KEMAMAN — For Nur Fathiah Hanani Suhaibi, 21, receiving the Rector’s Award at UC TATI’s 26th Convocation Ceremony was more than an academic milestone. It was a meaningful achievement for someone who had grown up under her mother’s care while striving to build a better future for herself.
The Kuala Terengganu native said she had never expected to receive the prestigious award, as her main goal had simply been to complete her Diploma in Early Childhood Education successfully.
“Honestly, I never imagined that I would receive the Rector’s Award. At that time, my main focus was to complete my studies and secure a better future for myself.
“I had considered continuing my studies elsewhere, but when I thought about my mother’s situation, I chose UC TATI so that I could stay close to her,” she said.
Her mother, Noryati Mohamed, 57, is currently undergoing dialysis treatment and uses a wheelchair. Nur Fathiah was raised entirely by her mother after her parents separated when she was just two years old.
Her family circumstances have remained an important consideration in her education journey, as she continues to balance her responsibilities towards her mother with her own ambitions.
After completing her diploma with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.96, Nur Fathiah continued her studies at degree level in the same field at a higher education institution in Kuala Terengganu.
Beyond academic performance, the youngest of four siblings was also actively involved in college programmes and activities, as well as volunteer work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kuala Terengganu. Her involvement outside the classroom added another dimension to her overall student experience.
Looking ahead, Nur Fathiah hopes to establish a career in early childhood education and eventually run her own childcare business.
She received the Rector’s Award from UC TATI Vice-Chancellor Dato’ Ir. Kamaluddin Abd Rashid, accompanied by Rector Prof. Ir. Dr. Hairul Azhar Abdul Rashid, during the institution’s 26th Convocation Ceremony held in Kemaman last Saturday.