JOHOR BAHRU, 16 Nov. — The hall was filled with excitement and anticipation as Dr. Areen Sherryna Abdul Halim stepped up to the podium during the first session of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) 68th Convocation Ceremony.
At just 26, she had already earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering and stood as a proud representative of perseverance and success.
Her speech began with a warm, heartfelt acknowledgement. “We’ve made it, everyone!” she said, inviting a wave of applause and cheers. But behind her celebration was a story of struggle, resilience, and triumph that deeply touched everyone in the room.
Facing the Tough Challenges
Dr. Areen’s academic journey wasn’t an easy one. She was part of a fast-track program that allowed her to jump straight from her undergraduate studies into a PhD. This meant she had to master the complexities of advanced research at an accelerated pace.
“Those sleepless nights, failed experiments, and the endless pressure to publish—it felt overwhelming at times,” she shared. And then came the pandemic. Labs closed, meetings moved online, and isolation set in. “It felt like the challenges just kept piling on,” she admitted, capturing what many in the audience had also experienced.
Support and Perseverance
Despite the hardships, Dr. Areen credited her support system—family, friends, and supervisors—for keeping her grounded. “Their love and encouragement were my lifeline,” she said. But she also reminded everyone of the importance of inner strength.
“You might stumble and fall, but what matters is that you get back up,” she urged. “Never give up. Every setback is a step toward success.”
Lessons for Life
Her speech was filled with wisdom that resonated beyond academia. She shared a powerful quote: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” For Dr. Areen, this was a reminder to embrace every moment and never stop learning.
She ended her speech with a reflection on personal growth:
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through… But one thing is certain: when you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in.”
A Moment to Celebrate
Dr. Areen’s journey and her message inspired a standing ovation. It was a moment of shared pride, as she reminded every graduate in the hall of their own strength and resilience.
Her speech wasn’t just about her personal success—it was about celebrating the collective journey of everyone who had worked hard to earn their degree. It was a reminder that even the toughest challenges can lead to incredible growth and achievements.