On 15 March 2025, IMU University Nursing Division once again collaborated with Kwang Hua Private High School’s Counselling Department to to bring an exciting and eye-opening workshop to Form 5 and Form 6 students, as well as their teachers.  Titled “Discover Nursing: Your Journey Starts Here,” the event aimed to ignite curiosity, shatter misconceptions, and introduce participants to the ever-evolving, purpose-driven world of nursing. With an inspiring  theme  of “Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies,” the event not only explored the nursing profession but also reaffirmed its critical role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Was this workshop simply a community outreach programme? On the surface, it might seem so, but for the IMU University Nursing students from NU 1/24, who had just begun their Bachelor of Nursing journey in September 2024 and were participating in their very first public engagement, it was a transformative milestone. It offered them a moment to reflect on their early steps into the nursing world, to rediscover the passion that led them here, and to inspire peers who now stand at similar crossroads. Here are two stories that capture the heart of what this experience meant to them.

Hui Jing volunteered at the “Suit Up & Save” station, where she guided participants in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This station was especially meaningful in a post-pandemic world, where the memory of healthcare workers battling COVID-19 in full PPE was still fresh in everyone’s mind.

As the session unfolded, Hui Jing noticed participants reacting with both amusement and awe. Some laughed as they wrestled with the layers of protective gear, while others expressed surprise at how hot and restrictive it felt. Then, one comment from a student stirred something deep within her:

“Now I get to experience how hot it is to be in full PPE. I can’t imagine how frontline workers endured this discomfort during the pandemic while helping others.”

That moment brought Hui Jing back to a time of doubt in her own life. Though she had long dreamed of becoming a nurse, she began to question that dream during the height of the pandemic. Unlike many of her classmates who came from a science background, Hui Jing was from the arts stream. Hui Jing feared she lacked the science foundation to succeed in nursing. Hui Jing wondered:

Was it too late for me? Could I even pursue this career coming from an arts stream?”

But then something changed. As Hui Jing watched the news unfold, seeing hospitals overwhelmed and nurses working tirelessly to care for others, her doubts turned into determination. At a time when many people were waiting to be served, Hui Jing felt the urge to be someone who serves. That became her turning point. Hui Jing realised that nursing was not just about academic background, but about compassion, resilience, and the courage to step up when it mattered most.

Fortunately, Hui Jing had taken Basic Science in her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), which helped bridge the gap in her transition to nursing. With renewed determination, Hui Jing worked hard to meet the academic requirements, proving to herself that she was capable despite her initial doubts.

As Hui Jing looked around during the workshop, she realised that many of the participants shared a similar background. Most of them held the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and came from arts-based streams. Hui Jing saw herself in them—the same uncertainty, the same curiosity, and the same eagerness to explore nursing.

By sharing her story, Hui Jing hoped to offer reassurance and courage to those standing at the same crossroads she once faced. And Hui Jing would like to leave them with a simple message:

“Nothing is impossible unless you do nothing but dream.”

Through this experience, Hui Jing found her answer—it is never too late, and the best time to begin is now at IMU University. Hui Jing knew she had to take action. Hui Jing didn’t want her dream to remain just a dream. Without a doubt, Hui Jing had chosen the right path—the path to becoming a nurse. And now, with renewed purpose, she is giving her all to reach the finish line.

While Hui Jing (in the main photo above) found connection through teaching, her classmate Jaclyn Lu discovered inspiration through observation.

For Jaclyn Lu, taking part in the workshop as a photographer was more than just capturing snapshots, it was witnessing transformation unfold in real time. As Jaclyn Lu moved between stations with her camera, she observed the students’ initial hesitation. For many, it was their first time performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or learning how to manage a choking infant. Some were unsure, their hands trembling slightly as they attempted chest compressions, uncertain if they were doing it right. But with each rotation, something changed. Encouragement from lecturers, proper guidance, and repeated practice helped them gain confidence. Jaclyn Lu could see it in their eyes, the shift from doubt to determination. Some students, initially nervous, began to trust their own hands, realising that their actions could make a difference.

Several participants shared how the hands-on nature of the stations gave them a new level of confidence. Others expressed a newfound respect for the nursing profession. They began to understand that nursing is not just a job, but a calling—one that requires compassion, technical skill, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. By the end of the workshop, Jaclyn Lu saw a transformation not only in their skills but in their perception of nursing. What began as a simple learning experience sparked genuine interest. Some were now considering nursing as a possible path.

As Jaclyn Lu reflected on the day, she couldn’t help but wonder: Had this experience planted the seed for a future nurse among them? Perhaps, years from now, one of these students would stand where she stood, guiding and inspiring the next generation, just as she had once been inspired herself.

So, how about you? What kind of journey do you want to begin? Whether nursing becomes your calling or a meaningful stepping stone, know this…you are not alone in discovering this path. IMU University offers a Bachelor of Nursing programme that nurtures not just knowledge and skills, but also wisdom and the right attitude, preparing you to face real-world healthcare challenges with confidence and compassion. Every great journey begins with a desire. Let that desire move you. Take action and begin!

Written by Jaclyn Lu Zi Wei (NU 1/24) and Pung Hui Jing (NU 1/24)

 Reviewed by Dr Lim Swee Geok and Lee Mei Ying