Mother-in-law’s Support Helps Admin Assistant Earn First-class Degree

SHAH ALAM, May 9 (Bernama) -- The support and sacrifice of her mother-in-law inspired a Bernama staff member to persevere in her studies and graduate with first-class honours from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

For Nurul Fatihah Normallis, 28, receiving her Bachelor of Office Systems Management (Hons) at UiTM’s 104th convocation ceremony today was more than a personal achievement.

It was also a tribute to her mother-in-law, Asmah Miswan, 61, who had supported her education long before she officially became part of the family.

Nurul Fatihah, an administrative assistant at Bernama’s Selangor bureau, said Asmah began helping to pay her tuition fees even before she married Asmah’s son.

“My mother-in-law has always placed great importance on education because she believes it can change a person’s life.

“What I can never forget is that she started helping me while I was still only her son’s friend. Because of that, I felt I had to give my very best and not take her support lightly,” she told Bernama after the fourth session of the convocation ceremony at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor UiTM here today.

Nurul Fatihah said Asmah continues to support her as she pursues a part-time master’s degree in the same field. She also hopes to further her studies to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

“Sometimes I feel deeply touched because not everyone is blessed with a mother-in-law who is willing to make such sacrifices for her daughter-in-law.

“She always asks whether I have enough for my studies and whether there is anything I need. Even those simple questions make me feel loved and appreciated,” she said, holding back tears.

Asmah, a retiree from a statutory body, said she was moved to help after seeing Nurul Fatihah’s determination to improve her life and support her family.

At the time, she said, Nurul Fatihah was juggling more than one job while still unmarried.

“She was still dating my son then, but I could see how hard she worked from morning until night. I was touched by her determination to build a better future for herself and her family,” she said.

Seeing that determination, Asmah decided to support Nurul Fatihah’s studies at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, believing that anyone with the drive to learn should be given the opportunity to pursue higher education.

“I regard her as my own daughter and never thought about anything else, including whether she would marry my son, because at that age, her priority should be education.

“Perhaps this is one of the rezeki (blessings) meant for her, and I am grateful to have played a small part in her journey and in the success that she celebrates today,” she said.

-- BERNAMA