Tears of joy, a certificate in hand, the feeling of pride, and the sense of satisfaction. 4.5 years of hard work and perseverance but it all feels worthwhile at this very moment.

I can’t believe that I can finally say this out loud that I am an official doctorate graduate! “I DID IT!”

I had submitted my thesis one week before I had given birth to @imbabydinosaur. The motivation came from my brother. He once told me: “Please shine for the Fu family”.

Looking back, it was not an easy journey juggling between work, studies being an influencer, a wife, and a mom. While it was tough, the responsibility and my yearning to keep all of these roles alive was what kept my fighting spirit strong. There was a point where I almost gave up; surviving life with no scholarship and salary. I couldn’t feed myself. I couldn’t pay my tuition fees.

As we moved to Singapore, it was the darkest moment in life , I almost became bankrupt too. I kept trying even when there seemed to be no hope at all. I did what I can for as long as I can. “Run faster Nicole, run faster!” – the only phrase that kept me moving.

I celebrated graduation with mixed emotions. It was only yesterday that I entered the door of my chairman’s room and now, as I bow on stage, I have received my Ph.D degree. I glanced at the oval, staring at my parents, my family, my peers and my lecturers and said to myself: “This is it. 9 years of study, from Bachelor – Master — Doctoral. So long, yet so short”. Up till now, I still wake up early and as I leave the shower, I do a face palm and think to myself: “Wait a minute, there is no more school, can I take a nap now?” Sigh, I still can’t, because I need to change her diaper.

On graduation day, as I walk across the stage, hearing cheers and accepting my PhD, I can only think that it should be someone else up here, not me. The support and generosity of my family and friends will always be remembered, I cannot express how much it means to me to have you throughout my journey.

Please accept my warmest thankful wishes; your thoughtfulness is a gift I will forever treasure. I couldn’t have done it without you. A big thank you to my supervisors Prof Zulkifli, Prof Raja and Dr Sharizal, on your guidance and support; to Wincen who helped me translate my abstract into the Malay version and all the mid-night printing and fixing the table of contents; to Wei Jian who proofread my thesis for many times; to Dr Azroll, Dr Shahrul, Loke, Amane, Idzuan, Liyana, Saiful, Intan, Bibi, Amirul, Mark, Jacky, Wei Yao, Va Nee, Jammes, Ivan, Connie and many more that I didn’t mention your name, thank you for lending me your helping hand. To my family, thank you for the unconditional love and support. To my close friends, thank you for the moral support. To Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi, thank you for your generous scholarship in supporting my MSc and Ph.D. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community.

Good company in a journey makes the path seem shorter. Once again, thank you for your love.

Whatever you are doing now, never surrender because it does pay off. Rise up against the odds. Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.

One of my goals in life is now over, but there are many more to achieve on the way. I will keep an open heart and mind as I enter into a new phase of life with zeal. While I am still unsure of my next destination, I do feel ready for another adventure! Entrepreneurship perhaps? Any investors interested?

Head over to my Instagram Flying.in.Dance for more graduation photos .
*special thanks to Mr Wincen Foong for the graduation photography.