Proud moment: Aisyah posing for a photo after the 15th IPGM convocation ceremony. — Low Lay Phon/The Star
KAJANG: Breast cancer survivor, Aisyah Humaira’ Mohd Aqbal, is a step closer to achieving her ambition of becoming a Bahasa Melayu (BM) teacher.
The 23-year-old Alor Setar native dedicated her achievement to her late mother, her pillar of strength who encouraged her to take up teaching.
Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching with a major in BM for primary education, Aisyah said her journey was filled with obstacles – but she never gave up.
She was diagnosed with Stage Four breast cancer last year.
“Right after the diagnosis, the doctor started me on chemotherapy. I went through nine sessions and it was a painful experience.
“We had to change the chemo drug three times because it wasn’t working. Eventually, I was put on hormone therapy and now take medication daily,” she said during the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) convocation ceremony in Bangi yesterday.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Aisyah was determined to finish her studies.
“I didn’t want to waste the five years I had put into this journey.
“Being sick was never an excuse. I was determined to complete this,” said the IPG Darulaman campus graduate.
Even though she often missed classes on chemotherapy treatment days, Aisyah kept up with lessons thanks to her lecturers and friends.
“I would WhatsApp my lecturers after chemo sessions and catch up on what I missed.
“My friends really helped me, especially with assignments. They shared materials and even their food with me,” she said.
The second of three siblings explained that her father was her other pillar that kept her strong.
“My father makes and delivers kuih to local shops in Alor Setar. He and my late mum built the business together, and now he continues it.
“(My mother) had knee problems and couldn’t walk, but in the end, it was a stroke and Covid-19 that took her. I just wish she could be here to witness this.
“My mum encouraged me to apply to IPGM after my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. She always loved teaching and recommended me to major in teaching BM.
“If she were here, I’d just want to say thank you. This degree is for her,” she said.
Asked what kept her motivated throughout her illness, she said it was all about purpose.
“Stay strong. If you feel down, look at the people around you.
“We all have someone we want to make proud – our parents, our siblings. Don’t give up,” she said.
The four-day 15th Education Ministry IPGM Convocation Ceremony, which started on June 30, involved 5,390 graduates who completed their studies and teacher training at 28 IPGM campuses and English Language Teaching Centres.
