In August 2023, I officially completed my Master’s in Data Science at UiTM Shah Alam, a journey that culminated in a convocation ceremony this past November. While my LinkedIn post announced the achievement, I’ve been reflecting not on the milestone itself, but on the rollercoaster of emotions and life lessons that accompanied it.
Here’s the truth: I didn’t celebrate this accomplishment as much as I should have. This happens to me a lot—I tend to set sky-high expectations for myself, which sometimes blinds me to the significance of my own achievements. It’s a bad habit I’m trying to break, as it can make me seem ungrateful.
But this time, I’m reminding myself: earning a Master’s degree, topped with the Excellence Master Award, is a big deal.
So why do I feel so “meh” about it? Maybe it’s because my convocation came more than a year after I finished the program, making the sacrifices feel like a distant memory. Or maybe I’ve just been too busy chasing the next goal to pause and appreciate the journey.
Let me take you back to those years of study—a time defined by sleepless nights, relentless deadlines, and moments of doubt.
I switched careers during this period, balancing late-night assignments, group discussions, and nerve-wracking presentations.
I breastfed my daughter, Iryss, in between all of this.
My husband, Pan, took on the lion’s share of parenting while I focused on my studies.
I burned through annual leave—not for vacations, but to prep for exams and presentations.
Every achievement demands sacrifice, and this one was no exception. Yet, I often forget the pain and effort it took because I’m too focused on what’s next.
Even after accomplishing this, I’ve caught myself falling into the comparison trap. Thoughts like:
“That person has a doctorate at my age.”
“This person is a manager and they’re younger than me.”
But here’s what I’ve learned: my journey is my own.
I’m not a doctor (yet) because Allah, in His wisdom, knows what’s best for me.
I’m not a manager (yet) because perhaps I’m not ready for the pressures that come with it.
Instead of comparing, I’m trying to shift my focus to gratitude.
For those who think a Master’s degree is a golden ticket to success—let me burst that bubble. It’s been a significant investment of time, money, and energy. I paid the tuition fees entirely out of my pocket, sacrificing years of bonuses for self-investment.
And guess what? I’m not working as a data scientist. There are no stars, rainbows, or moons raining down for me. In fact, I’m now in the investment industry, and Python hasn’t made an appearance in my job description.
But I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The lessons I gained are priceless:
1. Perseverance: Giving 101% in everything I do, no matter the circumstances.
2. Sacrifice: Understanding that no success comes without giving something up—not just from me, but from my family and support system.
3. Gratitude: Being thankful for the process, the struggles, and the growth.
Alhamdulillah for this journey. It wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about discovering resilience, patience, and faith.
To anyone reading this: your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Celebrate your milestones, big or small, and trust that what’s meant for you will come, inshaAllah.
Here’s to more wonderful things ahead.
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