Opened Doors and Closed Doors.

For those who do not know, I recently completed my studies in Inti International College, Penang with a Diploma in Business certificate. I knew that I would need to graduate with a degree certificate but was uncertain of where to go next, even though my heart's desire has always been to further my studies outside of Penang and to pursue something related to management.

On a Sunday morning, God asked me "So why do you want to move out of Penang to continue your studies?". Haha, it's funny when He asks you questions because it was never because He doesn't know the answer but I knew that He wanted me to know what my own answer was. 

I thought about the question and I said, "I want a new experience which will push me to grow more as an individual"

As time went by, I realised how much I wanted to pursue my studies in Monash university.  The factor which made me think twice of Monash was the course fee which is RM 101,000 to complete a 3 years degree program. I thought to myself "To pay such a huge amount and spend another 3 years of studies when I have already completed a 2 years diploma, is it worth it?" I spoke to my parents about the few options I had in mind to which my dad said "A degree certificate is important, but at the end of the day, it is only a certificate. Go for a university course which you can graduate faster".


So, I decided to make a trip down to KL with Le Roy to apply for exemptions in Monash University, hoping that the exemptions will save time and cost. While I was there, Ming Yen, a friend of mine who was also a student in Monash University brought the both of us for a short tour around the campus. Oh my, I fell in love with the campus. 


There were just so many things I loved about it but in my heart, I said "God, if this is from You, I pray that You open the door. If it isn't, shut this door".


Amidst waiting for the news from the university, I applied for a few scholarships. Unfortunately, I did not receive any news on my scholarship applications. Discouraged and disappointed, thoughts ran through my mind. 


"Maybe my CGPA wasn't high enough"
"Maybe I could have had more curriculum involvements"


A few weeks have passed before I received an e-mail from Monash.

Dear EULENE TSU PHIN,


We are pleased to inform you that your application to study  at Monash University Malaysia has been successful. Attached is your Offer Letter providing details of the duration of the course, fees and general condition. The faculty of Business and Economics have reviewed your academic record and has agreed that although you are eligible for the Bachelor of Business and Commerce at Monash University Malaysia, no credits will be awarded.

It felt as though the e-mail just doubled the dosage of disappointment and discouragement for me.  I thought about the prayer I made to God about this and I wondered "How could God shut this door? It's Monash! Isn't this the best for me?"

When He shut the door, it was as though He had said to me "What may seem the best option in your eyes is not what I know is best for you"

" I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name " 

Revelations 3 : 8

A few days later, Xher Rael, a friend of mine called me as she was in Taylor's Lakeside University campus. "Taylor's Lakeside......", I thought to myself. I remember how I wanted to study here right after my SPM examinations. She told me to consider applying for Taylor's as they're open for credit exemptions. I figured that there was no harm in trying hence, I brought all the documents & went to the Penang office to apply for exemptions. Halfway through the conversation with the lady I liaised with, I asked her about the scholarship requirements for transfer students.

"Oh... Erm... Actually, the minimum requirement for students is usually a CGPA of 3.50", she said.

Hearing that as a student who had a CGPA of 3.46, I figured that I should probably just say goodbye to any scholarship applications. 

"But you could still apply for it, no harm"

Before I opened the application form, I thought to myself "Missing the mark by 0.04, who am I even kidding?". Before submitting the application, I took a deep breath, said a short prayer, and clicked "Submit".


Little did I know, I received an e-mail which stated that I got selected for an interview with them!


I began my online research to prepare myself for the interview. Halfway through, I found out that with a minimum of 3.50 CGPA, the scholarship value would be RM 5,000 per academic year. For students who achieve a 3.90 CGPA, they would be entitled for a RM 20,00 per academic year scholarship. The interview was at 10.30 a.m, and I found myself waiting at 9.40 a.m. My heart was beating so fast and loud, I wondered if the interviewer heard it. 


Just ONE day after the interview, I received an e-mail from Taylor's University. 

Dear EULENE OOI TSU PHIN,

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADER PROGRAMME

Congratulations! You have been awarded the Future Business Leader Programme !                   

Our panel of interviewers was impressed with your performance during the interview held on 28 June 2015. We are confident that you will excel in the  Future Business Leader Programme that will help propel exceptional students like you to realise your true potential.

Based on your outstanding academic performance and active participation in extra-curricular activities, the University is pleased to offer you a scholarship valued at RM10,000 per year (in the form of tuition fee waiver) to pursue the Bachelor of Business (Honours) (Human Resource Management) programme offered and conducted at Taylor’s University.

I couldn't believe what I saw.  (I blinked my eyes a few times just to double check, no kidding)


For a student like me, one who did not even reach the minimum target of 3.50 CGPA, I was only entitled for a grand total amount of RM 15,000 scholarship but I received a RM 30,000 scholarship? That's double the amount! What made this even better was when I found out that I got exemptions as I completed my diploma in Inti College, which only means that I do not need 3 years to complete this program. 


The reason of why I'm sharing this testimony is not to boast of my capabilities, I'm only here to testify of what God can do for someone as ordinary as me. As I think back about this journey, He reminded me of my desire to pursue Mass Communications in Taylor's University after my SPM examinations. I remember hoping for it, only to be crushed by the reality of not achieving straight As for SPM. I remember feeling so disappointed with myself, as I pressured myself to achieve straight As, just as I did for UPSR and PMR examinations. 


A famous photographer which I follow, Jasmine Star recently posted a status on Facebook which I can confidently say is so very true.

"Sometimes getting the desires of your heart means waiting for God's perfect timing"

If I had gone to Taylor's two years ago instead of this year, I would not have discovered my interest in business management.

If I had gone to Taylor's two years ago instead of this year, I would probably have not got into a relationship with an amazing partner & supporter.

If I had gone to Taylor's two years ago instead of this year, I would not have been able to experience this amazing testimony. 



Time and time again, God has reminded me of how good and faithful He is. I know that He has His hand upon this and I'm just so excited to see all that He has installed for me as I begin this new chapter in life. To my family, I couldn't have been more thankful for having each of you by my side, through thick and thin. 

Some of you who have been wondering why I've been missing in action for some time, now you know why :) I could have just cut the story short  (YOU JUST HAD TO BE LONG WINDED?) but I felt the need to share these details with you readers because truly, when you lift up your heart's desires unto Him, He will show you what is His best for you. You may have to wait a little longer, pray a little more, feel discouraged during difficult moments,but no matter what, it will be worth it. 

Does this mean that I will no longer be taking or posting up photos? My answer would be a big NO! Photography has and will always be apart of my life, I would be more than happy to continue to receive requests from some of you who would like me to take photos. For those who are interested, feel free to message me via e-mail at : euleneo@gmail.com. I definitely look forward to new opportunities with new people in the future :) 




On an unrelated note, while we all always seem to have time to read, comment and share articles, let's not forget to also have some time to pray for our beloved country which needs help. Till next time, everyone.