Starting college is a significant milestone in a student’s life, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. It’s a time of new beginnings, fresh challenges, and the forging of lifelong friendships.
For many, the journey to college is a straightforward transition from home to dormitory. However, for others, it is a journey marked by obstacles and the unwavering determination to succeed.
This is the story of Lim ZV, a young man from Batu Pahat, whose path to Balik Pulau Polytechnic (PBU) was anything but ordinary.
M’sian lecturer helps student who lost his bag
Shared by Zaildil Adha, a lecturer at PBU, this narrative shines a light on the incredible efforts and support systems that make education accessible against all odds.
On the afternoon of July 26, 2024, Zaildil received an urgent call from a father in Batu Pahat. The father had been unable to secure bus tickets from Batu Pahat to Penang for his son, Lim ZV, for the scheduled date of July 27, 2024.
The new student registration at PBU was set for July 28, a Sunday, leaving them with limited options. In desperation, the father bought a ticket for his son on July 26, ensuring Lim would arrive in Penang on the morning of July 27.
A father called my office. He told me that all the bus tickets from Batu Pahat to Penang for July 27, 2024, were sold out. The registration for new students at Balik Pulau Polytechnic (PBU) was set for Sunday, July 28, 2024.
Financial constraints and early dormitory access
The father humbly requested Zaildil to allow Lim to enter the dormitory a day early. Financial constraints meant the father couldn’t accompany his son, so Lim would be travelling alone.
He asked for guidance on how Lim could reach Balik Pulau from the Sungai Nibong bus terminal, but due to budget limitations, Lim would have to navigate public transport on his own.
Lim, who had never travelled to Penang or taken an express bus before, impressed Zaildil with his resolve. After receiving the necessary permissions and arranging for Lim to get his dormitory key, Zaildil made plans to assist Lim further upon his arrival.
“I asked for the student’s phone number, IC number, and full name. After getting permission from the head of the department, I asked a colleague to pick up the dormitory key for Lim.”
On the morning of July 27, Zaildil contacted Lim to confirm his arrival time. Despite the initial plan to pick him up, Lim informed Zaildil that he was already on his way to the polytechnic via Grab. This unexpected update relieved Zaildil, simplifying his plans.
Upon meeting Lim at the polytechnic, Zaildil found him in his registration attire, eating Gardenia bread brought from home.
‘He came out with a red face and teary eyes’
Lim politely declined an offer for breakfast, asking instead where he could buy laundry soap. As they headed to the nearest shop, Lim’s calm demeanour was interrupted by a sudden realisation—his bag had been swapped during the bus journey.
“Suddenly, he came out with a red face, teary eyes, and trembling hands. I asked, ‘What’s wrong?’
“Lim replied that the large bag he brought was not his. His bag got swapped when he got off the bus that morning, and I couldn’t leave him in trouble. I said, ‘Let’s go to Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal.'”
With determination and empathy, Zaildil accompanied Lim to the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal to resolve the mix-up.
In the car, Zaildil encouraged Lim, emphasising that today’s challenges would eventually lead to a brighter future. Lim explained how he mistakenly got off at Penang Sentral in Butterworth, not realising it wasn’t the intended terminal.
“When we arrived at Sungai Nibong, we went straight to the customer service counter to claim Lim’s bag.
After giving the necessary information, we spoke to the express bus representative. They told us that the bag had been taken back to Penang Sentral.”
Found his bag at Penang Sentral
After a series of calls and another trip to Penang Sentral, Lim finally retrieved his bag.
“Upon arriving at Penang Sentral, Lim immediately got off, retrieved his bag, and hugged it. No wonder it got swapped; the bags were similar in shape and colour.”
The journey back to the polytechnic offered Lim a chance to appreciate the scenic Penang Bridge, capturing photos to share with his father.
“We headed to Penang Sentral. On the Penang Bridge, I saw Lim quietly taking pictures. I said, ‘Take good pictures, don’t be shy.’ He thanked me and said he wanted to send the pictures to his father.”
Their final stop was at Lotuss Sungai Dua for some essential shopping. Zaildil treated Lim to a meal and covered the cost of his purchases.
“We then entered the supermarket. Lim said, “There’s no Lotuss in Batu Pahat. There are a lot of items here.”
Each time he picked up an item, Lim would calculate on his phone calculator to ensure he didn’t exceed his budget. At the payment counter, I paid for all the items he bought.”
Upon arriving at PBU, Lim was warmly welcomed by Chinese committee members, ready to assist him in settling in.
The support and guidance provided by Zaildil and the community turned what could have been a stressful experience into a reassuring start for Lim at PBU.
