Graduate overcomes obstacles to fulfil late mother’s wish
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( Unimas) graduate Nina Bayang was unable to hold back her tears after receiving her degree yesterday as she remembered her late mother and cousin, who died in a car crash over a year ago.
The 27-year- old, who graduated with a Bachelor of Cognitive Sciences ( Honours), was behind the wheel that fateful day on Jan 26 last year, when they collided with an oncoming car at Bajau junction, near Saratok while heading back to their longhouse in Spaoh, Betong.
The crash killed Nina’s mother and cousin, and left her with fractures in her arm and leg, cracked ribs and a blood clot in her head.
Her injuries forced her to postpone her studies at Unimas for two semesters to recuperate, and also left her wheelchair-bound for several months.
“To be honest, I almost gave up my studies not just because I lost two persons whom I loved very much, but also due to the seriousness of my injuries.
“All I could do was to seek solace by praying to God and, with the support and encouragement from my father, I decided not to give up my studies as it was my late mum’s aspiration that I graduate,” she said in between tears, when met by The Borneo Post.
On her injuries, Nina said she had to be fitted with titanium plates for her fractured leg and arm, causing difficulties to move or even sit down.
“When I resumed my studies, I had to see where my classes were located. If it was on the upper floor, I would inform the university to suggest that the class be changed to the lower ground.”
Though currently recovering well, Nina still requires crutches to move around and is also limited in her movements.
Despite her limitations, she drove herself from her family’s home in Petra Jaya to Unimas to attend lectures as she lives alone.
“My father currently stays in the longhouse as he has to care for my grandmother, while my brother works in Johor. Even though I live alone, it’s no reason not to continue with my studies.
“I will continue to be strong for my late mum, and my graduation today ( yesterday) is for her,” she said, before tearing up once more.
Nina received her scroll yesterday from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during Unimas’ 22nd convocation ceremony.