OUR PRIDE: Rebecca gets a hug from Rinya (right) and Dawi after her graduation ceremony.
KUCHING: Despite being partially blind, Rebecca Dawi, a student of Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, went against all odds and overcame obstacles to pursue her dream of having a university degree in arts management.
And yesterday, she was the toast of her family, friends and university mates after receiving her scroll at the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) convocation ceremony.
The 24-year-old Iban lady from Kampung Rembus, Kota Samarahan who was accompanied by her father Dawi Maban, 70 and mother Rinya Dorong, 57 revealed that her condition was genetically inherited.
“I was able to read at first but my vision deteriorated when I was in Form Three. Now I have to
rely totally on learning
equipment specially tailored for those with eyesight problem,” said Rebecca.
On her learning method, she said most of the time she had to rely on audio lecture recording or individual tutorial by her tutor.
“While I had to go an extra mile due to my condition, I see it as a challenge and I am glad that I had proven otherwise,” she said.
When asked on her ambition, Rebecca said it had always been her dream to become a teacher, and hoped that she would be given a chance to achieve it.
Rebecca also revealed that her course mates and roommates in Unimas helped her a lot during her studies, adding that her success was not solely because of hard work.
“It was them who accompanied me everyday from our hostel room to class. Even if it is a 15-minute walk, I will not forget their good deeds,” she said.
“Never put yourself down. There is nothing impossible in this life as long as you have the courage, will and of course the support from your loved ones,” Rebecca added.
Meanwhile, Rinya who was met after the convocation ceremony said she was happy that her daughter had at last completed her studies.
“I am happy for what Rebecca had achieved. However what worries me now is will she be able to secure a job with her condition,” said Rinya.
She later on revealed that Rebecca, who is the younger of two siblings, has a 25-year-old brother who also suffers from the same medical condition.
“I do hope that people will not discriminate just because of someone’s condition. It is my hope to see her secure a stable job for her future,” she said.
Yesterday, a total 1,071 graduates received their scrolls during the second and third sessions of the 15th Unimas convocation at the new Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR Putra) in the west campus. The first session was held last Saturday.
Unimas board of directors chairman Datu Dr Hatta Solhi, in his speech, called on the graduates not to stay idle and wait for employment opportunities to come to them.
“My advice is that the graduates go beyond waiting for job offers, but to explore other opportunities such as starting own business or doing things that can bring benefits while looking for the best job offer,” he said.
Also present yesterday was Unimas vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid.