Lim Xiao Jia
“Since young, our parents have constantly reminded us that education is the best gift they can provide us. Hence, they strive to work exceptionally hard to send us to the best schools with the most conducive environment, facilities, and resources.”
Hello! My name is Xiao Jia, and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance. I come from a family of 5 siblings from a small town. Since young, our parents have constantly reminded us that education is the best gift they can provide us. Hence, they strive to work exceptionally hard to send us to the best schools with the most conducive environment, facilities, and resources. So, even though they could be strict at times, they always ensured they never put too much pressure on us and that we all had the right to follow our passion and chase our dreams. Moreover, they told us that they would always be there as our number one supporters regardless of what our dreams may be.
Flashback to the end of my Form 3, when I had to decide which stream to pursue: Science or Art. Being a 15-year-old girl, I felt completely overwhelmed by the pressure of making such an important choice that would ultimately affect my future forever. I felt absolutely terrified and lost. But, at that instance, my parents consoled me and gave me some advice. "What is the subject you like the most?" and "What do you want to be in the future?". These two questions provided the impetus for me to think more deeply about myself and contemplate my future. However, it was not easy for me to answer them, and it took me multiple long days to come up with an answer. Ultimately, I knew that I wasn't interested in science at all. So I decided to enter the art stream to further my studies in, hopefully, accounting or music. This was one of the best choices I've ever made. Being exposed to accounting in upper secondary has only affirmed my passion for accounting.
Knowing that Sunway University provided one of the best holistic education in accounting, it eventually became my goal to enter the school. So, I started scouring the university's website and brochures and learning all I could about the programmes offered there. One day, by a strange twist of fate, my friend gave me a "Sunway College Special Scholarship 2020" brochure without knowing my interest in Sunway College & University. I immediately filled in the form and submitted my application without a second thought. After a few weeks, the results came out. I was blessed to be offered a considerable scholarship quantum by the scholarship unit. But, they also offered me an opportunity to upgrade my scholarship, so with nothing to lose, I decided to give it a shot.
There was a long list of interviewees during the interview. So naturally, I felt intimidated and even started doubting my own ability. But fortunately, I managed to calm my nerves, persevere, and ace the interview. And the rest is history; I embarked on my wonderful journey at Sunway College and started #MySunwayStory. In retrospect, I will eternally be grateful that the Sunway College Special Scholarship has bestowed me with such an amazing opportunity. I met so many awesome individuals and obtained such an outstanding tertiary experience that ultimately paved a clear route for my dreams. So here is what I would have told my struggling younger self or anyone else who was in a similar position — don't worry about feeling lost along your path; it's part of the journey of finding the path you are meant to be on.
Lim Xiao Jia
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
Sunway College Special Scholarship
