University Life in a Book

26 March 2024

1. Can you briefly introduce your book?

My debut novel, Frappes for Three, follows three young adults – Maya Joseph, Rohan Das, and Chong Mei Li – as they navigate the ups and downs of university life. They each have their dreams and aspirations but struggle with the burden of family expectations and self-doubt. While their future remains uncertain, one thing is for sure – no matter what happens, they will always be there for each other.

This story is inspired by my time at Monash University Malaysia. Having loved my university experience, I could not help but base the setting for my YA novel on the campus I called home for three wonderful years.

2. What inspired you to write a book based on your experiences at Monash? Were there specific moments or aspects of your time here?

My university life is something I look back on very fondly. It taught me the importance of being a well-rounded individual. In addition to attending classes, Monash students were always encouraged to join extra-curricular activities and campus events. Opportunities for growth and learning were not limited to the confines of a classroom; they went far beyond that.

This is what inspired Frappes for Three. My university experience did not just equip me with knowledge of business and economics; it also blessed me with great friends, incredible memories, valuable skills, and a sense of self. I wanted to write a story that focused on how the university experience can be transformative for young adults as they find their way in the world.

Of course, as a fiction work, I have infused a healthy dose of drama to keep readers engaged. While the female lead of this book has her fair share of problems with a particular celebrity lecturer, I had no such troubles. Having been blessed with great lecturers, my university life was undramatic!

3. What themes or messages do you want readers to take away from your book?

In essence, Frappes for Three is a story of friendship. I hope it reminds readers that the sweet things in life are made even sweeter with the presence of good friends. In the busyness of day-to-day life, we can sometimes lose touch with our old friends. I’m certainly guilty of this, as well. I hope this book brings back good memories and, by the end, urges you to pick up the phone and call that friend you have been meaning to catch up with.

I also hope this book encourages readers to pursue their dreams zealously. As humans, we are often riddled with self-doubt and the fear of judgement. This often stops us from pursuing the things we are most passionate about. Even as I wrote this book, I found myself fearing the judgement of others: What if people do not like Frappes for Three? What if they think I’m a lousy writer? In reality, the only way to get better at something is to start. This is one of the primary themes explored in the book, and I hope readers finish the book feeling inspired to press the ‘start’ or ‘resume’ button to fulfil their own aspirations.

4. How might your fellow Monash alumni resonate with or relate to your book?

My fellow Monash alumni, especially those studying at the Sunway campus, will recognise the university setting I describe in my book. Many details, such as the famous rock-climbing wall, will feel familiar to students who are privileged to call Monash University Malaysia their alma mater.

Writing this book gave me an opportunity to walk down memory lane and relive some amazing moments from my university life. Reading the book will have a similar effect on other Monash alumni.

5. How do you perceive your personal growth since your time at Monash, now that you have written a book inspired by those experiences?

A lot of things have changed since my time at Monash University Malaysia. I majored in Economics and Econometrics, but now, I’m pursuing a career in writing. Although my current career is somewhat unrelated to my degree, Monash was a great starting point. It taught me the importance of open communication, teamwork, collaboration, and integrity – values I hold dear today.

As you’ll see in Frappes for Three, my love for Economics has a way of sneaking into my writing, so in a way, I’m still applying the many things I learned in lectures! Jokes aside, I’m definitely a different person than I was ten years ago, backpack-clad, walking down the hallways of Monash, but those university days have played an important role in shaping me into who I am today. Thank you, Monash!