Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of 148 graduates received their diplomas yesterday during the afternoon session of the 24th Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Convocation.

The Sunday Bulletin headed out to speak to a number of these diploma recipients, the first of whom was Nurul Hasikin binti Hj Bahar, who received a Diploma in Nursing.

Speaking to the Bulletin, she said, "I was very nervous and very happy at the same time when I received my diploma. I have already applied for employment, and I am now just waiting for a response."

Nurul Hasikin said that, at first, she was not too keen on the subject matter of her course, but over time became very passionate about it.

Asked on her thoughts on what was the hardest part of the course, she said, "It was ' very challenging, especially learning how to handle patients correctly"

Meanwhile, Muzafil Huzairin bin Hj Aji, another recipient of the Diploma in Nursing, expressed his gratefulness for the achievement, describing the experience he obtained during his attachment at health institutions as playing a big role in getting him where he is.

"One of the biggest things we learnt was teamwork - how to work together," he said, before going on to thank his lecturers, family, friends and "beloved one" for their support.

Another Diploma in Nursing recipient, Nor Masayuni Fairuz, said, "The most memorable Moment for me in this course was when my grades started to rise for the first time. I was very happy."

She said that through the course, she learnt not only about nursing itself, but was also able to make new friends, gain self-confidence and learn more about herself

"Thank you to my parents, siblings, lecturers, friends and that special one for their support," she added.

Siti Norazimah binti Mohd Said received a diploma for having completed of a paramedic course, and said that she felt "very satisfied" to have finally completed the three-year course.

"The hardest part was learning to receive patients in an emergency, and how to handle resuscitation cases."

Siti Norazimah added she has yet to decide whether she intends to try and get straight into the work force or to further her studies.

Noor Hazmah Rosli, another Paramedic Diploma recipient, told the Bulletin the most important things she learnt during the course were "leadership, management and critical thinking".

She explained that the first half of the paramedic course is nursing-related, while the remaining half is dedicated to 'paramedic training.

She also explained her reasoning for selecting the course, saying, "I chose it because it's challenging, and it's something that is fitting for adventurous people.

"I'd like to thank my mum, dad, my whole family, my friends and my lecturers for helping me get here today. Next I want to go study abroad on a scholarship to Australia, in either Melbourne or Adelaide," she added.

One more Paramedic Diploma recipient, Dk Hanisah binti Pg Hj Rani, told the Bulletin that the best moment of the day for her was when she received her certificate in the presence of her proud parents.

"I know that they are proud of me and it feels so good to have done them proud," she said, adding, "I want to thank them for their support, as well as my supportive friends, mentors and lecturers."

She added that she looks forward to becoming a paramedic one day and saving lives.

The Sunday Bulletin also spoke to Hjh Amal Hazirah binti Hj Jaidin, a nursing diploma recipient who described her path over the three-year course as being "pretty smooth sailing."

Sharing an insight into what was the hardest part of the course, she said, "Having to be the bearer of bad news when speaking to the families of patients. That was definitely the hardest thing to do."

Hjh Amal Hazirah, who is now pursuing a degree in nursing, later wished to express her gratitude to her lecturers, family, friends and attachment programme mentors for their support and for everything they have helped her learn along the way.