Imagine the remarkable transformation from being bullied as the child of a burger seller to realizing your dreams amidst the hallowed halls of an Ivy League institution in the heart of New York City!
This incredible journey is the reality for Azida Azmi (@gniwoem), a tenacious Malaysian who poured her heart and soul into achieving her ambitions.
Photo via TikTok (@gniwoem)
Azida recently took to her TikTok account to recount her awe-inspiring voyage from her humble beginnings in Selangor to the prestigious Columbia University in New York, USA.
She shared, "From Selayang to New York: The story of an anak penjual burger (a burger seller's child). I never thought this day would come. I've always believed I would simply carry on selling burgers with my mom. I worked tirelessly, enduring countless challenges, to reach the point I am at today. All that hard work was driven by one simple yet powerful desire: to ensure that none of my family members ever had to experience the life of immigrants again."
Azida's parents never had the opportunity to complete high school, and she saw her educational pursuit as a tribute to them. She confided, "I wanted to shed tears, but I couldn't. I knew that allowing loneliness and despair to linger would shatter me mentally. I faced every challenge head-on, mustered the courage to tackle them, and wore a brave face throughout it all."
Her remarkable journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination, a shining example of how unwavering perseverance can overcome adversity and propel individuals toward their loftiest aspirations.
@gniwoem From UiTM to Columbia :D Worked hard to climb my way up, but even now, it still feels a bit blurry. But that’s okay, I’ll just keep going. I have always been someone who is scared of taking space, unsure if I have the capacity of building my own table. But then again, I don’t really have a choice, I have to shamelessly make room for myself in spaces where I’m not welcomed, because I have a family to take care of :) My Columbia journey begins :D #fyp #uitm #columbiauniversity #postgraduate #studentlife ♬ Scott street x i know the end - ella
Azida's story serves as an inspiration for all, reminding us that with grit and determination, we can turn even the most daunting of dreams into a splendid reality.
