More Than Friends, A Journey We Shared:
By Ms Syahidatul Iryani, Head of Early Years, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

How Friendship Shaped My Journey Through College

Some of life’s most meaningful lessons are not always found in textbooks or lecture halls. Sometimes, they are learnt through the people who walk beside us — through laughter, challenges, tears and memories that slowly shape who we become.

My college journey was never just about earning a diploma. It was also about the friendships I built along the way. For three years, we attended classes, completed endless assignments, shared meals, laughed over the smallest things and supported one another through stressful days.

Then COVID-19 changed everything. We had to adapt to online learning, complete assignments from home and find new ways to stay connected. There were times when we felt overwhelmed, tired and unsure of what would happen next. But we continued to encourage one another and somehow, we got through it together.

Of course, our friendship was not always perfect. We had disagreements and misunderstandings. However, we learnt to communicate, forgive and understand one another. Those experiences taught us compassion, patience and the importance of having a strong support system.

Looking back, those three years gave me more than a qualification. They taught me resilience — the strength to recover when things become difficult — and perseverance, the determination to keep going even when the journey feels challenging.

And then, we reached graduation.

Standing together that day, we knew that every late night, difficult assignment and little sacrifice had been worth it. We had started as students with dreams, and we left as stronger individuals, ready for the next chapter of our lives.

Today, we may follow different paths, but I am proud to see my friends pursuing their dreams and celebrating their own achievements. The memories we created will always have a special place in my heart.

A Message to Every Learner

When I look back, I realise that success does not happen overnight. There were many moments when I felt tired or wanted to give up, but I kept going.

To all ILTI students, if learning English feels difficult sometimes, please do not be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are part of learning. Every new word you learn, every sentence you practise and every conversation you have is progress.

Be confident enough to try, determined enough to continue and curious enough to keep learning. Do not compare your beginning with someone else’s success. Everyone has a different journey.

One day, you may look back and realise that the small steps you took every day brought you much further than you imagined.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”
— B. B. King

Key Vocabulary

1. Meaningful – important or valuable.
2. Adapt – to change to deal with a new situation.
3. Overwhelmed – feeling that something is too difficult or stressful to manage.
4. Encourage – to give someone confidence or support.
5. Compassion – caring about others and wanting to help them.
6. Resilience – the ability to recover from difficulties.
7. Perseverance – continuing to try despite difficulties.
8. Sacrifice – giving up something for an important purpose.
9. Achievement – something accomplished through effort.
10. Confident – believing in your own abilities.
11. Determined – having a strong determination to achieve something.

At ILTI, we are committed to supporting every learner throughout their English journey — helping you develop strong English skills, confidence and the determination to succeed.

Learning is not about being perfect. It is about making progress, one step at a time.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.