Dwarfism not a barrier to living life to the fullest
Widad said earning her degree and proving to her employers that she was capable of handling the responsibilities of her job has been one of her greatest achievements.
SHAH ALAM - Growing up with physical differences comes with unique challenges, especially when navigating the complex social dynamics of school life.
For human resource and admin executive Widad Abdul Muiz Dzihni, 28, her early years were shaped by confusion and bullying that tested her resilience.
However, with time, she found strength in positivity and the support of friends who embraced her for who she is.
"During my school years, growing up with dwarfism wasn’t easy. When we were kids, going to high school was hard because I didn’t understand why people picked on me in primary school. But in high school, it got better because I was surrounded by positive friends," she told Sinar Daily.
Widad’s journey illustrated how a nurturing environment can transform self-perception.
She credited her high school friends for treating her as an equal, helping her embrace her condition with confidence.
"Being surrounded by people who don’t act like I’m any lesser than them is very important to me.
"I don’t want to be treated like I’m special. I want to be treated like I’m normal," she said.
Her positive outlook continued to grow during her university years, where she pursued both a diploma and a degree in Office Technology System.
She said university life was another turning point as she was surrounded by supportive friends and those who encouraged her to stay positive.
"Dwarfism doesn't stop me from achieving my life goals and I want to prove that even with a physical disability, you can succeed like anyone else," she added.
Challenges were a normal part of life for persons with disabilities and Widad revealed that she faced many societal perceptions.
She shared that being perceived by some as physically different has contributed to her insecurities.
"Of course, when you are different, not everyone will see you like a normal person.
"But I’ve set my mind to move forward. At 28, I won’t let that hold me back because my goal is make myself happy and my family happy," she said.
Widad’s determination extended to her professional life.
Despite her physical condition, she has never let dwarfism become a barrier.
She said she has been working for three years and during job interviews, she was always transparent about her condition.
The companies that she went to, she said have been understanding and recognised her abilities.
She said earning her degree and proving to her employers that she was capable of handling the responsibilities of her job has been one of her greatest achievements.
"Most interviewers didn’t look down on me—in fact, they were proud of me. That’s a huge motivation to keep pursuing more in life," she said.
Widad’s journey was a testament to the power of resilience, a positive mindset and supportive relationships.
She encouraged people with disabilities to surround themselves with supportive and positive people who inspired and uplift them.
"To anyone facing challenges because of physical differences, surround yourself with positive people who uplift you. Set your goals and work hard to achieve them.
"Dwarfism hasn’t stopped me from living my life and it shouldn’t stop anyone else," she said.
