CHING ZHEN HIN

I grew up in Cheras, in a family that isn’t rich, but is full of love. My dad is a lorry driver, and my mom is a babysitter. I used to help her take care of the kids she looked after. Honestly, I didn’t care much about school back then. I was addicted to games and was playful until I scored a single-digit mark in Form 4. That was my wake-up call. I realised if I kept wasting time, the 12 years I had spent in school would be all for nothing. Around the same time, my grandmother’s health started to decline, her memory began to fade, and we had to send her to a nursing home. I visited her every week, spending time with her and chatting with other elderly folks there. Those moments made me view life a little differently. 

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When SPM came around, I told myself I wanted to give it one last push, but I didn't know where to start. However, despite my efforts, I struggled, especially with subjects taught in Malay. When I told my mom I wanted to give SPM my best shot, she didn’t hesitate at all. Even though she's penny-wise, she signed me up for a multi-language tuition. That small gesture carried so much love, faith, and strength. I knew she was rooting for me with all of her heart. In the end, I got SPM results I never thought were possible. I felt proud, but seeing my parents' faces lit with pride meant everything. I took up part-time jobs after SPM to help out and started applying for scholarships. Still, the financial strain lingered, and scholarship rejections were tough. But I didn’t stop trying.

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Then one day, the offer letter came in the mail. I still remember vividly how happy my mom was; she jumped with joy. Receiving the Elena Cooke Education Fund scholarship was definitely life-changing. I completed my Diploma in Business Administration at Sunway College without the constant worries about finances. I gained confidence, joined many college activities, made friends, and finally believed in myself. This scholarship didn’t just support my education, it gave me the courage to dream bigger and the chance to start building a future I once thought was out of reach.