Metro

Monday September 24, 2012

Where there’s a will, there’s always a way to realise your dreams


THE thirst for knowledge was the determining factor which drove a police couple — Lokman Abdullah and Nor Azlinda Abd Aziz — to continue pursuing their studies.

Lokman and Nor Azlinda, both 36, are holding the rank of Assistant Superintendent Police.

The duo are presently serving at the Terengganu state police contingent headquarters. They enrolled in the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) distance learning study programme four years ago.

Both earned their first degrees in the Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), majoring in Anthropol-ogy and Sociology despite having to manage their career, family and studying.

“Life was hard as we needed to manage our work and study. My wife and my late father were supportive throughout my study. I would like to thank them for guiding me,” he said after receiving his scroll from USM pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan.

Double success: Lokman and Nor Azlinda admiring their degree at Dewan Tuanky Syed Putra, USM Double success: Lokman and Nor Azlinda admiring their degree at Dewan Tuanky Syed Putra, USM

He was among hundreds of graduates, who received their scrolls at the 46th USM convocation ceremony on Saturday.

Although it was tough, studying together with his wife was also fun, Lokman said.

“It was sort of romantic to study together as we both have similar interests. We wanted to gain more knowledge and improve ourselves. It is for a better future and we do not want to be left behind. This is a competitive world,” Lokman added.

Also graduating was an elderly student Che Mat Che Ismail, 56, who is a marketing manager.

Che Mat graduated in Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) majoring in Political Science.

The convocation also saw Gold Medal Award for Best Physically Challenged Student recipient Khu Li Huang, 29.

Khu became paraplegic following a road accident in 1999 but that did not stop her from realising her dream to be a lecturer one day.

USM has also become a place that will hold fond memories for a couple from Sarawak.

It was this institution that brought Jackson Vincent Tambang and his wife Irene Gray Dannicket, both Bidayuh from Kuching together in matrimonial bliss.

And both graduated with Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) with Jackson, 37, majoring in Anthropology and Sociology, and Irene in Political Science during the convocation.

The university also handed out degrees to performers in the local entertainment industry.

Drama actor Arja Lee and music composer Azmeer were among the USM fresh graduates.

Arja, who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) Acting and Directing said this was just the beginning for him in his quest for lifelong knowledge.

“As an actor, it is a bonus if you have knowledge. Who knows tomorrow I may not be an actor anymore but a lecturer,” he said.

For Azmeer who had composed songs for songstress like Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Misha Omar, his three years sacrifice in pursuing his formal higher education was all worthwhile.

“It was hard at first but I endured the hardship. I stayed in the hostel like any other student. Every weekend I’ll go back to Shah Alam to be with my family.

USM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Omar Osman hoped all graduates could be the role models for others when they enter the working world or resume their present careers.

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