Aisha had been in Malaysia for three months but still felt alone. One evening, she met Daniel at a university dinner.
“Do you know many people here?” Aisha asked.
“Not really,” Daniel smiled. “But I’m trying to build connections—slowly and genuinely.”
“How?” she leaned in.
“I start simple. I ask questions, listen well, and follow up. Not just for benefit—but to care.”
The next week, Daniel invited Aisha to join a small study group. Students from different countries shared ideas, helped each other with assignments, and even practiced English together.
During one session, Mei said, “Networking is not using people. It’s growing together.”
Aisha nodded. She began messaging classmates after lectures, joining activities, and offering help when she could.
Over time, things changed. She gained confidence, improved her communication skills, and even found internship opportunities through friends.
One day she told Daniel, “I used to think networking was just for jobs. Now I see—it’s about relationships.”
Daniel replied, “Yes, and healthy relationships build strong futures.”
Conclusion Quotes:
- “Your network is your net worth.” — Porter Gale
- “Two are better than one… If either of them falls, one can help the other up.” — Book of Wisdom
Comprehension Questions (revised):
- Why was Aisha struggling at the beginning of the story?
- What did Daniel and the group do that showed healthy networking?
- How do the two quotes at the end connect with the idea of building strong relationships?
Application Questions (personal reflection):
- What is one small step you can take this week to build a healthy network in your university?
- How can you show genuine care (not just personal benefit) when connecting with others?
- Think of a challenge you are facing—how could a healthy network help you in that situation?