\u201cStudy study, study. Watch movies, watch art and read literature.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
It reflects a deep respect for learning and the belief that curiosity and passion should serve a greater purpose: to make life better. This mindset transcends boundaries; it is a reminder to stay curious and to understand what you do by exploring your interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Education builds strong foundations, but its true value lies not in attending classes or taking tests \u2013 it comes from lessons that can be applied practically in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this edition, we turn to our Future Lister, Dr. Chanokporn \u201cMay\u201d Puapattanakun, or Ajarn May. In 2004, Ajarn May walked into Mahidol University, carrying a love for the Thai language and a mission beyond textbooks. Today, she is still inspiring students and imparting lessons that go beyond the classroom that shape how they approach life and learning before they leave the university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Her journey begins at Chulalongkorn University, where she earned a BA in Thai with a minor in English and history, followed by a Master\u2019s and a PhD in Thai language and literature. Each stage of her education reflects a deep devotion to the beauty and power of language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In December 2004, she joined the Thai Language Programme at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University as a lecturer, a role she held for nearly 16 years. In her classroom, each lesson became a space for confidence to grow, for Thai to be spoken with clarity and pride. Drawing on her experience in public speaking and writing competitions, she turned theory into practice. Beyond exams and assignments, these skills helped students communicate effectively in journalism and media while keeping the Thai language alive as a living culture and passing traditions to the next generation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She advanced through several positions, including Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in 2013, Assistant Dean of Quality Development and Corporate Communications from 2014 to 2016, and Associate Dean of the same department until 2018. Between 2016 and 2018, she also served as Programme Chairperson of the Thai Language Programme. Each role allowed her to work more closely with students and understand their needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, she serves as a professor in the Bachelor of Arts programme in Eco-cultural Entrepreneurship at Mahidol University, Nakhon Sawan campus, and as Director of the Center for Life-integrated Learning. This role moves her beyond traditional language classes, focusing on empowerment, confidence and creativity in real-world contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her dedication to helping students develop practical life skills shines through on We Mahidol, working with the Center for Life-integrated Learning at the official multimedia platform and mobile app of Mahidol University. The platform shares knowledge, lifestyle, campus tours and news from the perspective of students and staff. It serves as a digital hub for university community engagement, highlights campus culture and provides student-focused information. Under Ajarn May\u2019s guidance, she provides education on what matters in real life in an engaging and accessible way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.koktailmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/67733642_885539751814860_8130239006743986176_n-1024x812.jpg\")
The Beginning: A Passion for Thai Language<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Inspiring Lifelong Learning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n