Of passion, inspiration and role model for younger generation of women

By Iylia Marsya Iskandar

Super humans. We read about them in books and comics, we watch and observe them through the lens of a virtual screen, we admire them, we idolise them and we make them our role models but ironically enough, each and every one of us lives with a superhuman – our mothers.

From preparing breakfast after getting no more than a wink of sleep to sweeping the whole house clean and up and running to their jobs in the day, doting mother at night. Our mothers are definitely the unsung super humans of our lives.

Over the years, I have come to learn that there are several other women that promenades along their lives extraordinarily that inspired young women, like me, and making their way into our heart as our role models.

The most important thing that I learned is the fact that one does not need a ladder or stairs to achieve greater heights, sometimes all it takes is the sheer willpower to stand on your own two feet and reach up. In other words, our background and privilege do not matter as long as we have the passion and determination to realise our dreams and ambitions.

A journey of passion, perseverance and accomplishment of exceptional women in their different fields and professions is vividly shared in the book recently published titled “Ordinary Women Extraordinary Lives” (or in short OWEL). It contains a collection of thematic essays written by women bonded in friendship spanning more than five decades since their days in all-girls premier boarding school Tunku Kurshiah College (TKC) between 1969 to 1971.

Notably, 11 other essays reflect memories of bonded sisterhood that they shared together during their teen days at TKC. Eight essays were written in memories of remarkable schoolmates who have departed over the years.

I believe that these successful women rightfully deserve the role model titles just second to our mothers for young women like us. The stories teach us about perseverance, patience and resilience in our pursuit to achieve our dreams and ambitions as there is no such thing as “impossible” in life.

The book is therefore highly recommended to young generation of women who would definitely find it inspirational.

Readers who are interested to purchase a copy of the book may refer to the details as enclosed in the promotional materials published here. Proceeds from the sales will go towards charity. ***

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