Chasing the dream career
FATE has a way of turning life around.
For hospitality and management graduate from Nilai University (Nilai U) Krista Angelina Sudharma, it was an illness that could have easily robbed her life.
She was only 17 when she was first diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease that causes a loss of muscle strength – myasthenia gravis.
“I was in my second year of my degree programme in business and hospitality management at Nilai U,” Krista recalled.
The news shattered her world as she found herself battling simple things, such as swallowing her food, opening her eyes, lifting her hand and even moving her feet.
“Even smiling was difficult. Talking was difficult, let alone singing,” she said.
Singing, along with playing the piano is one of Krista’s passions.
“I have a huge interest in music and my friends and I pioneered Nilai U’s Music Club, performing at many events,” she said.
Krista felt on top of the world when she started her first year at Nilai U.
She found the campus environment dynamic with vast opportunities.
In no time, she made friends with local students in addition to ones from Indonesia, China, Korea and Africa.
As her symptoms worsened, Krista was on the verge of giving up but she found the courage to fight back and overcome the challenges.
“I would have given up,” she said, “if not for the love and support shown to me by my family members, friends and lecturers at Nilai U.”
“I underwent a procedure called plasmapheresis in my third year, which helped me regain my physical strength,” she revealed.
“This second lease at life made me appreciate what I had and it made me want to seize every opportunity to live my life to the fullest.”
Armed with a renewed spirit, Krista resumed her participation in various activities run by the university’s clubs and societies
“Nilai U offers students personal development courses such as those with Dale Carnegie and Outward Bound, which you will not get at any other institution. Students are also awarded certificates upon the successful completion of these courses,” said Krista, whose favourite sport is golf.
“These certificates were a huge boost to my resume.”
She added that the guidance from her lecturers helped enhanced her confidence, equipped her with communication skills and gave her valuable insight into self-branding.
“My lecturers were amazing: They tirelessly guided and prepared students for job interviews. As a result, I was able to present myself in a clear and professional manner.”
Krista said she chose to study at Nilai U because of its good reputation among international students.
“I considered other institutions, but none fit the conducive environment I was looking for. I wanted a place where I could enjoy the serenity of home and be guided by the pastoral care of the staff and lecturers.”
Krista emphasised that the university’s green campus did wonders for her health and was vital in aiding her recovery.
She said the well-equipped learning facilities and on-campus accommodation played a key role in helping her focus on her studies and day-to-day activities.
She has succeeded in overcoming much of the challenges brought about by the illness.
Today she is a confident 22-year-old who works as a senior finance analyst (service management) with British American Tobacco Shared Services Asia Pacific.
“I want to keep on learning. I plan to enrich my knowledge in other fields as well. I am broadening my experience in the finance (shared services) industry, Someday, when I have enough funds, I will do a master's degree in project management,” she said.
Nilai U’s accredited BA (Hons) in Business and Hospitality Management equips students with industry-driven core modules and the necessary skills to be industry-ready.
Students are also offered specially-crafted elective modules on entrepreneurship, critical thinking, professional development and the much sought-after Dale Carnegie Skills for Success.
Close ties with the industry also give students opportunities to work with renowned hotels and organisations throughout their studies.
■ Visit Nilai U’s website at http://www.nilai.edu.my or campus on Open Days from Mar 31-Apr 1, contact its counsellor at 06-850 2308 or e-mail marketing@nilai.edu.my for details.