By: Kavitha D/O Gnanavelan
Student of Bachelor of Science in Human Development
SERDANG, JAN 11- The passing of her parents has been a source of encouragement for Sufiah Saiful Bahari, 25, to study hard and complete her Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mathematics at the 44th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) convocation ceremony.
Sufiah, the youngest of four siblings, had lost both her parents.
Her mother’s passing was due to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) disease, while her father died of kidney disease.
Losing her parents due to illness had been a challenge for her, but it was not an obstacle for her to strive for her future.
"I went through financial constraints before entering the university due to my instability, but I did not give up because it was my dream to get a degree," she said.
She added that the help she received from neighbours, her elder siblings, the Public Service Department (JPA), and the Centre for Management of Waqf, Zakat and Endowment (WAZAN), UPM, had eased her burden during her studies in UPM.
Sufiah was an active student in UPM and a committee member of the Fifth College, UPM.
In addition, Sufiah ran her own business selling snacks such as cookies, cakes, and tarts to generate income when she was still a student.
She was happy running the small business as it allowed her, to some extent, to help her family.
"I always thought of my parents before I did anything like studying, organising a programme, or running my business. It motivated me to perform better," she said.
Besides that, she advised all UPM students always to love and cherish their parents while they are still alive.
She also urged UPM students to have a positive mind, complete their assignments well, and attend classes punctually. - UPM
