Dayang Ku Nur Azni Binti Roslan

I come from a small town in Sandakan, Sabah and grew up in a family with constant financial challenges. In search of better opportunities, my family moved to Klang when I was 6 years old. In order to lessen the burden and support my family, I decided to venture to the outside world and took on part-time jobs at the tender age of 14. The experience was an enriching one as it was fulfilling where I can fill-up my school holidays but tiring as I had to arduously balance my work and studies so that one does not dominate the other.
 
Balancing these tasks weren’t easy as it was exhausting and overwhelming, especially when my work impacts my studies. Going through these tough times, my family has constantly reminded me that the key to a better future for my family and me is to have a quality higher education. However, during my SPM-year, I faced many battles including depression and mental exhaustion.
 
Even though I dreamt of pursuing higher education, the mere thought of affording a quality education sends chills through my body. Therefore, I knew that the only viable option that I could rely on is obtaining a scholarship, and I had to give my best in my SPM. Unfortunately, things don’t always turn out as expected, especially so when my long-awaited SPM results could not be labelled as ‘scholarship-worthy’ at first glance. I would have to do something different from others, so I quit my previous part-time job at a medical factory and applied for an internship at DHL. Thankfully, I was offered the position and was able to enhance my customer care skills. Then, things took an unexpected turn as the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen turmoil – my internship was called off earlier than expected.
 
Hardship struck again as like many others, my family’s income was cut short. I suddenly found myself to be the sole breadwinner to my siblings as our parents had to tend to important matters back in Sabah. Knowing the urgency and mouths to feed, I relentlessly looked around for any job I could find during the challenging MCO period. It was not easy but I managed to land a job at KFC. Despite the setbacks, I am determined to achieve my goal in pursuing higher education. So, while working and feeding my siblings, I would use my free time to apply for a long list of scholarships, with the hope that I may receive one by doing so.
 
My prayers were finally answered in the form of the Sunway-Teach for Malaysia Scholarship, which marks a new chapter in my life where #MySunwayStory began. Whenever I think of my life now, I can’t help but recall the time when I received a call from Sunway Scholarship Unit stating that I have been awarded the scholarship while at work. I was clearly jumping around with joy, with no regards to the eyes staring at me; that was definitely one of the most joyous moments in my life!
 
Stepping into Sunway College has definitely opened many doors to my future; somewhere beyond reach back in my high school days. I also love the environment here, where I can study without any worry and meet many caring friends. On reflection, I feel that I am where I am today because of the challenges I’ve overcome, the comfort zone borders I’ve crossed, and all the failures I’ve faced. I have been able to come to terms with myself, accepting my background and being self-aware of my potentials and the opportunities I’m presented with – I am Dayang, and this is #MySunwayStory.
 
Dayang Ku Nur Azni Binti Roslan
Sunway Foundation in Arts
Sunway – Teach for Malaysia Scholarship