RANAU: Returning to tertiary education is a daunting challenge for Jvy Mius, who spent seven years working as a porter after completing Form 6.
The 28-year-old has gained recognition on social media under the handle @jvy_tenangisgood, where he shares his daily experiences carrying heavy loads along the steep and rocky trails of Southeast Asia's highest peak.
However, the third of four siblings from Kampung Waang, a highland village in Ranau, decided it was time to expand his knowledge in business to secure a better future.
"After my STPM examination, I became a porter because it was the only job I could do. I enjoyed it, and I had the stamina for the work," he said.
"However, one cannot be a porter forever. There will come a time when the body can no longer handle carrying heavy loads.
"That's why I decided to pursue business studies - to build a sustainable livelihood," he told NST as he embarked on his new educational journey in Kuala Lumpur this week.
He admitted that returning to formal education after several years was an uphill battle.
To cover the RM14,000 tuition fee for his six-month foundation course at a private institution, he has been funding himself.
Since he can no longer work as a porter during his three-year studies, his only source of income is selling ginger powder and other products through social media, where he has a following of approximately 420,000.
"Another challenge is getting back into the habit of studying. I struggled so much that I questioned why I even started this in the first place.
"I also find it difficult to use and pronounce advanced English words since I am more accustomed to speaking in Malay.
"But I know this is the right path for me. Learning business will help me better manage my agricultural ventures."
Among Mount Kinabalu's porters, Jvy said some have pursued further education, while others have transitioned into careers in oil and gas or sought opportunities abroad.
"For me, if necessary, I will still return to being a porter, but not as frequently as before," he said.
Comments
Post a Comment