Innataliah Bahati says mortuary work has deepened her appreciation for life.
Mortician Innataliah Bahati explains how caring for the deceased and supporting grieving families have shaped her career and appreciation for life.
Innataliah Bahati chose mortuary work to serve others by caring for the deceased and supporting grieving families. The mortician says her career has deepened her appreciation for life while teaching her compassion and responsibility.
For Bahati, the role extends beyond handling the deceased with care. It also requires understanding the emotions of families facing loss and helping them through difficult moments.
Why Innataliah Bahati chose mortuary work
Bahati says the profession appealed to her because it offers a meaningful, if sometimes misunderstood, way to serve humanity. However, some relatives and friends initially expressed surprise at her choice.
She attributes that reaction partly to how rarely young women openly discuss pursuing mortuary careers. As those close to her understood the work’s purpose, many became more supportive.
Their changing responses also helped her learn to trust her decisions rather than other people’s first impressions. Despite the challenges, she says the experience has strengthened her commitment to the profession.
Practical training and campus lessons
During her studies, Bahati particularly enjoyed practical mortuary science classes because they connected classroom lessons with professional demands. Those sessions helped her understand the precision, care and respect the work requires.
By contrast, she found theory-heavy scientific units more demanding, although they helped her develop patience and discipline. A lecturer’s fast-paced teaching style also pushed her to study independently and revise regularly.
Beyond coursework, she balanced her studies with part-time work and small side businesses. Managing both taught her budgeting and time management, especially when academic demands increased.
Meanwhile, friendships offered support and opportunities to unwind. She remembers classmates Dee, Grace and Shakila for the encouragement, laughter and shared experiences they brought to campus life.
Protecting her wellbeing and valuing life
Bahati says mortuary work calls for resilience, but professionals must also recognise their own emotional needs. She prioritises rest, supportive relationships and a balance between empathy and professional responsibility.
She also returns to the purpose behind her work: respecting the deceased and families experiencing grief. Caring for her mental and emotional health helps her maintain that approach.
Seeing the impact of loss has also encouraged her to value time with loved ones. Rather than postponing expressions of affection or gratitude, she believes people should recognise life’s uncertainty.
Looking back, Bahati would encourage her younger self to remain open to learning and trust her progress. Challenges, she says, do not necessarily signal failure; friendships, successes and setbacks can all contribute to growth.
