For Women in Science

I was talking to a friend one day, about who has inspired me to achieve what I’ve wanted in life including pursuing my Master’s Degree and being in this research field. There are a few of them including mum, family members, friends, lecturers and some others. One of the most influence inspiration i got is from my very own lecturer Dr. Azura A. Rashid.

Polymer Night 2008

She was my lecturer during my undergraduate studies and my supervisor for my Final Year Project. She was one of two women lecturers we had during undergrad, and yes I was closer to her than the other lecturer. Plus, when I was doing Industrial Training in Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM), she was one of the visiting lecturers. In fact, she helped me getting the IT place in RRIM, due to some problem I faced with my supposed-to-be IT place.

After finished my 4 years undergraduate, I worked for her as her Research Assistant. During my Final Year Project and RA works, Dr.Azura helped me in many ways. She told me stories, she gave me her words of advice and she helped me find the strength in me. She might have not realize it though. But I would like to thank her for that.

Paper presented was from my Final Year Project.

Last year, Dr. Azura together with Dr. Zainovia Lockman (USM) and Dr. Zarina Asputi (UM) were awarded the L’Oreal Malaysia For Women in Science National Fellowships.  The award which is jointly conducted with the Malaysian National Commission for Unesco and supported by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and Higher Education Ministry was developed in 2006, to provide assistance, encouragement and recognition to women who contribute to scientific progress.

(L-R) Dr. Zarina Asputi, Dr. Zainovia Lockman, Dr. Azura A. Rashid

(Picture credit to : http://jauharkalam.blogspot.com)

With this award, Dr. Azura indirectly, gives me more strength in struggling to finish my Masters and achieve the best in life. I want to be like her, the women in science.

I remember talking to her about my worry of getting married late if I didn’t just go looking for jobs but instead pursue my study until the highest level, and she said :

“Go pursue your dreams and ambitions. You don’t have to worry about not getting married because our jodoh is in Allah’s hand. If it’s written that you’re getting married late, even if you don’t pursue your study, you’ll be getting married late.”

And well hey, look at her. She’s young, received her PhD, married with children, and success in what she’s doing.

InsyaAllah, I’ll do my best to achieve what I want in life, too.
Note to self:

"Life's a climb. But the view is great."

Check out;
For Woman in Science L’oreal website (http://fwis.com.my/)
FWIS – Dr. Azura’s page (http://fwis.com.my/azurarashid)