Page 53 - AUN_DPPnet_Journey_of_Glory_Book

Hamidah binti Hassan

Master of Public Policy,
Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

Year of Graduation: 2019

Currently employed as:

Senior Principal Assistant Directorat Department of Social Welfare

The journey towards completing my master’s degree was far more than an academic pursuit it was a test of faith,
—

endurance, and purpose. When I first embarked on postgraduate studies, I knew the road ahead would be demanding.
The academic rigour, researchexpectations, and scholarly discipline required strong perseverance and self

-
—
motivation, but what truly shaped this journey were the life challenges I carried alongside my studies

challenges

that transformed obstacles into opportunities for growth.

As a single mother raising two children, life has never been simple. After the passing of my husband, the weight of
responsibility grew heavier. One of my children is on the autism spectrum, while my other daughter was preparing for
an important national examination. Balancing their needs while pursuing higher education demanded strength beyond
the ordinary. There were countless nights when I worked on research papers after putting my children to sleep, and
le rest
—
many mornings when I faced classes running on littyet with unshaken determination.

Adding to this, I live with a spinal cord injury and use a wheelchair. Navigating the university environment was often a
challenge in itself. There were days I struggled to find accessible parking spaces near lecture halls, and moments
when physical barriers made attending classes or exams feel almost impossible. Instead of letting these limitations
define me, they became my motivation to advocate for change.

During my studies, I became actively involved in engagement programmes that promoted awareness and accessibility
for persons with disabilities (PWDs) on campus. I worked closely with scholars, lecturers, and administrative staff to
raise awareness about the importance of an inclusive ecosystem for education. Slowly, I began to witness a shift
—

from mere acknowledgment to genuine understanding. Lecturers and students started to see that accessibility is not
a privilege but a right, one that empowers individuals with disabilities to contribute equally in academic spaces.

My participation in various university programmes and conferences became a living testimony that PWDs are no
—
different from others. In fact, we often strive to do more not to prove our worth, but to redefine what is possible.

Every presentation, every discussion, every contribution was a statement that ability comes in many forms, and
—
that barriers are often built by perception more than by structure
.

The journey of data collection and report writing was equally challenging. There were days filled with frustration and
exhaustion, but also moments of joy when progress was made. With the unwavering support of my supervisors,
52