The only World Prize winner for the May, 2008 CIMA exams, Nilusha Fonseka shares her story with us. "I was stunned and could not believe that I had won" were her very few words to explain the emotions running in her mind at the news of her so far greatest achievement recalled Nilusha speaking to CIMA Sri Lanka.
The 21 year old former Ladies Collegiate is studying for CIMA along with her Bio Science (B.Sc) Degree at the Sri Jayawardenapura University. She confessed that she was not the usual school genius and said she only studied hard for one month in preparation for her exams. Nilusha readily acknowledges that CIMA is a course of study that is agreeable to the Average student, since a person can do it at their own pace. She believes that it is a course of study that can easily be concluded with a balance of study and play.
The outstanding feat is that Nilusha had to sit for a University Exam paper one hour prior to her Management Accounting Decision Management, CIMA exam paper, the very same paper that she won the World Prize award. Planning and time management was the key to her success since she had to face exams from two completely different fields, which she admits to have been something that she might have picked up from CIMA and a definite mind over matter decision that she determined. Describing what CIMA means to her she said it is very practical and it deals with real life everyday business.
"I just wanted to pass the examination and that was what I was hoping for and the thought of being a prize winner never crossed my mind" admitted Nilusha. Being a student from a science background she still believes that students from a commerce background can do better, she observed contrary to claims made by students from the commerce background.
In School Nilusha was a multi talented student captaining the Athletic team,and also a school prefect,. CIMA Institutes also promote their own extracurricular activities such as sports depending on the Organization, she added.
Nlusha said that her study mantra had been to study for exams early and do her daily home work. Although she did not study daily she had worked hard leading up to the exams. CIMA always gives their exam time table very early and that is a big help to plan and organize ones studies, she added.
The CIMA Sri Lanka building has a study center, comprehensive library and revision lectures leading up to the exam that should be capitalized and benefited by all students alike and that was a part of her routine study. The study center enables students to concentrate and study in a quiet environment or simply is the ideal place to put you in the mood to study as observed by users.
As the World Prize winner Nilusha was awarded a cash prize by CIMA global and an award at the Bi-annual prize giving held in August, 2008. That was a truly unforgettable day for her and a surprise for her friends when they saw her picture that appeared in newspapers.
The only advice that she wants to share with her fellow CIMA students is the importance to Work while you study. "The practical work experience while studying makes your studies more meaningful" stressed Nilusha.. |