For Miss Zeenath, who celebrated her convocation in Dubai, where she is now working with a management consultancy firm, her success could not have been sweeter. -- ST PHOTO
SHE was a madrasah student who rejected a place at a junior college because of the no-headscarf policy.
So, Miss Zeenath Jaleel's first day at the Singapore Management University (SMU) four years ago was a culture shock.
She saw fellow students relaxing over beer or playing card games she never knew existed, like poker.
While staying true to her religious beliefs, she learnt to accept that some others had different norms.
She also learnt to speak up.
She said: 'I'm naturally a very shy and quiet person. Suddenly, I'm required to speak up in class.'
But she adapted quickly and made many friends.
On Saturday, the 26-year-old graduated with a bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management, together with 1,373 other SMU students from various courses.
This is the sixth and largest cohort to graduate from SMU.
For Miss Zeenath, who celebrated her convocation in Dubai, where she is now working with a management consultancy firm, her success could not have been sweeter.
