GRADUATING university is an important milestone for many and its only natural to want our loved ones to celebrate the occasion with us. Sadly, not many are able to enjoy the privilege of having their loved ones attend the ceremony.
A young student had to hold back her tears during her graduation ceremony at University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) after receiving the heartbreaking news of her father’s death, according to Harian Metro.
Haslina Kalang received the devastating news of her father’s passing a mere 15 minutes before ascending the stage to retrieve her scroll, after being informed by her neighbour in her hometown at Tawau, Sabah.
In a viral video posted by UniSZA’s TikTok page, Haslinda’s tough exterior on stage crumbled after being hugged by the Director of the Center for Corporate Communication and Relationship Management, Prof Madya Dr Syarilla Iryani Ahmad Saany.
Initially, the 23-year-old was hesitant to attend her graduation ceremony all the way in Terengganu as she was worried for her 56-year-old’s father, Kalang Tona, who was suffering from a stroke.
“My father insisted that I go for my convocation and take my degree on stage.
“I never expected my father to leave before I went up on stage. However, I steeled myself to retrieve my scroll,” the heartbroken graduate said.
The International Relations graduate, accompanied by her elder sister, had eventually accepted her father’s passing during her convocation and was grateful to have given back to to her father by taking care of him after her studies.
Haslina has yet to look for a job as she was occupied with caring for her father.
Meanwhile, UniSZA provided financial aid to the young graduate to purchase her tickets back to Sabah after she was settled with her convocation on Nov 6.
