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Monday 4 February 2013

Nurul Nadia - Story #5

Nurul Nadia, the story of whom I hope will stir a good number of people in Singapore.

Although she had her apprehension initially, she is now honestly excited that she is being featured in Journey2Canada. She is excited not for glory but more for the fact that teenagers will learn, many people have the same issues in life and she wants them to know she is one such example. She wants them to know that somehow, in one way or another, everyone has somewhat similar struggles and how they can learn to rise up above all the difficulties that seem to drown them.

"Everyone has somewhat similar problems, rise up above them!"

When I asked Nadia who her favorite teacher was, she said it was Mrs Chong from her primary school. Mrs Chong appears to have a very hard exterior, such as she doesn't like to get emotional and intimate with students. But like they say action speaks louder than words. What touches Nadia most about Mrs Chong is that she shows her love by practically helping her students in need, be it academically or emotionally.

I asked Nadia if she would rather be hardworking or smart. Typically, for such controversial questions, people will take a neutral stand and give a politically correct answer. I like how Nadia took a stand on it. She said she would rather be hardworking. She said we learn through hardship and the life lessons picked up will stay with us for life. She can reminisce the precious memories of past experience and help her move forward in life refreshed and renewed.



So what were the memories of school like for her? She told me she made many new friends when she was in primary school and they have kept their friendship till today. She felt that streaming them into top and normal classes added a fair amount of stress. Co-curricular activities wise, she started learning Malay Dance when she was in primary school, which grew into a liking and then into a passion. When she was in secondary school, she learnt to be more independent in her learning and her passion for Dance intensified as she had the privilege of representing her school in performances at the Esplanade. The wealth she got from some experiences is immeasurable and unspeakable.
 
Dance, to her is an art and she firmly believes that mastering the art of Dance requires dedication and skill. In order to dance with such finesse she does today, Nadia puts in many hours of practice, practice and more practice. With such dedication, Nadia is naturally selected to represent her secondary school and polytechnic in various performances outside of school. Even though it is evident that Nadia has the talent, she would rather humbly admits that it is through many hours of hard work that she is the dancer she is today and she hopes to see herself further refining her skills.



Nadia is currently working part-time as a retail associate at Uniqlo, Somerset in Singapore. I asked her how does working part-time help her and if it affects her in any way. She feels that working part-time has helped improve her independence and sharpen her skills in time management. She learns to be more self-reliant and to be accepting of criticisms. Working in the retail industry has given her ample opportunities to interact with strangers and being exposed to all types of personality has taught her not to pre-judge anyone. Someone who appears not wanting to buy may end up buying whereas someone who appears eager to buy may end up not buying.

Nadia has this to add. It is not easy to cope with both work and study at the same time, especially initially. Nonetheless, Nadia believes that with enough self-discipline and proper time management, the difficulty can be overcome. What's more, she gets to gain a fair bit of financial freedom as well.

Nadia comes from a single parent family. Her mother works 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, just to make ends meet. Mum has to take care of the bills, put food on the table, ensure the utilities and rental for the flat are paid on time. Nadia is working part-time to lighten some of that load for Mum. Each morning, without fail, Mum would hug and kiss Nadia and brother lovingly before they head for school. She will not show even a hint of her own troubles and heartaches, just so that Mum can see the  the smiles on her children's faces. Her resources may be limited, but Nadia's mum wants her children to be happy, so she will provide for them in whatever possible ways she can afford. Mum's affable personality has taught Nadia that whatever happens, there is always a rainbow after the rain. Mum is the one person she respects and cherishes the most.



Nadia seems to have a busy life. She goes to school five days a week and work on Saturdays and Sundays. The only time left for leisure will be the time after school, that is, if it ends early. She typically spends it at home to rest or hang out with close friends to shop or go to the movies.

Everything happens for a reason, this is what Nadia says about her childhood.  She loved both her parents and did not want to lose either of them, but because of the constant fights, her uncles, who took care of her brother and her, had to hide them in their room. She lived in perpetual fear that something bad would happen. Finally, Nadia did not get what she wished for. Her parents parted ways when she was only 12.

Nadia, who is turning 18 this year is pursuing a Diploma in Mass Media Management at the Nanyang Polytechnic in Singapore. The course is a good springboard to help her launch a career in the media industry. It will be a dream come true for her as she had always wanted to be a movie director since she was young. 

When I asked Nadia if she has a chance to study in Canada, would she like to give it a try? She was very candid with her response. She said she would certainly take the opportunity. She further qualifies that it would surely have to lead to a better future for her. Her area of interest is in Languages and the Arts and naturally, she hopes to pursue a course of study in these areas here, if the opportunity avails itself.

Nadia has many best friends, friends who have held her hands, friends who have seen her through her difficulties, friends who understand and friends who have opened up her horizons when she could not see the light in the tunnel. Nadia reciprocates their love for her in the same manner she has received it. This is precisely the reason why she is so dear to her friends.

 

To know Nadia better, I decided to ask her what is her favorite quote. It was simply, "To each his own". She respects the individual and firmly believes that every individual's opinion has to be respected.

Personally, I feel that Nadia is an over-comer. She is not afraid to share about her fears growing up in a broken family. It must have taken her so much courage to do so. I am proud that Nadia has risen above her imperfect condition and stand tall today. The next time we see the graceful Nadia dancing on stage, we know she has come to terms with her past and her beauty shines through.


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