GEORGE TOWN: Visual impairment is no major obstacle for A. Mahavithia who is determined to further her studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here.
The Perak-born 22-year-old said she has faced many challenges in life. She had lost her father when she was only a baby, and her mother, Sita Letchumi, five years later, to breast cancer.
At the age of 11, her whole world became dark when she suffered a bout of high fever, which resulted in her losing sight on both her eyes.
All these distressing moments only made her stronger as she stayed determined on focused on her studies.
Today, her dedication has paid off.
She was over the moon to know that she has been accepted to pursue a degree in literature at one of the most renowned university in the country.
Mahavithia said her application had been rejected by five other universities as they were able to cater to special students like herself.
"Maybe there is a reason why I was rejected at those universities. I was destined to be enrolled at the famous USM here.
"I have vowed to myself that I will graduate with flying colours.
"Being able to study at USM really makes me happy, but I am a bit upset at the same time as my parents are not here to share my happiness. Nevertheless, I will pursue my goal to become an educator," she said when met at USM's main campus here today.
Mahavithia's cousin, whom she has been staying with ever since she lost her parents, had accompanied her to the university.
Another student, Muhammad Aslam Abdul Aziz, 21, also suffered a setback during his secondary school days.
Four years ago, Aslam met with a freak accident which left him with a broken right leg.
A few months later, when wound did not heal well, the area became infected, leaving Aslam with a limp. Till today, he needs the assistance of a walking stick.
"It will be a new challenge for me. It has always been a dream to study at an established university like USM.
"I might feel jealous seeing my friends actively engaging in sports, but I can still play chess or other activities to keep myself occupied while I am here," he said.
Mahavithia and Aslam were among 10 special needs students enrolled at USM.
A total of 3,931 students have registered for their undergraduate studies in USM. From the total, 335 are foreign students from Indonesia, Thailand, the Middle East and Scandinavia.