Dr Siti shares a heartfelt moment with her proud parents after receiving her PhD in Community Development at the UPM 49th convocation ceremony. – Photo via Facebook / Universiti Putra
BINTULU (Nov 3): The path to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is never easy, and for Dr Siti Nur Rohani Hasbie, it was a journey defined by challenges, unwavering perseverance, and profound self-discovery.
Hailing from Kampung Masjid, a humble fishing village, Dr Siti was among the graduates honoured at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) 49th convocation ceremony, where she received her PhD in Community Development.
Reflecting on her academic pursuit, she admitted there were overwhelming moments.
“There were times when I felt emotionally drained, lost, and nearly gave up, especially when my research results did not meet expectations,” she shared on UPM’s Facebook page.
In those moments of doubt, she reconnected with her core purpose which was to contribute knowledge that could make a tangible difference in her community.
“True strength does not come from victory, but from the courage to keep moving forward despite exhaustion and pressure,” she said.
This inner resilience, she explained, was forged through years of persistence and faith.
She learned to view every setback as a lesson and every failure as a stepping stone.
The arduous process ultimately shaped her into a more resilient and grounded individual, teaching her to value the journey as much as the destination.
As the eldest of four siblings, Dr Siti draws immense pride from her roots.
Her upbringing in Kampung Masjid instilled the values of hard work and gratitude that guided her throughout her academic journey.
“This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to my family, my mentors, and my community in Vaie who have always believed in me,” she expressed.
Dr Siti’s story stands as an inspiration – proof that determination, faith, and a clear sense of purpose can transform obstacles into triumphs.