What do you do when an international student comes to you with a financial problem?
What do you do when the student had expected to obtain a scholarship, and had failed to do so?
What do you do... when during 'normal' days, the student is so radiant, so energetic, and so full of hope and smiles?
And what do you do... when the student breaks down, weeps... and cries for help...
For what can I do... to provide each and everyone of the needy international students with a scholarship...
The student leaves the room, dry-eyed by now...
and silently, in the privacy of my own company, my heart cries...
Oh god, this is just beyond my reach... for my eyes can only sob for them...
Gardening, photography, food, fishing, traveling, scuba diving, life in Japan, plus of course, news and views of being away from home...
Oh...really sad reading this. I could imagine myself in their shoes. Maybe...I too, do not know what to do other than seeking help from an authority like you sir.
ReplyDeleteI've had some experience when I was still an undergraduate. Both of us were students back then (we got married in our first year in the University, at the age of 20).
We were only hoping for our loans. Lucky us to have a loan each but not so lucky...in a sense we still need to pay back at the end. Any delay in receiving it cause us to fast through the day or even a decent meal means only once a day. Still struggling with the payment to PTPTN till now.
Funny how things turn up to be for us...still fail to comprehend till today. Our CG's were way above the par set but because we entered the University at the second semester (we got exempted from some language courses during our marticulation years, so we finished earlier than other batch mate).
Come to think of it, we were 'punished' because of...??? Hmmm...this happened in Malaysia.
Anyways, we were not informed that for that particular year, those who ends up entering in the second semester will not be eligible for any scholarship.
We had a smack on our faces...pow! My husband had some part-time jobs...joining this and that, activities in or outside of the university. We were living off campus and were renting a small flat at that time...so it's kind of difficult to go to and fro as we were only depending on public transport. But one thing for sure, the guilt is still in me as I regret him not spending much time on his studies.
Miracles do happen. God always has HIS mysterious way of rewarding you. My husband managed to wade his way through and graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics.
Ya it's hard when you are in this situatuin sir. Sorry it this is too long or irrelevant...but believe me I've had my time....many times
ibunoor... looks like you and your husband had your fair share with this scholarship and grant stuff... if only governments can channel more resources (financial and otherwise) into education instead of on things like war planes and all, the world would be more peaceful and lives more fulfilled... I also got a loan and spent many years repaying it... phew...
ReplyDeleteHow I wish it (education) in Malaysia would be free for everyone like in certain countries...
ReplyDeleteThe PTPTN's previously 3% now down to 1% have not been standardized yet...hmmm...
lrong,
ReplyDeletethis sharing really moved me because i remembered my own experience when in my undergrad days, i too failed to get a scholarship and was so disappointed i cried and cried. felt so much unspoken pressure back then. i did succeed in getting a scholarship later in 2nd year.
thank you for your work and support of intl students that u do.
Adriene... I imagine you are working for the Selangor government now... no?
ReplyDelete