Kota Kinabalu: The 18th Universiti Malaysia Sabah Convocation created history when the first group of students under the New Entry Mode Implementation Mechanism for households in the bottom 40 per cent were jointly honoured in the ceremony. A total of 67 underprivileged students graduated to the gratitude and joy of their family members who witnessed their children receiving their diplomas on stage. Three years ago, these students' hopes for further education were dashed after their applications were rejected.
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However, UMS gave them hope by offering them places in the university as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).For Anastasia Lusius, no word could describe her gratitude to UMS for the opportunity.
Recalling the day when UMS delegates came to hand over the offer letter personally to her, she said she was so happy that she was utterly speechless."At the time, I decided that I would grab the opportunity to study hard so that I can help my family," she said.
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Counting her blessing, the Kota Belud student said she was thankful after she was offered a place in the Entrepreneurship Programme under the Business, Economy and Accounting Faculty, which she sees as a stepping stone for her to accumulate knowledge to one day help her farmer parents."Through my studies, I was exposed to several very relevant information and developed many ideas which I could use to plan how I can slowly but surely change our family's lives for the better. I will apply all that I have learned to increase my family's standard of living," she said.
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Kota Marudu-born Riohelvia Jenson, who was enrolled in the Social Work Programme under the Psychology and Education Faculty, was inspired to work in the welfare field so that, apart from helping her family, she could help other people in need."I feel called to help those who share our plight and with this degree, I want to help lighten their burden," she said who also underwent a three-month practical with the Welfare Department.Riohelvia also thanked UMS for taking care of the students' welfare in the three years they were in the university."In here, everything was provided; transportation, accommodation and other facilities. Thank you for giving us the opportunity," she said.Saibie Saiba, one of the B40 graduates also shared his story after he was compelled to forget about further studies due to economic hardship suffered by his family.In fact, he said, when he was offered a place in UMS, the History Programme graduate almost rejected the offer because of financial factors.He however accepted the challenge although his mother was at first reluctant because of their economic problem especially because Saibie had lost his father when he was 16.In the university, Saibie was heavily involved in various voluntary activities and other activities organised by the university."UMS had given me new experience and new meaning to life. I learned a lot especially in terms of human relation and leadership which made me more mature in overcoming any obstacle in the future," he said.
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"If my father were still alive, I am sure he would be very pleased with this achievement because he had always told us to study as high as possible if we had the chance," he said.Other than Kota Belud and Kota Marudu, the first B40 batch graduates came from Tamparuli, Papar, Tawau, Ranau, Tenom, Kudat, Beaufort, Kinabatangan, Kuala Penyu, Keningau, Semporna, Sipitang and Kunak.
