Journey of Resilience and Renewal
27 August 2024
Su Yee's journey is a tale of resilience, shaped by personal and professional trials that tested her strength and resolve. During her O-Levels, Su Yee faced disappointment in results that fell short of her expectations. Instead of allowing this setback to define her, she chose to view it as an opportunity to chart a new course. This pivotal moment led her to pursue a diploma and ACCA, which marked the beginning of a transformative journey, where she immersed herself in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, aligning them with her aspirations in accounting.
Su Yee’s initial academic challenges were just the beginning. She tackled them with renewed determination, pushing herself to develop new strengths and confident to continue pursuing her goals. Yet, life threw more obstacles her way. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified work demands, blurring the boundaries between her personal and professional life. The relentless pressure led to burnout, forcing Su Yee to confront the harsh realities of an unsustainable work-life balance. Despite her efforts to maintain control by setting boundaries and seeking support, the impact on her health became undeniable. In a courageous move, she made the difficult decision to leave her job, recognizing that her health was paramount.
Throughout the period of personal and professional upheavals, Su Yee embarked on a new role at a different company while also pursuing further education at SIM-University of London’s MSc in Professional Accountancy. Through careful balancing of work and studies, she achieved academic success with Distinction. This programme not only broadened her expertise but also equipped her for future roles in financial strategy and mentorship.
However, the greatest test of Su Yee’s resilience came with the painful end of her engagement, triggered by her ex-fiancé’s infidelity. They had made significant plans for their future, including securing a home together, but the heartbreak and betrayal were devastating, shattering her vision of the life they had planned. Despite the deep emotional wounds, Su Yee faced the truth with remarkable courage, choosing to prioritise her emotional healing and focus on rebuilding her life. This chapter of her life was marked by deep introspection and a renewed focus on her academic and career goals, as she recognised the importance of aligning her life with her values and well-being.
Looking back, Su Yee sees her journey as one defined by resilience and growth. Completing the ACCA exams, enduring the challenges of the pandemic, and navigating the end of her engagement were all pivotal experiences that taught her invaluable lessons in adaptability and perseverance. These experiences have shaped her into a stronger, more focused individual equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in her career.
With winning the Chairman's Award for Resilience, Su Yee encourages others facing academic or personal challenges to view these moments as opportunities for growth. As Winston Churchill said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Su Yee's story inspires others, demonstrating that it is possible to turn challenges into stepping stones towards a brighter future through perseverance and determination.