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Guest speaker Prof Dato’ Sri Syed Arabi Syed Abdullah, Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), congratulated the parents and guardians for the sacrifices they had made so their loved ones could walk down the aisles of honour.
“When they (the graduates) set up their own families and have loved ones in universities, they will appreciate the sacrifices you have made,” Prof Dato’ Sri Syed Arabi told them.
For graduand Devangi Perera, her sister and fellow Monashian, Hasuli, was her role model.
Devangi had decided to study at Monash University Sunway campus because of its reputation as one of the best global universities and “of course, because I wanted the same great experience and exposure that my sister had at Monash.”
The graduate of Bachelor of Business and Commerce, said: “I've definitely benefited greatly from having an intelligent sister like Hasuli who, fortunately for me, also took the Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree.
“She has also set high standards for me to achieve. Hasuli has been a pillar of strength for me throughout these three years at Monash, and at the same time, she has always encouraged me to be independent,” Devangi said of her sibling, also a bright scholar at the Sunway campus.
The Sri Lankan Devangi won the Monash University Entrance Scholarship for the whole duration of her undergraduate degree, and not being one to slack off, she is already enrolled and received a full scholarship into the Honours program at the Sunway campus.
Devangi stressed that university life was not all work and no play.
“I’ve had the chance to work with people from very different cultures and made great friends. The certificate that I hold in my hand today would not have been attainable without the guidance and support of the academic staff at Monash. Overall, I would say that my experience here in Monash has been both enlightening and exhilarating!” she said.
Another graduate who has made the most of her university life is Monash Student Ambassador and Bachelor of Communication graduate, Nursarah Rostam.
During her years at the Sunway campus, Nursarah organised numerous volunteer activities, such as the Autistic Children's Day and is an active spokesperson in the Monash Student Ambassador program.
She regards her graduation ceremony with bittersweet feelings.
The cheerful Malaysian lass said: “On one hand it feels like I've successfully passed one of life's rite of passages, and I feel really lucky because I spent the past three years of my life with the best of the best, studying what I actually care about!
“On the other hand, I feel rather sad it's over. The semesters and the years passed so quickly, I barely had enough time to properly appreciate the university, in general.
But, I'd like to think I've soaked up enough knowledge and experience, especially through the friends I've made and the events I was a part of, including the Monash Student Ambassador program!” Nursarah said.
She added, “I feel a bit jealous of my friends who are still studying, because I was in their position and now, I miss studying! Who knows, maybe I am equipped to further my studies?”
For the moment, Nursarah is helping her mother out with tuition classes, teaching English and History. “It's been really fun, a nice break from the craziness of event planning!” she said.
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