By Nur Iman Eirfan & Jasmin Raihanah
Gombak, 10 December 2022: International graduates at the third session of the 38th Convocation Ceremony divulged their experiences throughout their degree life in an IIUMToday interview.
Ortiz Molleplaza Rocio Socorro from Peru, a graduate of Applied Arts and Design, Aminata Koutoub Sano from Guinea, a graduate of Architectural Studies, and Hasanin Abdelrahman Mohamad Abdulaziz from Egypt, a graduate of Architectural Studies relayed interesting stories as international students.
Ortiz shared that she admired the rich cultural exchange among people with different backgrounds.
When asked about her struggles during her degree, Ortiz focused on her studies where sleepless nights became a norm to her. “Remind yourself of the north of your objective,” Ortiz advised to current students.
Ortiz is now applying for Master’s programs in the same field.
Meanwhile, Aminata said she continues a family legacy in IIUM where her father, Professor Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, worked as a Professor previously.
Aminata praised her family’s support during her studies, saying “KAED is such a struggle. It’s hard and with everything going on you need a support system.”
“Do whatever you are hesitant to do,” Aminata said when asked about her advise to students.
Aminata planned to search for job openings in Malaysia, but is open to any opportunities abroad.
In the meantime, for Hasanin, his dreams came true when he joined the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED). However, it was not a smooth road for him as Hasanin faced financial problems and difficulties in finding accommodations, which led to him spending most of his time in class alone.
When reminded of his efforts over the years, he relayed his advice by stating, “Only by relying on your own efforts can you really be happy and proud of yourself,” said Hasanin.
He hoped to further his studies in a Master’s programme in Architecture in Malaysia, since his home country, Egypt, has a different set of requirements.
Hasanin ended the interview by quoting a Quranic verse from Surah Al-Baqarah verse 286 which translates to “Allah does not burden a person with something more than he can bear”.***