PETALING JAYA: For Sivanisvarry Morhan, 24, graduating with a Bachelor of Heritage Studies (Malay Literature) (Hons) from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) this month was a culmination of years of hard work, sweat and tears.
The youngest of three sisters, her father died of a cardiac arrest in 2011 when she was just 12 years old. Ten years later, her homemaker mother succumbed to Covid-19 while simultaneously suffering from papillary thyroid cancer.
Yet, the then 22-year-old wiped off her tears at having lost both parents and focused on attaining a brighter future despite the financial burden plaguing her and her siblings.
“My father died on the second day of my UPSR examinations. I was in school and my teachers were unsure of how to break the news to me.
“I didn’t know the reason then, but I was told to spend the night at a teacher’s home so as not to be upset and overcome by emotion.
“The next day, after sitting for my English examination, a Malay invigilator very compassionately gave me RM10. He then told me to meet my other teachers, who broke the news of my father’s death to me.
“As my parents and teachers wished, I scored 6As and 1B. Those moments remain vivid in my mind.”
When her mother was being treated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), she and her sisters took turns to accompany her for chemotherapy and radiation.
Despite the commitment involved, Sivanisvarry decided to pursue her STPM and care for her mother at the same time.
In 2019, she was accepted to UMK and pursued her degree, as it was her mother’s wish. The public library at NCI was where she spent her time studying for her semester examinations, at times crying alone while completing her assignments.
Due to Covid-19 and the movement control order, she was able to spend 15 months with her mother before she died in July 2021.
“My only wish was to have my mother present at my convocation, but that too vanished when she died. Losing one’s parents at a young age is just too much to bear.”
Sivanisvarry concentrated on her studies as her parents had always advocated the value of education and that good things would come to those who work hard for it.
One of the biggest obstacles she had to face was the financial burden. Her sisters played a crucial role in helping her financially as they had started working by then.
She also took a PTPTN loan to pay for her education while her father’s EPF savings provided some relief.
“I often remind myself of the sacrifices my parents made and the dreams they had for me. I was determined to honour their memory and make them proud.”
And that, she has certainly done.
Throughout it all, Sivanisvarry also had the support of an uncle who treated the siblings like his own children. Encouragement and guidance from him and her sisters helped her overcome her obstacles.
“Their belief pushed me to persevere, even when things seemed impossible.”
Today, Sivanisvarry works for theSun as a journalist. She also aspires to continue her studies and pursue a Master’s degree in Political Science.
She believes that knowledge is power, and furthering her education would equip her with the skills and expertise to make a difference in society.
And what advice would she give other students facing life challenges?
“To those struggling with financial or other problems, please don’t lose hope. Seek support from your loved ones, teachers and academic advisers.
“Most of all, remember the saying that ‘the darkest hour of the night is just before the break of dawn’.”
