Physically challenged graduate aims to be varsity lecturer
KOTA KINABALU: Jaimis Ambasing, 46, hopes that his Bachelor of Islamic Studies degree will pave the way for a better future for him and his family.
Despite being physically challenged, Jaimis never felt like he was different from anyone.
However, before he obtained his degree, he feared losing his job as a Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) Kota Belud assistant preacher.
“I hope the government will keep me on after completing my Bachelor of Islamic Studies.
“If not, at least I am prepared to go out there and have more opportunities to secure a job in the future,” he said to the press at the 21st Open University Malaysia (OUM) Sabah Convocation ceremony.
Jaimis said he never passed his Lower Certificate of Education (SRP) but sat for his Lower Secondary Evaluation (PMR) in 1998 and took his Malaysian Certificate of Education in 2008 at the age of 37.
Today, he is only waiting for his Masters in Islamic Studies panel examination and hopes to receive his scroll soon at another Open University Malaysia (OUM) convocation.
“I want to be a professional. I hope to be a lecturer at a university.
“I hope I can pass on the right religious knowledge there,” said the father of two sons.
Jaimis’ spouse is a housewife and his eldest son, who is nine years old, is autistic.
He hoped that pursuing his studies would also motivate his son to pursue his dreams despite his disability.
Meanwhile, Bachelor of Communications degree graduate Aisah Mohd Pennie’s focus was mainly aimed at climbing the career ladder when she started her studies in OUM six years ago.
Midway through her studies, the Putatan lass was suddenly thrown into single motherhood with a fourth newborn baby.
“I cried and cried nonstop for a long time. But afterwards I got up and started exercising to make myself happy. I exercised every day to forget my worries and then I lost weight. I was 67kg and now I weigh 55kg,” shared the 43-yearold.
“When I felt better, I thought this is no longer just about me climbing the ladder to a better future. It was about finishing my studies so I can provide a better future for my children,” added the divorcee.
Aisah said transitioning into the sole breadwinner in her household and managing her tight schedule as a Sabah State National Treasury Department administrative officer and mother of four wasn’t easy.
Money suddenly became very tight but thankfully, she knew how to bake cakes and make traditional kuih muih (snacks) and started to sell them for extra money.
Aisah grew closer to her father, family, friends and neighbours who kept a watchful eye on her children at home when she had to work.
“I am especially thankful to my father, as well as family and friends as they were the ones who made it possible for me to successfully finish my studies,” she said.
“When I took the scroll today, I felt a sense of relief, I am totally overjoyed,” she shared at the convocation ceremony.
However, Aisah is not done yet with her pursuit of higher education.
“I hope better opportunities will come my way soon. Of course, everybody wants a promotion. I would like to take up either a Masters in Communication, Psychology or Corporate Management,” she said.