Father’s Encouragement, Scholarship Help Nurul Shahira Pursue University Dream

MELAKA, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Financial constraints after her family suffered a stroke almost caused 22-year-old Nurul Shahira Dharmadeydjaya to quit her studies, but her father’s encouragement strengthened her resolve to pursue her higher education.

The eldest of seven siblings is now in her third semester of Environmental Science studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and works part-time to cover her expenses throughout her studies.

Nurul Shahira said she initially did not want to continue her studies as only her mother was working to support the family, but her father, Dharmadeydjaya Sukar, 50, continued to encourage her and wanted to see her pursue her chosen field.

“During every semester break, I will work part-time either at a beverage shop, as a banquet staff member or preparing ice cream for wedding receptions… wherever there is a vacancy.

“I save the money I earn from these jobs to cover my study-related expenses and sometimes use it to help my other siblings, who are also still studying,” she said when met in Ayer Keroh here today.

Nurul Shahira was among four recipients of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) eKasih Children’s Scholarship (BAeK) presented by Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim at a presentation ceremony in Melaka today.

Nurul Shahira is scheduled to resume her studies on Sept 28, and the assistance will give her the opportunity to continue pursuing her aspirations in Environmental Science at UKM.

Meanwhile, her mother, 43-year-old Masayu Salleh, said her net monthly income of about RM1,800 was insufficient to meet the family’s needs after her husband suffered a stroke, as she also has children who are still in school.

She said her income was limited and insufficient to cover household expenses, in addition to having to pay the monthly housing instalment.

“But when Nurul Shahira expressed her fear that I would not be able to support her studies, I told her not to quit because she was already halfway through and needed to complete it.

“Alhamdulillah, the scholarship she received will indirectly ease the financial burden and help cover her study expenses so that she can continue pursuing her dream,” she added.

-- BERNAMA