A dream delayed isn’t a dream denied. Don’t believe us? Just ask 66-year-old Norhayati Sidikah Abu Bakar.
The retired kindergarten manager and grandmother of 16 grandchildren recently made headlines after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (Anthropology and Sociology) from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), proving that age is no barrier when it comes to education.
A dream on hold since her youth
Norhayati’s university dream was planted in her younger years when she enrolled in an accounting programme at Institut Teknologi Mara (now UiTM). But life had other plans.
According to Harian Metro, due to financial hardship and the responsibility of caring for her siblings, she was forced to leave her studies in her very first semester.
“I had always dreamed of going to university,” she said, recalling how she put her ambitions on hold for the sake of family.
From banking to early childhood education
After a brief stint in banking, Norhayati left her job to accompany her husband for his further studies in the United Kingdom.
Upon returning to Malaysia, she became actively involved in an NGO and spent 24 years managing a private kindergarten operated by the organisation.
Despite only receiving a small allowance, she stayed on because of her passion for early childhood education.
Taking the leap at 60yo
At 60 years old, with her children all grown up and her career behind her, Norhayati felt it was finally time to revisit the dream she had shelved decades ago.
With the support of her husband, Muhammad Abdul Razak, and their children, she enrolled as a distance learning (PJJ) student at USM in 2019.
After retiring and with my children done with their studies, I thought this was the right time to finally fulfil my long-postponed dream,” she shared.
Health challenges along the way
Her academic journey, however, was far from smooth. In her first year, Norhayati had to undergo cataract surgery that affected her ability to read and complete assignments.
At the same time, her husband was diagnosed with a heart condition that demanded constant care.
There were moments when she nearly gave up. But she pushed on, determined to graduate on time.
Not stopping just yet
Now that she has earned her degree, Norhayati is taking a well-deserved break — but she isn’t done just yet.
I do have the intention to pursue a Master’s degree next,” she said.
With a heart full of ambition and a mind set on growth, Norhayati continues to inspire Malaysians of all ages to believe that dreams have no expiry date.
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