In a remarkable display of determination and teamwork, a family of four and their two close friends have demonstrated that distance, diverse professional backgrounds, and personal commitments are no barriers to achieving academic success. Together, the group completed their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) while managing their careers and personal lives.

The group consists of operations manager William Rogers, 51, his siblings Reubem Emmanuel, 45, and Patricia Naidu, 46, Patricia’s husband Kiran Kumar, 45, and their lifelong friends Arivananthan Arumugan and Hari Krishna, both 46. Despite their varying fields of work, ranging from aviation to education; and residing in different locations across Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor, and Singapore, the six were unwavering in their commitment to pursue their degrees together.

“We were keen to upgrade ourselves despite already having years of working experience,” Rogers shared during their convocation ceremony at UTM’s Skudai campus. “Initially, we hesitated due to our personal and professional commitments, but after motivating each other, we decided to take the plunge and push ourselves to succeed.”

The journey was not without challenges. With each member balancing full-time jobs, the group relied on online study sessions during weekends and late nights. They also coordinated in-person meetings for assignments whenever possible.

Rogers credits their collective strengths and mutual encouragement for their success. “Hari, who is a production supervisor, has exceptional organizational skills, so he kept us on track with our assignments. My sister Patricia, a businesswoman in the education sector, added valuable insights to our discussions. Whenever one of us struggled, we stepped in to encourage and support each other.”

The bond among the group, particularly with Arivananthan and Hari, whom the family considers as extended family, further strengthened their resolve. “This course not only enhanced our knowledge but also deepened our relationships, making this achievement even more meaningful,” Rogers added.

Their efforts were rewarded not just with the completion of their degrees but also with recognition for their academic excellence. All six individuals earned a place on the Dean’s List, receiving medals during the ceremony.

Rogers, a father of two, hopes their achievement will inspire their children and others to continually pursue knowledge. “Our journey proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, regardless of age or circumstances. Lifelong learning is a gift we should embrace wholeheartedly.”

The group’s shared journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, reminding us that learning truly has no limits.

Source / Image Credit : The Star