KUALA LUMPUR: Deeply affected by the tragic passing of her father in a road accident three years ago, Intan Izzlyanie Abd Hamid overcame her grief to graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with a First-Class Honours degree.
The 24-year-old graduate received her Bachelor of Education in Guidance and Counselling at UPM's second convocation session held yesterday.
Sharing her story, Intan Izzlyanie said her father, Abd Hamid Osman, had always encouraged her to excel in her studies, which led to her achieving the Dean's List Award during her first two semesters at UPM.
However, the car accident that claimed her father's life in 2021 profoundly impacted her life
"At that time, I was in severe depression to the point that I lost the will to study. My number one supporter was gone, so I questioned why I should continue studying," she said.
"I was in low spirits back then. I didn't want to socialise, talk, or even leave my room," she shared in a statement released by UPM after the convocation ceremony.
Intan Izzlyanie said she regained her motivation when her mother reminded her of her father's hard work and sacrifices throughout his life.
"I didn't want to waste Abah's efforts, so I had to change my mindset to a more positive one so I could graduate with first-class honours.
"My achievement today is the greatest tribute I can offer to honour my father's memory," said the third of four siblings. – BERNAMA