A Story of Ten Years

Ten years ago is hugely different from now. On that time, I was a residential high school student in Kota Kinabalu taking art stream. I was preparing to sit the exit examination like most of us did and will do. It's SPM indeed.

After efforts and prayers, and of course support from many, I exited the school, but without flying colours as expected by many. It is just four As, three A minuses, two B pluses and one B.

I then joined IIUM. In addition to Malay poetry and Arabic debate I found when I was a school student, I found politics, Islamic development, and of course teaching. Long story short, I graduated after more than five years, but again, the colours were not so flying.

It is just 0.02 behind the first-class Bachelor's degree when I got one. Many reacted it in cheers, disappointment and ignorance.

I almost enter politics, but given the uncertainty of local and national politics, I reserved myself from politics without relinquishing membership in a political party I gained back in 2013.

I rather listened to my family's advice and therefore take a very hard way in pursuing a second degree in UMS. It is still ongoing in uncertainty.

I joined Federal Education Service shortly before my convocation. Despite challenges faced throughout my public service, I have no regret. Many have, in fact, cheered my career.

Despite many have done and deserved far better than me, I choose to be myself. Just myself.

So your journey needs you to be yourself. Just yourself. Not anyone else. Because you know yourself more than others.

Be a kind and beneficial one. Give more and take more. Always forgive and appreciate. Work smarter and pray sincerer. The others will reciprocate the same to you. If not many, some of them.

At this junction, I am thankful to many who have been coming and going. For those who choose to stay, you are extremely extraordinary.

May the grace of Allah and the teachings of His Messenger show us the right way to live our life.