Rahiman graduates, wished her granny is alive
Aaliyath Aamira Rahiman’s only hope was that her grandmother, Mariam Bibi was still alive to present and celebrate her educational success and career achievement.
The 21-year-old was among the 215 students from the Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in Suva last week.
Ms Rahiman said since attending kindergarten right to primary and secondary school, her grandmother accompanied her to school daily.
Her grandmother died on January 10 at the age of 83 after a short illness.
“My grandmother helped me make my career choice after my secondary school education,” she said. “I think it was the Almighty’s call for me to take nursing as my career as later I can further my studies in medicine.”
Ms Rahiman said her experience of studying nursing was fun and difficult which included sleepless nights and shift work.
“At boarding, there were a lot of hard times and struggles, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when there was lockdown. We could not go home, but it was the big support from my grandmother who continually kept praying and motivating me until I lost her on January 10 as she died in my arms.
“She was very special to me and I missed her so much during my graduation.
I have plans to visit her grave very soon with my Bachelor of Nursing certificate. “
She said she was sad about her journey because she had to be away from her family and study.
“The Bachelor of Nursing program was incredibly rewarding. It is an incredibly demanding job too. Nursing was physically, mentally and emotionally tiring, however I also left each shift knowing I made a difference in my patients’ lives. This nursing training only helped me overcome this tragedy, otherwise I would have not been able to handle this loss.”
She acknowledged and thanked her parents; Hafiz Rahiman and mum Zenat Nisha, and her family for supporting her.
“I thank my father who never missed a single day every morning and evening checking on me and sending me prayers and best wishes.”
Her mother, Zenat Nisha who is a great chef said; “A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give. My beautiful daughter is brave, capable, pretty, and she can accomplish anything her heart desires.”
Her father Hafiz Rahiman, a Lautoka businessman said, “As a father her smile makes me smile, her success makes me more proud to live another tomorrow.”
He thanked CMNHS acting head of School of Nursing, Talica Lewanavanua for assisting the students and parents.