The sterile silence of the ICU, the fear gripping her heart, the uncertainty of her future – this was the reality for Syafirah Binti Mohd Shahar, a Human Resource Management student at SEGi College Kuala Lumpur, during her second-to-last semester. Struck by a rare form of COVID that attacked her abdominal system, she found herself battling for her life, surrounded by the stark reality of mortality. “I honestly thought I might not survive,” she confesses, the memory still vivid in her mind. Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, her determination to complete her degree at SEGi remained unshaken.
This wasn’t Syafirah’s first encounter with a serious illness. “I’ve faced ICU admissions seven times,” she reveals, each one a harrowing experience that tested her strength. But this time felt different. The world was grappling with a pandemic, and the fear was palpable. Separated from her family, she clung to the hope of recovery, fueled by the thought of her children and her unfinished studies.
Emerging from the ICU, Syafirah carried with her not just the physical scars but a renewed perspective on life’s fragility. This experience, layered upon past struggles with health and discouragement, could have easily broken her spirit. But Syafirah was forged in the fires of adversity. “I didn’t want my children to feel the way I did—ignored, dismissed, or not good enough,” she shares, her voice filled with determination.
Her children, her biggest cheerleaders, became her anchor. Their pride in her accomplishments, their curiosity about her studies, their unwavering support – these were the forces that propelled her forward. “My third child even expressed a desire to follow in my footsteps,” she says, a testament to the powerful example she set.
Balancing motherhood, household responsibilities, and the demands of her SEGi coursework was already a feat of strength. But with the added burden of recovering from a life-threatening illness, Syafirah’s resilience was truly remarkable. Late nights dedicated to study, early mornings for family and household duties, afternoons stolen for reading while her children did their homework – her days were a symphony of dedication and perseverance.
“Time was my biggest challenge,” she admits, reflecting on the constant juggling act. Yet, she never wavered. Fueled by her faith, her family, and her unwavering belief in the power of education, she pressed on. “Education, to me, became more than a career stepping stone,” she explains. “It became a way to build a better life, overcome challenges, and inspire others.”
And inspire she did.
Syafirah not only graduated with First Class Honours in Human Resource Management from SEGi College Kuala Lumpur but also embraced new opportunities as a UOG Mentor, Business & Finance Writer, and Education Consultant & Counsellor. Her journey, marked by adversity and triumph, has become a beacon of hope for other adult learners.
“Never underestimate the power of perseverance,” she advises those facing similar challenges. “Life will always present obstacles, but each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.” Syafirah’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience, determination, and a strong support system, educational dreams can be realised, even amidst a global pandemic and personal health crises.