School Advisor Articles

A Journey of Growth and Achievement: Fatin Aiman’s Transformative Experience at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Feb 16, 2024

In the realm of education and personal growth, some journeys stand out as unique and inspiring. Fatin Aiman’s adventure at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ) is one such story, marked by resilience, adaptability and a passion for golf.=

“KTJ was a stepping stone for me to step out of my introverted shell and become the outgoing person I am today.”

Studying at KTJ

KTJ, a premier international and boarding school catering to students aged 3 to 19 years, is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Here, boys and girls experience outstanding education and gain a platform to achieve their full potential.

At the age of 12, Fatin embarked on her KTJ journey, stepping into uncharted waters away from her parents. The initial adjustment period was a roller coaster ride, but the supportive community and dedicated faculty made her experience extraordinary. “The culture and inclusivity made it easier for me to navigate my journey of independence.”

Despite not pursuing A-Levels at KTJ, Fatin completed her O-Levels there, setting the stage for her academic journey. Her passion for writing, discovered later in her education, was nurtured by her English teachers. “When I realised I was doing much better in English Literature, Composition, and History, compared to the sciences, I knew this was a path I could go down and look further into.”

Thanks to her English teachers Kenneth Kulasingham and Madam Cheah, Fatin now uses the skills she learned to participate in speaking engagements and work on various writing projects, from corporate work to golf instruction and even co-authoring a book.

The book, ‘A Dead Body Never Lies’, was published worldwide by Penguin Random House SEA, and has found its place in libraries across six countries. Notably, it has secured a spot in the prestigious Library of Congress in the United States and Harvard Medical School's library, a testament to the global recognition and impact of Fatin’s writing.

Fatin’s trajectory took a significant turn as she aimed for higher education at the University of Tampa. KTJ’s emphasis on a well-rounded educational environment, combining academics with extracurricular activities, played a pivotal role in shaping her path. The Higher Education (HE) team at KTJ provided invaluable support, guiding her through the essay writing and admission process.

“The balance of getting an education and harnessing other life, social and athletic skills moulded my thought process on what I wanted to do after graduating,” Fatin says.

With golf as an ECA at KTJ, Fatin found the perfect opportunity to pursue her passion for the sport at a higher level.

A Fusion of Passions at PGCC

A significant juncture in Fatin’s journey unfolded when she joined the Professional Golfers Career College (PGCC) in 2017. Fatin didn’t envision herself confined to a desk job all day, and PGCC emerged as the ideal platform for her to delve deeper into the world of golf and pursue a career within it.

“Golf was something I wanted to pursue at a higher level. KTJ offered golf as one of its ECAs and allowed me to pursue it wholeheartedly. Having a proper structure in managing my time and prioritising what is essential to ensure my goal was met made my admissions to The International Junior Golf Academy much easier before embarking to The University of Tampa,” she says.

Her primary objective to carve out a professional path involved amalgamating her journalistic expertise with her passion for golf. Although it took some time, she eventually landed her current role as a Junior Golf Instructor. “The institution has taught me the business and playing side of the industry. Not only did it teach me the fundamentals of the industry, but it also shaped my character and attitude for the better.”

Fatin was a college athlete on an athletic scholarship at the University of Tampa.

KTJ’s Lasting Impact on University Life

The skills and experiences gained at KTJ served Fatin well during her university years. As a college athlete on a scholarship at the University of Tampa, Fatin’s adeptness in time management and adaptability ensured a smooth transition.

“I had to be on my ‘A’ game to ensure I didn’t lose my scholarship. I would say it was fairly doable throughout my time in college.”

The result? She successfully competed in athletics throughout her college career and graduated with Honors.

The transition to college life was relatively smooth for Fatin, thanks to her prior experience at KTJ, where she had already ventured away from her family to pursue education. The diverse and inclusive environment there facilitated easy interactions with others. Making new friends didn’t feel like a daunting task. “Overall, I would say KTJ helped me prepare for a wholesome college career,” she says.

Fatin co-authors a book titled "A Dead Body Never Lies," published worldwide by Penguin Random House SEA, available in libraries across 6 countries.

Top 3 Skills Gained at KTJ

Looking back, Fatin identifies three critical skills gained at KTJ: time management, adaptability and tenacity. These have been instrumental in her success, from her flourishing golf game to her published book and diverse career path.

“If I were not given the discipline of keeping up with going to school, managing my extracurricular activities and getting my homework done during prep time, I would have struggled immensely in college and thereafter.”

The discipline instilled during her school days became the bedrock for navigating the challenges of college and beyond.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you should never take it for granted. KTJ was a stepping stone for me to step out of my introverted shell and become the outgoing person I am today.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Students

Fatin's advice to current and future KTJ students is simple yet profound – dream big and embrace the unknown.

“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything. Your dream or goal may look insane to many just because you thought out of the box. But not everyone can say they got their book in The Library of Congress. So there is always a possibility to do the impossible.”

Her journey from introverted student to published author and golf instructor exemplifies the possibilities that open up when you embrace the unknown and chase your dreams with unwavering belief.