JOHOR BAHRU, 17 Nov. – This year marked a significant milestone for Toh Ting Jii, who successfully completed her Master’s degree in Educational Technology through UTM’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) program.
She balanced the roles of being a mother to three boys, a part-time tutor, and a full-time student, navigating both personal and academic challenges. Her journey was shaped by her unique responsibilities as someone diagnosed with ADHD and the mother of two sons with ADHD and mild autism.
“Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life added an extra layer of complexity to my studies, parenting responsibilities, and part-time tutoring,” Toh shared.
“Balancing these roles has not been easy, but I’ve learned to be patient with myself and to recognize that it’s okay not to have everything under control all the time.”
Through persistence and focusing on small, manageable tasks, Toh demonstrated that progress is achievable, even in the face of adversity. She embraced challenges one step at a time, and her determination became a driving force behind her success.
For Toh, education has always been a dream worth pursuing. “Determination and passion have been my guiding principles throughout this experience. I truly cherish the joy of learning and expanding my horizons,” she said.
Toh also acknowledged that her stubbornness helped her stay focused on achieving her goals despite the obstacles she faced.
Her ability to adapt and thrive in UTM’s Open-Distance Learning (ODL) program proved transformative. The program’s flexibility allowed her to structure her studies around her responsibilities, creating a balance that was essential for her progress.
With the support of UTM’s advanced learning management system, Toh was able to attend classes, review materials, and complete assignments without leaving her home. This illustrates how the integration of education with digital transformation enables lifelong learning.
Toh credits her greatest source of strength to her mother, whose resilience has deeply inspired her. “During the toughest moments, my mother was my rock,” she reflected.
“Her patience and perseverance while raising us, especially when my father worked away, showed me the power of resilience. It’s her strength that motivates me to push forward.”
Toh also recognizes the importance of her academic community. She emphasizes the value of building strong connections with her classmates and lecturers. “Postgraduate studies can be overwhelming, but having a support system makes all the difference,” she noted.
She expressed deep gratitude to her lecturers, particularly Dr. Noor Dayana and Dr. Farhana, for their consistent support and guidance throughout her studies. Toh also paid tribute to her supervisor, Prof. Zaidatun Tasir, whose encouragement was instrumental in her success.
“Prof. Zaidatun went above and beyond to support me, even reviewing my work while traveling. Her dedication ensured that my research stayed on track,” Toh added.
Under her supervisor’s guidance, Toh achieved one of her proudest milestones: publishing her research in the Journal of Information Technology Education: Research (JITE: Research), a foundation that has greatly benefited her current PhD research.
Toh’s experiences have shaped her perspective, and she now shares her insights with fellow students. “Be patient with yourself and take things one step at a time. Build friendships, collaborate with your peers, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. UTM lecturers are more than willing to help,” she advised.
She emphasized that while postgraduate education is demanding, it can be rewarding when approached with persistence and a strong support network. “Together, we can make this journey enriching and fulfilling,” she added.
Toh Ting Jii’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with resilience, determination, and the support of a nurturing academic community.
Her story highlights UTM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners, empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their aspirations, even within the current Open-Distance Learning (ODL) program.
Her accomplishments at UTM’s 68th Convocation Ceremony stand as a source of inspiration, celebrating perseverance, the transformative power of education, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams against all odds.