Afrin Shama Jannatul stepped into the humid Malaysian air, a stark contrast to her Saudi Arabian home. The scent of unfamiliar spices, the sounds of bustling streets, and the cacophony of motorcycles were a world away from the comforting aroma of her mother’s kitchen. She had come to Malaysia seeking adventure and a coveted psychology degree from SEGi College Subang Jaya, but the reality of being alone in a foreign land, thousands of miles from her family, weighed heavily on her.
Navigating a New World
Though greeted by friendly faces at the airport, the challenge of navigating a new culture was daunting. Everything felt different – the food, the language, the customs. Simple errands like grocery shopping or using public transportation became overwhelming hurdles.
And just as she began to find her feet, the world was plunged into a COVID-19 lockdown. The isolating silence of empty streets only intensified Afrin’s longing for home. “It felt like another door closing, another escape route blocked,” she confessed, her voice tinged with wistful sadness. Basketball, her refuge, became another casualty of the pandemic.
Finding Comfort in Community
Yet, despite the challenges, Malaysia welcomed Afrin with open arms. The warmth and friendliness of the people eased her anxieties and made her feel surprisingly welcome. Beyond the people, the country itself was a feast for the senses. Lush greenery contrasted with modern architecture, and the air thrummed with the energy of a thousand different cultures.
SEGi College Subang proved to be another source of comfort. Ms. Mani and Ms. Christina, with their warm smiles and patient guidance, welcomed her and calmed her nerves. This vibrant, welcoming country, with its kind people and promising opportunities, was where she was meant to be.
A Friendship Forged in Kindness
And it was at SEGi that she would meet Sarah Al Bayati, who would become her closest friend. Their first encounter was virtual, during a student council meeting. “I was completely captivated by her beauty,” Afrin admits. Later, at the college’s Christmas party, Afrin, the emcee, was rushing around when she spotted Sarah.
“Could you help me with my eyeliner?” she had blurted out, and Sarah, with her characteristic kindness, had readily agreed. That small gesture felt like the start of something special. As fate would have it, they began seeing each other more often in classes, and their friendship deepened.
Not Just A Friend, But Family
What Afrin cherished most about her friendship with Sarah was the feeling of home it brought. With Sarah, there were no pretenses. Their connection was rare, a precious gem, and Afrin adored her with fierce loyalty. Sarah’s influence extended beyond their personal bond, helping Afrin navigate the challenges of life in Malaysia with newfound confidence. With Sarah’s encouragement, she shed her shyness and embraced a bolder version of herself. Afrin couldn’t imagine navigating the ups and downs of her Malaysian adventure without Sarah by her side.
“Afrin brightens even the most ordinary days,” Sarah shares, her voice warm with affection. “I cherish every moment we’ve spent together… She’s more than just a friend; she’s family.”
Their bond was a source of unwavering support during their college years. They celebrated each other’s triumphs, offered comfort during setbacks, and navigated the challenges of their studies side-by-side. “My college life wouldn’t have been nearly as beautiful without her,” Sarah confesses.
SEGi College became Afrin’s launchpad for personal and academic growth. Emboldened by her friendship with Sarah and the supportive environment of the college, she dared to push her own boundaries. “Looking back,” Afrin reflects, “I hardly recognise the shy girl who first arrived in Malaysia. SEGi gave me the space to grow, to find my voice.”
Academic Excellence and Beyond
Academically, Afrin thrived. She actively participated in every college event, volunteering to assist her lecturers, tutoring classmates, and leading discussions with a passion that inspired those around her. She even served as president of the psychology club for two years. This proactive approach, coupled with the unwavering support of her lecturers, propelled her to the top of her class as well as getting conditional offers from universities abroad.
“If you’re an international student considering SEGi College Subang,” Afrin advises, “my advice is to embrace the full experience.” She pauses, her eyes sparkling with the memories of her own journey. “Prioritize your academics, of course, but don’t forget to have fun and build connections along the way. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of campus life,” she admits with a knowing smile, “but remember why you’re here.”
She leans forward, her tone earnest. “Set aside dedicated time for your studies, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your lecturers or classmates for help. They genuinely care about your success.” Afrin speaks from experience, her own academic journey enriched by the support she received.
A Home Away From Home
The humid Malaysian air, once a symbol of unfamiliarity, now carried the comforting scent of belonging. As Afrin walked hand-in-hand with Sarah, surrounded by the laughter of their friends, the memory of that lonely arrival seemed like a distant dream.
She had found her home away from home, not just within the walls of SEGi College Subang Jaya, but in the hearts of the people who had welcomed her with open arms.
