn to go on stage (laughing all the way) to give Mr Max a flower! It was all in good humor and the dance resumed after that with Mr Max coming out again to dance with the Indian group.

It was a wonderful evening with lots of smiles and laughter! We all are hoping for the next cultural night or talent night to come! And for those who weren't present for this year's cultural night, you did miss a treat! To end it off, here's a picture that I caught... guess who's taking pictures too? :) Signing off - Nathaniel

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