INTERVIEW WITH THE LOWER SIX STUDENTS
by Arifin and Sri Akmarini

This is what they have to say:

::Question 1:: What were your first impressions after being notified that you were going to have an orientation in MD?

::Boys:: We thought orientation was basically activities that involve every new intake so as to know the college as well as our classmates better.
::Girls:: We felt excited because some of us have never experienced orientation before. We also felt nervous because we heard many stories about previous orientations but we were certain that we were going to have some fun as well.

::Question 2:: Was orientation the same as what you have imagined before entering MD?

::Boys:: We did not expect to wear nametag everyday and we did not expect to be treated the way we were treated during orientation by the Councillors and prefects.
::Girls:: We could not stop laughing about our nametags. The way the Councillors and prefects treated us was beyond our expectations.

::Question 3:: So far, what do you think about orientation?

::Boys:: Orientation is fun but in a mean kind of way. We only found out on the second day that the treatment we got was just to cultivate a sense of respect to our seniors as well as teachers and to discipline ouselves. At first it was hard to accept orientation, some of us were not at all pleased with the way we were treated but after a few days, we realized how vital it was. Without it we think that some of us might not be able to work together as there are those who are still 'semi-mature' and lacking in discipline. Futhermore, orientation helps us in becoming independent teenagers.
::Girls:: We don't have much to complain. Ours seniors had bigger nametags last year; we think everything should be the same everyyear. Another thing is that our orientation is soooo short, just one week. We don't think a week is enough to get to know our seniors and the school much better. (The interviewers did not expect such an answer). We wanted to experience the same fun activites that our seniors had during previous years like E.C.A. - playing in the mud e.t.c. We want to have the same things too!!

::Question 4:: There are parents who have complained about orientation (treatment), what do you have to say about this matter?

::Boys/Girls:: The only reason why parents complain is because their son/daughter complains. The right term to call these teenagers is basically 'MANJA'. At this age of life they should experience the hardship. We know its not fair but hey! Life is not fair. One day, we might be treated the same way as orientation or even worse, we should face it now and not later. We don't think their parents might be there when they want to complain, so, what are they going to do?
The parents should also know that the MPs and prefects here are quite mature and what they do during orientation is for their sons/daughters own good. Nothing inhumane has occurred during orientation. If it did, then orientation would have been banned decades ago. If the BEs can face orientation with ease, then we think that we can face life obstacles.

::END::

::Webmaster's note:: I would like to say thank you to The Voice members, especially Arifin and Sri, who took their time to interview the new batch (2001/2002 intake). Not to forget our 'adik-adik' for taking their time to be interviewed. Without them, this page wouldn't have existed. I hope through this interview, it has made clear to others who still have doubts about orientation (particularly future intakes). Take care and enjoy the rest of the website.