A Pharmacists’ Dream

Greetings to all. First and foremost I would like to thank and welcome all of you for spending time to read about my campaign. Without further ado, here is my story.

Being a pharmacist has always been a dream of mine. I am a student who has graduated from my foundation studies from Monash University Foundation Year with an outstanding result average of 82.62% which is High Distinction and a Best Subject Award in English. I have also successfully got offered a place to study Bachelor of Pharmacy in Monash University Malaysia.

Although it is a dream come true - being accepted into one of the top universities - something stands in my way of achieving my dream. The fees for this degree is incredibly high for someone who comes from a moderate family like me. Since both of my parents are already retired for over 10 years already and myself being the last child, this fee is impossible to be paid using our own money. One year of study is RM49000 which is about $13000 in USD. Since the study of Pharmacy is 4 years, the fees will come up to about RM196000 which is about $49000 USD. Getting a scholarship for Pharmacy is extremely hard and not many offer aid for this course, yet I have already applied and sent letters to every company or institution that I know of. On another hand, loans and bank loans do not cover the full amount which is saddening.

This whole journey of studying has not been the easiest for me. When I finished high school I scored 6A's for my SPM, it was great but unfortunately it was not enough to pass any scholarship or secure a place in government universities for my course. My parents sacrificed what was left to fund for my foundation studies so that I could hopefully be able to get fundings or a scholarship with my foundation results. To their dismay, it has become clear to us that getting a scholarship under this course is very rare or difficult. So far, I have not given up on hope and have been knocking on many doors to see if they could offer me financial aid since I have good results and good co-curriculum which is something I am confident about. I am still trying my luck and I am stubborn to not let my dreams go when I know I deserve it just as much as a person who can afford it. I have worked hard and proven myself, yet I am still not getting the help I need. No matter how spirit-breaking this is to me, I have faith that if there is a will, there is a way.

I truly am passionate about studying pharmacy and this is my last cry for help before I accept the fact that I will have to turn the offer down and change my route completely. Please help a student who is fired up to learn, in achieving her dreams. My vision is to lessen my parents' burden and worries financially and that is something I hold onto till death. Every cent and dollar counts, hopefully the public will be able to help me for my future. Thank you.