Graduating from university is a milestone many dream of achieving, and is a memory worth treasuring. Unfortunately, not every graduate may get the opportunity to have the experience they deserve.
M’sian graduate receives news of father’s passing 15 minutes before accepting her scroll
What was supposed to be a momentous day for 23-year-old student Haslina Kalang, turned bittersweet in a matter of seconds. She received heartbreaking news just minutes before stepping on stage to receive her degree for International Relations.
The incident took place during a convocation ceremony at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin in Kuala Terengganu. According to the university, Haslina got to know of her father’s death through a phone call from her relatives in Sabah.
In the video, Haslina struggles to hold back her tears while going up to accept her scroll. Yet, she manages to pull herself together despite the overwhelming wave of emotions to obtain her certificate. “I can’t believe my dad left me before I could go onstage,” Haslina said. It appeared that the university were also aware of her situation, as some faculty members were seen consoling the graduand.
Thankful she got to perform her duties as a filial daughter
Following the completion of her studies, Haslina dedicated most of her time to caring for her ill father. Her father, Kalang Tona, 56, had suffered from stroke and was in poor condition.
Initially, she had no intention of attending her convocation ceremony as she was concerned over her father’s health. But her father had insisted for her to go, to which Haslina dutifully obeyed.
Recognizing Haslina’s challenging circumstances, the university management extended a helping hand. Before she returned to Sabah, the management provided her with financial assistance, ensuring she could purchase the tickets to her hometown of Tawau.
Our hearts go out to Haslina, we hope she finds the strength she needs to get through this difficult time, and wish her all the best.
Watch the video below:
@uniszaedumy Khabar duka 15 minit sebelum terima skrol Kuala Nerus: Kegembiraan seorang graduan untuk menerima skrol di majlis konvokesyen menjadi hiba apabila mendapat berita kematian bapa tercinta 15 minit sebelum naik ke pentas. Haslina Kalang, 23, menerima panggilan dari jirannya di Tawau, Sabah memaklumkan bahawa bapanya, Kalang Tona, 56, meninggal dunia pada jam 10.30 pagi ketika sewaktu di dalam Majlis Idul Ilmi Konvokesyen UniSZA ke-15, hari ini. Graduan Ijazah Sarjana Muda Hubungan Antarabangsa (dengan Kepujian), ketika ditemui berkata dia sememangnya berat hati untuk hadir ke konvokesyen hari ini kerana risau dengan bapanya yang mempunyai sakit stroke. “Ayah suruh saya datang jugak konvokesyen dan dia nak saya naik ke pentas menerima ijazah” “Saya tak sangka ayah pergi dulu sebelum saya naik ke pentas. Bagaimanapun saya kuat untuk naik juga sekejap menerima skrol”, katanya yang merupakan anak kedua dari lima beradik. Haslina berkata, selepas tamat belajar di menjaga ayahnya sepenuh masa dan belum bekerja dimana-mana tempat. “Alhamdulillah, saya dapat berbakti kepada ayah dan saya redha dengan pemergian dia di hari konvokesyen saya hari ini” katanya. Haslina tiba di Terengganu dua hari lepas dan ditemani kakak sulungnya yang datang dari Johor untuk hadir ke majlis konvokesyen hari ini. Sementara itu, pihak UniSZA telah menyampaikan sumbangan wang tunai RM 2,500 kepada Haslina untuk membeli tiket penerbangan pulang ke Tawau, Sabah, hari ini. Haslina sepatutnya pulang esok ke kampung halaman sebaik sahaja selesai majlis konvokesyen hari ini. Salam takziah dari seluruh Warga UniSZA.
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