Hard work pays off for USIM student
MASTER’S DEGREE: Johor teacher sole non-Muslim grad at convocation
SHE left her family in Johor to further her studies at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and, yesterday, K. Vickgneswari’s sacrifice paid off when she received her master’s degree .
The 37-year-old teacher also stole the limelight as she was the only non-Muslim graduate at USIM’S 14th convocation at the Tuanku Canselor Hall in Bandar Baru Nilai here.
Vickgneswari, who obtained a master’s degree in counselling (substance abuse) from the Faculty of Leadership and Management, received her scroll from USIM Chancellor Tunku Ampuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud.
“I would not be here without the support of my husband, children and parents. is the only non-Muslim graduate at
in Nilai yesterday.
“It was not easy to leave them to further my studies full-time here, but I am glad that I took up the challenge,” said the counselling teacher at SMK Sri Tangkak in Johor.
Vickgneswari, who studied at the university for 18 months, said she chose USIM as she wanted to learn in a different environment.
“In USIM, the different surrounding has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said, adding that her Muslim classmates had been helpful.
The Perak-born teacher said she would use her knowledge and experience at USIM to promote awareness of drug abuse and reduce the number of drug addicts.
During the three-day convocation, 2,523 graduates will receive their bachelor, master’s and doctorate degrees.
Present were USIM pro-chancellor Tengku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin Ibni Tuanku Muhriz and USIM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Musa Ahmad.