Stronger Than the Challenges

At the Convocation, a total of 9 OUM staff will be receiving their scrolls. One of them is Dr Mahani Abdul Malik, the Programme Director for Master of Early Childhood Education. She will be receiving her Doctor of Education (EdD).

Various hurdles came her way but she made it. Dr Mahani shares her story:

Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate the kind of hardship I went through during my EdD studies. I’m glad I had pulled in a good friend so that we could motivate each other.

The coursework was smooth-sailing but my work responsibilities increased after I submitted my concept paper, causing me to neglect my research writing. My challenges ballooned when two people fell sick – first my supervisor, and then my daughter. Taking care of my daughter as she went in and out of ICU taxed my strength. I was tempted to quit but my family and colleagues spurred me on.

Nevertheless, I dragged with the dissertation. That was until I had two wake-up calls – my friend submitted her dissertation and the Vice President (Academic) kicked my chair for my tardiness. So, I sped up and finished my dissertation. The second part of my journey would have taken a longer time if not for my dedicated co-supervisor who stepped up as my supervisor to help me complete my dissertation.

As a supervisor myself, I encouraged my master’s students to graduate together with me. I’m proud to say five of them will be joining me on convocation day. My daughter and son-in-law too have submitted their master’s research, which makes me happy even though they could not graduate with me.

Congratulations, Dr Mahani!