Stepping stone to a bright future
KRISTA Angelina Sudharma was a regular feisty 17-year-old attending her first year at Nilai University (Nilai U) when a debilitating illness threatened to snatch her life from right underneath her.
Not one to surrender, the youngest student in her degree programme found the courage to fight back with the love and support from her family, friends and lecturers at Nilai U.
“I started school when I was just two because I literally begged my mum to take me to school,” said the bubbly Business and Hospitality Management student.
“I excelled in classes beyond my age and quickly moved up the levels. That is why I always happen to be the youngest in my class.
“I was on top of the world when I started my first year at Nilai U. The environment on campus is so dynamic and in no time I had made friends with students from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Korea and Africa,” she said.
“I have a huge interest in music, especially in singing and playing the piano. My friends and I pioneered the Nilai U music club and we performed at many events.”
However, Krista was dealt a blow in her second year when she was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis.
“Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular disease, which causes a loss of muscle strength. As a result, it became a battle for me to swallow my food, open my eyes, lift my hand and move my legs. Even smiling was no easy task; I found talking let alone singing a challenge,” she said.
Krista was on the verge of giving up if it were not for the encouragement she received from her family, friends and lecturers.
“In my third year, I underwent a procedure called plasmapheresis. The procedure helped me regain my physical strength. This second lease at life made me appreciate what I have and I wanted to seize every opportunity to live my life to the fullest,” said Krista.
Armed with a renewed spirit, Krista resumed her participation in many of Nilai U’s clubs, societies and sports, including golfing.
“Nilai U is unique. The university offers students personal development courses – with Dale Carnegie and Outward Bound, among others that you will not get at any other institution. Students are also awarded certificates upon the successful completion of these courses. These certificates were a huge boost to my resume,” adds Krista.
Krista also said that the guidance from her lecturers had enhanced her confidence, equipped her with communication skills and gave her valuable insight into self-branding.
“My lecturers were simply 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.”
Her confidence has certainly paid off, as Krista is currently a senior finance associate with Eli Lilly Asia Pacific SSC Sdn Bhd.
Krista was keen to stress why she had chosen to come to Nilai U, “Nilai U has a very good reputation among international students. I considered other institutions, but none fit the conducive environment I was looking for. I wanted a place I could enjoy the serenity of home and be guided by the pastoral care of the staff and lecturers,” she said.
She went on to emphasise that the university’s green campus did wonders for her health and was vital in aiding her recovery.
The well-equipped learning facilities and on-campus accommodation played a key role in helping her focus on her studies and dayto-day activities.
When asked about her future plans, Krista did not hesitate to say, “I want to keep on learning. With my degree in hospitality and management, I am now looking to enrich my knowledge in other fields as well.
“Currently, 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 B.A. (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 the opportunity to work with renowned hotels and organisations throughout their studies.
■ For more details, visit Nilai University located in Putra Nilai, visit its website at www.nilai.edu. my or contact its counsellors at 06-850 2308 / e-mail marketing@ nilai.edu.my