Navigating University Life

As the pages of time turn swiftly, my two older daughters find themselves embarking on different chapters of their university lives. Alycia, my eldest, is gearing up for her fourth and final year which will commence in September this year, while Sherilyn, my middle child, eagerly anticipates the commencement of her degree studies after she completes the Foundation in Natural and Built Environments in August this year.

Alycia: A Transition to Internship and Beyond

Alycia, on the brink of turning 21 in December, stands at the cusp of a significant transition. With her fourth year in university approaching, the prospect of internships looms on the horizon. Conversations with her now involve discussions about the corporate world and makeup—an aspect she finds more of a necessity/chore than a pleasure. The carefree days of primary school seem like a recent memory to me, and yet, the responsibilities of adulthood beckon. As she reluctantly put on a light touch of makeup for a friend’s birthday party just now, the realization of soon entering the professional realm begins to dawn.

Alycia’s recent assignment from her Strategic Advertising class – a postcard to create awareness on diabetes in Malaysia. She did this postcard from scratch, from the design to the text, caption, to sourcing for a printing shop to have the postcard printed.

The back of the postcard, which even comes with a QR code.

Sherilyn: Dance, Dreams, and Degree Studies

Starting her first year of degree studies in September this year, Sherilyn passionately returns to her love for dance. A few months’ hiatus recently due to a foot injury hasn’t deterred her spirit. Balancing academia and her devotion to dance, Sherilyn actively attends classes at two different studios—one near her university in Subang and another closer to home. Dance remains her first love, and while she dreams of pursuing a degree in performing arts, my old-school convictions nudge me towards a more conventional path. I am still of the opinion that one cannot make a comfortable living being a dancer / dance teacher / entertainer in Malaysia. Correct me if I’m wrong to have this opinion.

Throwback photo of Sherilyn’s lunch box of ramen with unagi, air-fried chicken chop, avocado and seaweed. She still brings a bento box to uni on most days. She complains that the food sold on campus is too expensive (like over RM15 for a simple plate of economy rice), so she brings food from home.

Another throwback photo of Sherilyn’s lunch box to uni – boiled pork + chives dumplings made by a Taiwanese housewife.

My hopes echo a universal sentiment: that whatever career path my daughters choose, it will bring them joy, a stress-free life, and the means to live comfortably.

As a parent, my aspirations for my daughters extend beyond academic achievements. Their pursuit of happiness and fulfillment in their chosen paths takes precedence. The pages of my two older daughters’ university journey turn, and I, as their mother and cheerleader, eagerly await the chapters that unfold, praying and hoping that they will make right choices in life.

No. of times viewed = 34

HEALTH FREAK MOMMY