She came to Malaysia seven years ago to seek a better life for her family but SARMINI MUHYADI, 28, got more than she bargained for. After three years of working as a maid, she told her employer that she was going home to continue her studies.
Instead, her employer agreed to partially finance her studies provided she did it locally. Sarmini, from Semarang in Central Jawa, says her decision to study at OUM was life-changing and has turned her into a whole new person.
"I am eternally grateful to my employers because without their support, I would still be the old me. The last four years were truly an enlightening journey of self discovery; it taught me the virtues of hard work and the joy of success. Also, studying has enriched my English language and computer skills, which were quite alien to me before."
Sarmini, who is graduating with a Diploma in Management, says her graduation will be perfect if she can share her happiness with her parents. “I told them the good news but, unfortunately, they will not be joining the celebration because they cannot afford the airfare.”
However, she will not be alone as her employers, Tan Choo Tang, and his wife Wee Phooi Khuan, will be at the graduation to cheer her on. “This is the moment she has been waiting for. I guess weneed to be there to give her moral support since her parents are not coming,” says Tan, who is a lecturer at a private college.
As an educationist, Tan understands the value of education and fully supports Sarmini’s intention to study. “She wanted a better life for herself and family, but I felt that her chance of succeeding was better if she did it locally. OUM answered her prayers. It was the best solution because she could study and still work.”
Sarmini (front, left) with the family who supported her in her quest for higher education
With Sarmini studying, adjustments had to be made to Tan’s family routine. Sarmini was freed of household chores after 9pm so that she could focus on her studies. When Sarmini needed to attend tutorials, Tan and his wife would take turns sending her to the University’s Shah Alam Learning Centre from their home in Damansara Utama. Their children chipped in by teaching Sarmini the ropes of using the computer as well as brushing up on her English.
Sarmini says she felt guilty at times, because there were instances when her employers had to take leave from work to take her to class. They also assisted her with assignments by contacting companies for surveys or feedback. The sacrifices of her employers were not in vain as Sarmini put in extra effort to ensure that she consistently achieved a CGPA of above 3.0 every semester throughout her studies.
Tan says two years after Sarmini enrolled in her studies, he decided to hit the books and enrolled in the Master of Business Administration with OUM. He graduated during the Ninth Convocation in November last year. “I think open and distance learning is a wonderful concept because people like me get to study without having to leave our jobs.”
He says his eldest daughter, who used to coach Sarmini with her English, is now in her first year of study in Vancouver, Canada, while his three other children are still schooling. His youngest daughter, who was five when Sarmini started working with the family, is now in Year Six.
Now that she has achieved her ambition, what is next? “It was a heart-wrenching decision but I have decided to go home to Semarang after my graduation. My flight is on 3 July.”
Sarmini says she has been away from home for seven long years and now she is going back for good. “I have received an offer to teach at a private school and I plan to take up the offer. Teaching has always been my vocation. Before coming to Malaysia, I applied for a teaching job but due to the delay in getting the results of my posting, I came here instead.”
As for the Tans, Sarmini’s decision is inevitable. Says Tan, “We will definitely miss having a reliable helper but this is an opportunity for Sarmini to achieve something for herself. That was why we encouraged her to study because with a diploma, it can open doors to a stable career. With Sarmini working and contributing to her family, they would have a better future. But if she plans to come back to Malaysia in the near future, we welcome her with open arms,” Tan adds.
