Noorhaslin overcomes visual challenges, excels in academics, sports

KOTA BHARU: Being visually impaired since birth did not hinder Noorhaslin Rosidi Sabri, 20, from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Naim Lilbanat, from achieving excellent results in the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) 2023.

Noorhaslin, who is also a SUKMA para athlete, said she did not expect to achieve such good results with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 in five subjects: General Studies, Malay Language, Arabic Language, Islamic Law and Islamic Studies.

The second of seven siblings shared that her magnifying glass became her ‘good companion’ to assist her during studies, including revising lessons. Sometimes reading materials up close was inevitable.

“Despite my limitations and not achieving excellent results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), it did not dampen my spirit to redeem myself by achieving excellent STPM results this time.

“Among the challenges I faced during class sessions was extremely limited vision, requiring me to rely solely on hearing and memory to grasp what the teachers taught,” she told reporters when met at SMKA Naim Lilbanat, here yesterday.

Noorhaslin, who aims to continue her studies at the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), said that due to her personal challenges, she needs to prepare earlier by waking up as early as 3 am to revise her studies.

“My vision has been impaired since birth due to the lack of a black iris, resulting in chronic visual impairment.

“I will study for at least one or two hours early in the morning because I cannot read for extended periods. To prevent eye strain and occasional mucus discharge, I take short breaks before resuming my study sessions,” she said.

She added that she has undergone two eye surgeries at the age of 15 and 17 to insert lenses and implants, resulting in some improvement. She still has regular hospital appointments for follow-up eye treatment every six months.

Noorhaslin, who aspires to become a teacher, expressed pride in balancing her academic achievements and sports pursuits as she represents Selangor in athletics at the Malaysia Para Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak 2024 in September.

“I will participate in the 100 and 200-metre sprints as well as long jump, and I hope to win medals to prove that my disabilities do not hinder me from remaining active,” she said. – BERNAMA