Nurul Izzati Sofeyah Rostam (seated, third from left) isn’t like most teenagers. She often struggled to read textbooks and had difficulty concentrating.
But she has two outstanding gifts – her ability to draw and her talent for telling captivating stories.
Now 19, Nurul Izzati Sofeyah – or simply Sofeyah to her friends – didn’t have a conventional schooling experience, as she has dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her elder brother, Muhammad Izzudin Rostam, also has learning difficulties.
Their mother, Norlaili Abdullasim, took it upon herself to homeschool her children, ensuring they received the best education possible in a supportive environment.
Recognising Sofeyah’s gift, Norlaili enrolled her in a teen writing class run by writer-editor-trainer Brigitte Rozario a year ago. That decision paid off when one of Sofeyah’s stories was included in Rozario’s latest anthology of Malaysian stories, Caught in Culture.
The book, launched two weeks ago, reflects Malaysia’s vibrant multi-ethnic society, with 15 young authors offering unique takes on tradition, modernity, and identity. Their stories explore tensions arising from cultural values that are not fully understood, yet still expected to be followed.
Sofeyah’s tale, titled Teacher, is about Puan Izzah, who has an unpleasant attitude. A student hesitates to tell her parents what happens at school, as they believe that “a teacher is always right”.
“This story is purely fictional, as I have a great teacher,” laughed Sofeyah, glancing at her proud mother beside her.
“I had an unconventional upbringing, but it has been a wonderful experience. Getting to study with my brother and mother is something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.”
Sofeyah admitted she struggled with her schoolwork at first, but it became easier over time.
“It was hard reading or writing at first, but now it’s not so bad. I have so many ideas in my head. Sometimes it’s difficult to put everything down on paper, but I try my best,” she said.
“Actually, I love drawing. Maybe one day I’ll write a story and illustrate it myself. That would be a dream come true.”
Norlaili said she has been pleasantly surprised by her daughter’s progress since joining Rozario’s class.
“She is very shy and has trouble mixing with people,” said Norlaili.
“That’s why I was delighted to see that she didn’t hesitate to attend the book launch – even though she knew she’d have to go up front to sign the giant poster and pose for photographs. Her confidence has grown. I would like to thank Brigitte, who has been helping her with her writing.”
Norlaili added that her husband, Rostam Abdul Halim, who works in the Middle East, has also noticed Sofeyah’s growing self-assurance.
Sofeyah also has a heart of gold. At their family farm in Jasin, Melaka, she helps feed the animals – and once cared for a baby goat after its mother died.
“I don’t know why, but the goat was attached to me. I took pity on it and decided to help nurse it,” said Sofeyah, adding that the kid even slept on her bed.
“I don’t know if my mother liked that, but I think she did – the goat is healthy now.”
Sofeyah isn’t just a girl with dyslexia and ADHD. She is an artist, a storyteller, a goat-saver and a dreamer, who has the whole world ahead of her.
To read her story, pick up a copy of Caught in Culture at BookXcess and Gerakbudaya for RM33.90.
