Learning a new skill can be challenging, especially at a later stage in life. But, Sarah Sabaratnam uncovers how important it is to sharpen your skills at any age.
When Indrani Kopal left school at the age of 18, she did what her parents told her to do: study computer science. She hated it, dropped out of Stamford College 12 months later and moved to Sunway College; only to do a similar course of her parents’ choice.
Meanwhile, clumps of her hair were falling away, leaving her with bald patches. The stares and comments she endured almost daily reduced her in so many ways. And, although a bright student who always scored an A for English, Indrani lacked the confidence to speak it. “I spoke only Bahasa, or Tamil, and even then you would have to strain to hear me. I was so shy and spoke too softly.”
Today, 20 years later, Indrani is a Fulbright Scholar with a master’s in documentary film making from Hofstra University in New York – the field of her choice. She is a multi award-winning independent documentary filmmaker, with her own film making company, making waves at local and international film festivals. Her accolades and films are well documented on her website, indranikopal.com. With a bubbly personality, she can now unabashedly wax eloquent in English.
Indrani credits her transformation to having identified her true passion, and then to the various opportunities to upskill, not just in terms of academics, but in soft skills and extra-curricular activities. “Increasing your academic qualifications is one thing, but I firmly believe that there are many other things you can do or use to become a better version of yourself.”
Beyond formal education
Anita Soosay, the regional human resources manager for Asia Pacific Superior Energy Services, concurs. Upskilling, she says, doesn’t have to be in the form of a formal qualification or certification. It can even be a skill gained through experience.
This story is from the January 2018 edition of Her World Malaysia.
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This story is from the January 2018 edition of Her World Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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