Hi, I am Shree Varssan A/L Manisekar. Rumour has it that I swallowed a speaker as a child. Though that’s far from the truth, it does explain why I’m so loud. My voice, confidence and extroverted nature have always put me in the spotlight, naturally leading me to take on leadership roles in group projects and shine as a Master of Ceremonies (MC).

The Foundation in Science (FIS) programme was more than just an academic journey. It was a transformation.

The Foundation in Science lecturers from IMU University felt like family, guiding me through challenges, whether they knew it or not. They didn’t just teach; they prepared me for life. They showed me how to carry myself as a true professional.

Their dedication and the way they presented themselves shaped my own perspective on what it means to be a leader. For instance, it was the way they dress, the way they speak and the way they handled a crisis or tough situation. They exemplified true professionalism, not just through words but by being inspiring role models.

One of the biggest lessons I learned in FIS was time management. I learned that cramming everything at once as I did in my high school, Penang Free School, would only end up in failure and burnout. Once I realized that, I changed my methodology and finally had time to focus on my passion.

I’ve always been good at sports, particularly golf and bowling, but in FIS, I had the chance to take my skills to another level. I even picked up bouldering, fell in love with the sport and now I proudly serve as the President of the Club at IMU University.

However, there is a chip on my shoulder that I’ve had for as long as I can remember. People have always labelled me with the Malay idiom “tin kosong” which directly translates to “empty can”. Imagine this, when you drop an empty can it makes a lot of noise. This reflects that those who talk the most think the least. I’ve made it my life’s mission to prove that idiom wrong. Moreover, I came to realize that since young, I’ve always loved talking to people but that’s all it was, just for entertainment purposes. After enrolling in IMU University and starting my foundation journey, my conversational skills that were deemed worthless by those around me has now evolved tremendously. It has not only helped me in networking and being sociable but has also helped close a few contracts with BUMP Bouldering. The previous me from Penang Free School would never have imagined he would turn out to be the man I am today.

No journey is complete without competition and mine was defined by two names, Aisswarya Ng and Sum Ji Chew. They weren’t just rivals; they were the benchmark I set for myself. Competing against them made me push my limits and because of them, I became someone completely different from who I was in high school. I strive to never lose to anyone else but them.

My days in FIS was also where I discovered my true reason for pursuing medicine. My father was a doctor but I never really thought I would follow the same path. Medicine was always there in the background but it wasn’t something I felt drawn to. However, a moment of magic in FIS changed everything.

I met this lecturer by the name of Dr James Edward Walsh, the director of Centre of Pre-U (CPU) at IMU University (Standing to the right in the photo on the right). He was the Master Oogway to my Po, often outgoing but also wise when it comes to giving advice.

One quote of his that really stuck with me to date was
“The right attitude for any healthcare professional is to be bathed in blood and sweat but still be able to say, I love this job.”

What started as just an academic path slowly became a passion as I understood the depth and impact of the field. The journey, challenges, and people around me reshaped my perspective, making me realize that medicine is more than just a profession. It’s a purpose.

I am currently in my first year of MBBS. Looking back, I wouldn’t be here without my experiences in FIS. Let it be to asking questions or thinking outside the box.

The first semester of Medicine was made easy for me due to the module in FIS called Biosciences. This module provides a smoother transition for IMU’s FIS graduates pursuing medicine.

It covered a variety of topics that we are still learning to date. It was an enlightening experience for me where I truly understood how crucial the next few years in MBBS is going to be.

Shoutout to Ms Kanagamalar who was the star lecturer for this course. How can I forget Mr Chuah, a Biology lecturer that brought his teaching skills to a unique level. My mastery on his chapters were very high.

Then there was this module called Computer Sciences, where technology meets healthcare. This module is essential, as moving forward we will need to use technology such as AI and other machinery to save lives.

There was also Cross Boundary Studies where I had to fundraise for a school. We were tasked to set up a booth and sell something and raise funds. This experience allowed me to work on my teamwork, management skills and critical thinking.

All these experiences and soft skills are already making an impact in my undergraduate programme and will continue to help me in my professional years as a doctor.

“Foundation in Science at IMU University was not just a foundation for my academics but it was the FOUNDATION OF MY GROWTH.”

From learning professionalism to refining my skills, from forging bonds to embracing competition, this journey shaped me into who I am today.

As I step into the next chapter, I carry with me not just knowledge but the fire to keep moving forward, fuelled by the challenges, friendships and lessons that made this experience unforgettable.