When the VC Called Me "Daughter of the University"
On receiving a university award, walking up to the Vice Chancellor, and handing him a policy proposal
I walked in as a student, but I walked out feeling like a daughter of the university.
This is the story of what happens when you stop waiting for permission to advocate for change—and instead walk directly into the Vice Chancellor's orbit with a policy proposal in your hands.
"Inclusion is not just about allowing people into the room—it's about ensuring they feel truly seen and celebrated when they get there."
October 2024: The Recognition
October 31, 2024. Shah Alam. I stood on stage receiving the Anugerah Khas Mahasiswa OKU Harapan 2024 — top 3 out of 700–1,750 OKU students across 35 UiTM campuses.
This wasn't just a trophy. This was the institution saying: We see you. Your voice matters. And when an institution finally sees you — that's when you realize you have a responsibility to speak not just for yourself, but for everyone still waiting to be seen.
January 2025: The Meeting That Changed Everything
Majlis Sambutan Hari OKU peringkat UiTM 2025. Cowboy-themed celebration, lively atmosphere. And then the Vice Chancellor arrived.
Most students would take a photo, shake hands, say thank you. I did all of that. But I also presented a buah tangan — a personal proposal advocating for greater visibility and meaningful recognition for UiTM OKU students. Increased year-round visibility. Pathways for OKU students to contribute to university policy. Mentorship networks across campuses.
I handed it to the Vice Chancellor. And I waited.
"Dia (Muhammad) bermuka masam dan berpaling, kerana telah datang seorang buta kepadanya..."
"He frowned and turned away, because there came to him the blind man..." — Surah Abasa (1-6)
A student had recited this surah during the ceremony. Later that evening, the Vice Chancellor quoted it in his Facebook post. To see a top leader resonate with this specific reminder — we must never turn away from those who approach us with need — was a masterclass in empathetic leadership.
"I walked in as a student, but I walked out feeling like a daughter of the university."
Not because of the award. Not because of the recognition. But because for the first time, I felt like I had a voice in shaping the institution that shaped me. That's what advocacy feels like. That's what inclusion feels like.
From award recipient to advocate.
One policy proposal. One conversation. One step toward systemic change.
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