Beyond Academia: Shelena’s inspiring role in community tech education
Shelena Soosay Nathan, a 37-year-old senior lecturer from Bukit Pasir, near Muar in Malaysia, has found a unique and fulfilling way to extend her passion for teaching beyond the university walls. As a faculty member in the Department of Information Technology at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (UTHM) Campus Pagoh, she is deeply connected to the academic world. Thanks to her university’s partnership with STMicroelectronics, she has gained opportunities to participate in community programs that combine education with meaningful real-world impact.
Shelena’s journey with the ST Foundation began with a spark of excitement. Sharing her knowledge with school students through programs like Introduction to Computer Basics (ICB), Tablet 4 Kids (T4K), and STM32 Coding offered a refreshing extension to her daily academic routine. While these activities mirrored her regular teaching, the joy and enthusiasm she felt were unlike anything she had experienced before.
Initially, Shelena approached the ICB Course with some skepticism, wondering if it might be outdated in today’s fast-paced digital age. However, her perspective quickly changed after just one day of teaching. She discovered that many schoolchildren, despite being adept at gaming and familiar with technology, had very limited exposure to fundamental tools like Microsoft Office and email. This realization underscored the importance of her role in bridging the digital knowledge gap.
The most rewarding moments for Shelena came from witnessing the children’s excitement and pride as they learned and created. During the STM32 Coding sessions, the students eagerly built their own robots and enthusiastically shared their projects, filling the classroom with energy and inspiration.
For Shelena, becoming an ST Foundation volunteer is more than just teaching; it is about making a meaningful difference in the community. She cherishes the chance to contribute to these programs and looks forward to continuing her involvement, grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of learners.
