By Wan Nurul Atiqah
GOMBAK, 18 March 2022: Representing IRK graduates, Syamilah Heng binti Kamal Koh delivered her valedictory speech expressing her heartiest gratitude to parents, families, teachers, seniors, friends as well as her juniors who have inspired and stood by her study journey until today.
Syamilah said this during the 11th session of 36th IIUM Convocation Ceremony on Thursday. She was also the recipient of Best Student award in co-curricular.
Being optimistic, Syamilah described how the pandemic has positively changed and taught her many things in various aspects of life including the struggle to maintain a healthy mind and emotions, coping with loneliness, stress, and dealing with difficult feelings during the lockdown.
Besides, she praised her fellow graduates for being able to successfully complete the journey despite having to accept all the circumstances from losing freedom to go outside to losing the loved ones, due to COVID-19.
Sharing the secret behind her successful journey, Syamilah described her close relationship with the lecturers.
œI have invited one lecturer over to my house for Eid, visited a lecturer and also held a welcoming feast for a lecturer who just came back from Umrah with the whole class.
Likewise, she emphasised the importance of being considerate and proactive towards helping and celebrating their lecturers like their own family members and friends.
Reminiscing of her four-year study journey, she said she was once one of the students who was in the state of confusion, frustration, and had no clue nor any source of motivation for her studies.
œInteraction between students and lecturers is the basis of seeking knowledge mainly because it builds trust and sincerity which makes it adding more barakah to the learning, she remarked.
In terms of socialising, Syamilah said, “I socialise most with people in the class, in the mosque, and sometimes helping other students with what I am capable of.”
Syamilah suggests developing a strong faith in Allah by believing that everything good that happens to you is due to His will, since with that faith, we will always remember Him in all circumstances.
Having said that she quoted the verses from Surah Ar-Rahman, œwhich of the favours of your Lord would you deny, which has made her feeling grateful for being frustrated and eventually reminds her to be thankful even in small things in life as well as to instil patience in herself in finding a way out. ***