Melanie Fernandez

I’ve never been a natural, which is perhaps why I genuinely value the process of trying. My endeavours have been a series of feelings intimidated by the trials that stand before me yet ploughing through in complete disregard. I understand how that may seem ironic, however so much lies beneath these surges of strength on my part. One would expect me to attribute some sense of determination or capability of mine as the reason behind my achievements. Yet, I solely credit one thing, which is encouragement. Growing up, my father would tell me about this book called ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’. At the time, it seemed relatively dense for a young mind; however, a key takeaway from the author, Steven Covey, is a memorable quote on encouragement, which is, “Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.” I learned this not through theory, but instead by the manner, my parents raised my sisters and me.
 
Ranging across my partake in extra-curricular involvement, from golf, public speaking, writing, leadership roles, and numerous others, I would be lying if I said I owed it to self-effort. That all too familiar feeling of inadequacy upon potential opportunity is one that is always ensured by such confidence from my family. I vividly remember these moments, most significantly concerning times when the cards have been stacked against me. I often ponder how almost all aspects of life are fluctuant, yet my family’s support is always constant. This sense of security allows me to venture beyond the confines of self-doubt. In the context of college and university, this encouragement translated into the courage to join a community of speakers known as Toastmasters, through which I have met inspiring individuals whom I am now fortunate enough to refer to as my friends. This opportunity subsequently triggered a domino effect whereby I have been enabled to take up a role on the Toastmasters Division Council, be a speaker at The Malaysian Youth Finance Seminar, conduct interviews and write articles as a journalist for Financial Literacy for Youths and even become a Peer-Assisted Learning Program mentor at university, all just in the past year.
 
I have faced a fair share of struggles throughout my efforts, yet it never mattered to me the opinions of others, as my family has always been in my corner. This was again illustrated prominently when I applied for a merit-based scholarship from Sunway University. At the time, I had already received the highest quantum of the Jeffrey Cheah ACE scholarship, having performed well in pre-university. Despite this, I still had my sights set on the most prestigious scholarship offered, one which I had been working towards with such intention. Innately, I didn’t think I had it in me, which is a reasonable doubt considering the magnitude the scholarship entailed. I recall applying and confiding in my family regarding my doubts. The most meaningful aspect of the process was how they not only believed in my abilities but also never made me feel any form of pressure to secure a scholarship. This is especially something I am appreciative of, as being the youngest, watching my two older sisters earn prestigious scholarships has been a source of both gratitude and intimidation to me. Lo and behold, I was awarded The Chancellor's Scholarship of Sunway University and Lancaster University, which entails a full tuition fee deduction and a study visit to Lancaster University in England. Perhaps the most significant element of receiving this scholarship was that Sunway University, the institution I had dreamt of attending, believed in me the way my parents had always assured me would happen. To have been fortunate enough to receive this truly life-changing opportunity is a testament to the enriching impact the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation creates for students and their families, as it has done for years, nurturing many other #MySunwayStory writers. I am in constant gratitude to the Foundation and how it has presented me, and so many others with the opportunity to add value to our communities through education.
 
Melanie Fernandez
BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
The Chancellor's Scholarship of Sunway University and Lancaster University