TEACHER FIGHTING CANCER EARNS MASTER’S DEGREE
Strong support from family, friends helps mother of 2 to complete her English programme
COMPLETING a Master’s programme is a daunting task, but Siti Hajar Abdul Halim took on the challenge at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) while battling full-blown cancer.
The illness took its toll on the 38-yearold English teacher from Kuala Terengganu, but thanks to her perseverance and strong support from her husband, family and friends, Siti Hajar graduated with a Master in Education (English language teaching) at UUM’s 30th convocation on Monday.
Her sense of triumph was brief, however, as the mother of two had to immediately return to Kuala Terengganu after receiving her scroll to resume chemotherapy.
Siti Hajar was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in July this year after showing symptoms of the illness in December last year.
The SK Telok Pasu teacher said she almost gave up on her studies when she was diagnosed.
But, after attending counselling sessions with cancer specialists and learning more about the treatment she needed to undergo, she felt confident about completing her course.
“I enrolled in the course in 2015. “Between then and the end of this course in May this year, I had to regularly travel more than 500km from Kuala Terengganu to Sintok and Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kelantan for treatment.
“I underwent my fifth chemotherapy session on Nov 10, and after consulting my doctors, I was allowed to attend the convocation.”
Siti Hajar said she was happy to be able to join her friends during the convocation, as they had been there for her during her studies.
But, her academic journey has not yet ended — Siti Hajar said she hoped to do her doctorate in the same subject if her health permitted.
“I will have to wait until after my final chemotherapy session next month before I can decide if I am strong enough to pursue my studies.”