However , she did face many challenges while studying in a foreign environment . In the beginning , she had problems understanding the fully English instructions from lecturers as she was used to the Malay language . “ It took a few years to learn the American accent and I had to ask for help and notes ,” she recalls .
The physical and mental training regime at USNA was rigorous . In the first year , there was a seven-week programme called Phebe Summer . “ This training is required for all incoming Freshmen , to turn us into Midshipmen from a civilian . It certainly wasn ’ t easy but people around me made it easier for me to go through . It helped me realise that we are part of something bigger than ourselves ,” she notes .
Janushaa adds that the tough training also emphasised competence , character and compassion . This relates to the importance of leadership and teamwork . “ As officers , you are given the responsibility of taking care of your enlisted personnel and carrying the legacy of the people before you . I would like to be a selfless leader who is always there for her people when they need me ,” she affirms .
What exerted the greatest pressure on Janushaa was the thought that ‘ I cannot quit and there is no turning back ’ because she was the first Malaysian female representative to enter USNA . “ I was my worst critic ,” she admits . In her darkest moments , she withdrew from friends and neglected her studies . Her grades went downhill . Her teachers noticed and took her to counselling sessions and gave her extra tuition . Janushaa gradually pulled herself up and took things in stride . “ I didn ’ t want to let anyone down . I truly wanted to make Malaysia proud of me and prove that everyone is capable of excelling when they put their mind and soul into it .” She walked the talk and graduated in 2022 .
Under the scholarship ’ s terms , Janushaa is bonded for 10 years and now serves the Royal Malaysian Navy ( after graduating from USNA , foreign Midshipmen return home with service commitment to their country ). With her present rank as “ Lieutenant Muda ’, she is studying the management and upkeeping of ships . This knowledge will equip her to become a competent engineer to oversee the operation and maintenance of electrical installations like switchboards , gen sets
Janushaa congratulated by President Biden during the graduation ceremony
Making Malaysia proud - Janushaa showing her Bachelor ' s degree
and engines . As a female officer , Janushaa finds it very challenging to work in the male-dominated environment . ‘ It is difficult because no male likes to work under female leadership . You have to get the guys to listen and gain their respect . They also have a lot of expectations for someone who graduated from USNA .”
On her message for young aspirants , Janushaa encourages youths to be involved in the Navy as an engineer . She says the Royal Malaysian Navy offers training and courses for those keen on Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to become competent engineers . They have laid out easier pathways for Engineering Officers to gain professional titles such as Ir . since the technical requirements of the Navy and the Board of Engineers ( BEM ) are not far apart . She extols that “ The Navy is a great platform for engineers to gain experience and knowledge as beginners . Further down the pathway , there are other expert areas to explore to align with your career interest .” - Inforeach
11