Nilai U Business graduate fulfils ambition to write book.
“Writing this book has been a calling for me,” explains Chiduku Michael Simbasashe, who has just self-published a book entitled ‘Awakening Your Inner Greatness’. “I have wanted to do this since I was 15. This book is about helping others maximise their true potential and in writing this book, I believe I have awakened my own inner greatness.” The 23-year old from Harare, Zimbabwe is back at Nilai University (Nilai U) to attend his graduation ceremony, having successfully completed his BBA (Hons) in Marketing programme. It was also a great opportunity for him to share his experience of writing and publishing his self-development book with other students and the Business Students Society promptly invited him to give a talk.
Michael (as he is known to his friends) says he was inspired to write the book by a motivational speaker in his home country – Douglas Mamvura. The latter was instrumental in instilling a belief in young Michael that he could become an author. “He made me realise that I could achieve my dreams if I had the discipline and focus to apply myself properly,” says Michael. “Of course, my parents were also a great source of inspiration and were hugely encouraging of my efforts.”
The former St. John’s College, Zimbabwe student also cites his sporting background as a source of inspiration. Michael represented his country in 100m, 200m and 400m sprint events in various age groups, culminating in the World Junior Championships in Canada in 2010. “The discipline and focus of being a national athlete certainly helped me. Writing a book is not much different from the rigorous training schedule I used to go through,” he says. “It certainly toughened me up and allowed me to focus my mind on the task at hand. I believe it is why I was able to complete my book ahead of the self-imposed deadline.”
The key message Michael tries to get across in his book is for readers, especially youths, to dream big. “Life is finite. We need to do all we can to make a positive and meaningful impact. We all have greatness within us – it’s just a matter of awakening it,” he exclaims. He cites four key factors in determining one’s success – ‘encouragement’, ‘mentorship’, ‘determination’, and ‘friendship’. Of course, he believes a quality education is also crucial in helping individuals unlocking their true potential.
“A quality education is more than just getting great exam results. It is about making full use of the opportunities available to you,” he explains. “At Nilai U, there were plenty of opportunities for me to grow and mature as a person. That is why I immersed myself in extra-curricular activities as a means to improve myself.” Michael’s time at Nilai U is punctuated with numerous achievements, including being elected President of the Students’ Representative Council as well as being the founder and president of the Leaders of Tomorrow club. He also joined in the many campus activities such as the Future Leaders Camp and also volunteered to be Master of Ceremonies at various campus events. He also took the opportunity to earn an enhanced certification by joining the Dale Carnegie course that is offered to all Nilai U students.
“Being involved in these activities gave me self-confidence and the belief that anything is possible,” he states assuredly. “I encourage all students who come to Nilai U to fully utilise the opportunities afforded to them. These act as a platform for them to grow into confident and mature individuals.” As for his experience in Malaysia, Michael is gushing in his praise for a country that has welcomed him with open arms. “The people are so friendly and a very affordable education destination for international students. What more can one ask for?” he surmises. Given that he will be graduating at the end of the week and can also boast of becoming a self-published autor, it would seem, not much.
Nilai U’s Blueprint for Success coaches students both in the academic and extra-curricular fields. It also offers students plenty of opportunities to gain essential soft skills through myriad of programmes such as Dale Carnegie’s Skills for Success and Outward Bound Survival Skills. All of Nilai U programmes are validated by the Ministry of Education and validated by the Malaysia Qualifications Agency. They are also recognised by many reputable universities abroad facilitating easy transfer of credits. For more information, please go to www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502308 / 07-2262336 / 03-79603089.
