Importance of parental motivation
A PARENT’S love knows no bounds for Lee Leng May, whose father dedicated his life to teaching English to his children through the telephone when he was away from his family. That spurred his children to success, both in their studies and their career.
Lee is a graduate from Nilai University (Nilai U) in Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biotechnology.
“Dad works as a caretaker for the elderly, but his determination to see his children succeed in life was so great, he went to great lengths to make it happen,” said Lee.
“We are not well-off but I am always grateful that my parents stressed the importance of education.”
Her father and mother, who worked as an accountant, raised Lee and her elder sister and provided them with a good education.
Due to financial constraints, Lee’s parents saved to make ends meet, but they never restricted them where books and education were concerned.
“Mum and dad always encouraged us to read from young and it is through this upbringing that I’ve developed an interest for reading.”
Lee’s favourites subjects include psychology, business and finance property investment.
Reading has helped Lee understand herself better and manage her emotions. She is a more cheerful person today.
Lee chose to study at Nilai U because her sister was also a student of the university and graduated from nursing sponsored under the Columbia Asia scholarship.
Speaking of her experience while studying at Nilai U, Lee said, “It was not an easy journey but it sure was one of the best chapters in my life that I am proud to tell my next generation about.”
Lee is a staunch believer of doing what one fears most as they “make you grow”.
She admitted to not being “a sociable person” and that she used to be afraid of speaking out and drawing attention to herself.
Over the months, between balancing her studies and her extra-curricular activities, Lee overcame her fears and built confidence to participate in university events such as the Chinese Cultural Society, Science Society, the Fun Run, the Denmark Student Exchange Programme and more.
“It was a tough balancing act, having to juggle studies with interests but this is part of the character-building I learnt while studying in Nilai U,” she said.
She added that performing in front of crowds of students helped her come out of her shell.
Since graduating from Nilai U last August, Lee secured a job as an insurance claims associate with AIA Shared Services in Cyberjaya.
She also plans to expand her knowledge through trainings and obtaining professional certifications in the LOMA examination to add to her growing portfolio.
Lee also aims to equip herself with financial knowledge in shares and property investment, which suits her personality.
“It is important to equip ourselves with financial knowledge regardless of our area of studies,” she said.
Reflecting on the choices she made in charting her career path, Lee said: “It is important to pick the right university that fits your personality in terms of social exposure, education standards and sports coverage.
“Nilai U gave me the chance to build my life and improve myself. It has the right amount of events going on every semester, so it is possible to juggle our time between studies and an active social life,” she added.
This allows students time and opportunity to participate in external seminars and programmes, take up professional certifications and become organising committees or helpers for events organised by third parties.
■ For details, visit Nilai U in Putra Nilai, visit http://www.nilai.edu.my/ Contact its counsellors at 06-850 2308 or e-mail marketing@nilai. edu.my