Mum’s sacrifice behind Siti’s success
9 YEARS: Zaidah stays on campus so that daughter can complete master’s
FOR nine years, Zaidah Tamjis stayed on campus as her daughter, Siti Hawa Apandi, pursued her studies at Universiti Malaysia Pahang in Gambang here.
Wheelchair-bound Siti Hawa, 27, has spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder that weakens and damages muscle functions, and has depended on her mother since she started her diploma course in 2007.
Yesterday, she received her master’s in computer science at the university’s 11th convocation from Chancellor Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Siti Hawa’s younger sister Zakiah, 21, will also receive her diploma in the same subject tomorrow.
Holding back her emotions when asked about her mother’s sacrifice, Siti Hawa said she would not have achieved her scroll had it not been for her mother.
“I depended on her to push me on the wheelchair for classes, copy notes, prepare meals and even turn the pages of my reference books and examination papers.
“We were like coursemates doing revisions together and I will never forget all those years when she stayed awake late at night just to ensure I could complete my assignments,” she said.
“She has been my everything and never once did she complain about spending long hours with me.
“I will do anything to make her happy.
“I am lucky that my father and siblings were understanding when my mother could only go home during the weekends,” said Siti Hawa, who is planning to pursue a doctorate.
The third of five siblings, Siti Hawa said she was blessed to have supportive lecturers and coursemates who assisted her and lent moral support.
Zaidah, who lives in Taman Seri Mahkota Aman here, said she hoped that Siti Hawa’s achievement would motivate other parents of children with special needs to succeed academically.
“I never took interest in computers or spent time reading, but after moving in with Siti Hawa I was forced to learn to use the laptop, browse the Internet, memorise computer terms and use the calculator.
“In fact, it was an interesting experience and at times a little challenging,” she said, adding that nothing could beat the joy of watching Siti Hawa on stage yesterday.
Tengku Abdullah, in his speech, urged UMP to implement intervention measures to ensure the marketability of its graduates.
He said graduates should be mentally
with her mother
(right) after the convocation at yesterday. Pic by Farizul Hafiz Awang
and physically prepared to face the economy and working conditions amid the challenging job environment these days.
“The academic knowledge gained
Malacca Yang di-Pertua Negeri
Studio chief executive officer yesterday.
throughout their studies in the campus should be enhanced with additional skills along with other capabilities gained through their own initiatives.
and younger sister in Gambang, Kuantan,
“Efforts taken by the graduates themselves can help enhance their employability and chances of securing jobs,” Tengku Abdullah added.