By Nur Iman Eirfan
GOMBAK, 9 December 2022: Every graduate’s dream is to pass with flying colours and be crowned the Best Student as a symbol of acknowledgement for their efforts.
In interviews with IIUMToday, three graduates from the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED) shared their own different paths to bagging home the Best Student Award on their convocation day.
For Nur Nuha Binti Ismail, the recipient of the Best Student (Overall) award for KAED, losing one of her backbones who was a strong supporter, was the darkest day of her life during her undergraduate years.
She mentioned that she was struggling with her grandfather’s death, which led her to become hard on herself.
“However, the darkest days taught me on how essential it is for us to be our own best friend and that we need to pat our backs on tough days,” she said.
She also noted that her family’s strong support also helped her bounce back to survive the journey with success.
“Immense support was received through my parents dua and kind words from family and friends,” she added.
Echoed to that, Mohamad Zariff Bin Mohd Noor, the Best Student in Applied Arts and Design, also emphasised the importance of getting support from his friends, studio-mates, and lecturers.
“The support and love from my mother, who has been my sole parent since my fathers passing in 2004, has always motivated me to strive for academic success,” he said.
He also advised new students to follow the journey Allah has set for them but the ultimate decision to make it a good or bad ending is up to them.
Meanwhile, the KAED Best Student in Co-Curricular, Muhammad Radhi Bin Abdul Razak, stated that his main motivation during his studies was reading the Qur’an.
He highlighted surahs and verses 9:51 and 33:3 as they strengthened his devotion to Allah, as along his journey, the lesson of humility was within him and urged him to improve continuously within his capacity.
Muhammad Radhi also highlighted that the key to his success was consistency.
“There may be times that you are overwhelmed in balancing your studies and life, but remember to do it step by step, little by little and make sure it is consistent.”
“Be patient, as everything that is worthwhile takes time,” he remarked.***