KUCHING: A dream of opening her own clinic is driving Diploma in Science graduate Nur Farah Atiqah Mohamad Sardon to continue her studies in the field of healthcare.
The 22-year-old is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at University Cyberjaya, Selangor.
“After completing my degree, I plan to work to gain knowledge and experience in this field. Afterward, I will continue my efforts to open my own clinic. This aspiration has inspired me to pursue further studies in this field,” she said at the 97th Convocation of UiTM Sarawak Branch, last night.
Farah shared her experiences during her diploma studies, acknowledging the various challenges she faced during her education, especially with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In the first semester, we still attended physical classes, but in the second semester, starting from the second week, classes shifted online. It wasn’t easy for me because being at home, I couldn’t feel the campus environment and the learning process, perhaps due to the absence of friends,” she recalled.
However, Farah said this did not deter her from pursuing her education and achieving her goals.
“For me, studying at the diploma level is suitable for individuals who prefer a slower-paced learning experience with more time. I also want to advise fellow students out there who still have the opportunity to pursue higher education to keep learning and prioritise education in their lives,” she said, having also received her diploma last night.
Meanwhile, another Diploma in Science graduate, Calista Mariana Thomas, 23, said being a farmer’s daughter did not hinder her from pursuing higher education.
The Lun Bawang girl from Lawas expressed her happiness at completing her diploma studies, despite facing difficulties due to the transition to online learning.
She said that online classes were challenging because she had problems accessing the internet in her residential area.
“There were times when I had no internet coverage, and sometimes I missed classes. Slow internet also made it difficult for me to attend online classes, especially since it required high-speed internet. I was fortunate that the lecturers understood my situation, as I live in a remote area,” she explained.
She advised people who want to pursue higher education to choose their learning programmes wisely and have a clear direction.
“Select a programme that you are genuinely interested in because it will affect your attitude and diligence in learning.
“I want to change my family’s fate, and this has become my strength in continuing my studies to a Bachelor’s level. Currently, I am studying at UiTM Seremban, Negeri Sembilan,” she said.
