Graduates immortalise parents with distinct photoshoot

Most graduates would take their convocation photographs at studios or on their university grounds, but two graduates returned to the paddy field and rubber plantation of their childhoods.

For Hidayahtul Asyikkin Ishak and Nor Shahirah Wahap, they chose to show their appreciation to their parents, who worked hard so that they would be where they are today.

Hidayahtul, 23, who recently received her Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling from the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, said the location of the photoshoot was her father’s idea.

“During the photoshoot, Abah suggested, ‘Let’s go to our paddy field’. My father spent his life in the paddy fields," she said.

"I am always amazed by the rice farmers who harvest from these fields.” 

Shahirah takes her graduation photo with her father in the plantation where he taps rubber.

For Shahirah, 24, the photoshoot at the rubber plantation symbolises what it took for her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science (Human Development) from Universiti Putra Malaysia.

“I wanted to capture memories of where my father toiled to feed his family. Because of his hard work, my sisters and I were able to further our education," said the Kuala Terengganu native.

Financial crisis

Hidayahtul said she had to work part-time to support her education. These include working at Nilai Springs Hotel, selling drinks at exhibition sites, taking commissions to sell flowers during convocation ceremonies and many more.

Hidayahtul with her family at the paddy field where her father toils to support them.

“I always avoid talking with my parents when they called because I know they would ask, ‘Do you still have money?’

“I always said 'yes' even though I only had one ringgit in my purse. I couldn’t even buy nasi bujang (a basic meal of rice, sambal and omelette) with that amount of money.

“So, to avoid lying to them, I took the initiative to do part-time jobs,” said the Pahang native.

For Shahirah, her family was often in financial crisis during the rainy season when her father cannot tap rubber.

However, she managed to survive with financial assistance from Zakat UPM and the Terengganu Islamic Affairs Council.

Dreaming of a family photoshoot 

Hidayahtul, who is the fifth of seven children said she had dreamt of a family photoshoot upon graduation from the time she started her tertiary education.

“The backstory of the picture was that it has been my dream since my first semester. I thought that if I manage to finish my degree, get the graduation robe and mortarboard, I will take a photo with my family,” she said. 

Unfortunately, not all her siblings could make it to the paddy field photoshoot.

“I was a little sad that I could not bring all my siblings together but I understand the constraints of our time as they are working in other states," she said. 

“So I continued the photoshoot with some of my siblings who were available at that time.” 

For Shahirah, it was her family who inspired her to further her studies.

Two of her sisters earned Bachelor degrees in Human Development from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and in Mathematics and Science from University Technology Mara.

“They have been my idols in pursuing my degree. I was so determined to change my family’s fate. Only with education, you can change your life,” she said.

Shahirah's family was her source of inspiration to succeed in her studies.

Despite the challenges faced, they encourage young people in the same boat to keep positive.

“If you feel down, just try to imagine your parents and think of how much they sacrificed for you," said Shahirah.

“Look at their picture and tell yourself, ‘I am doing this for them. I want to make them proud’.”  - Mkini