A Young Person's Booster From An Old Man's Endeavor

بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم

Sometimes, tiredness looms over us. Day by day goes by, and we find that we are but doing the same thing, everyday. Studying or seeking becomes more of a routine than a promise, more of a burden (regrettable to be thinking of this) than a responsibility. Too often, I find myself at the brink of shouting the word I am trying my best at avoiding;

What would Allah Taala and Rasulullah saw think of me, of us really? We have so much freedom, so much time, and so much energy in our young lives, and yet, we have the guts to say that dreadful "B" word. Nastaghfirullah al-`azim.


Alhamdulillah, yesterday while reading the newspaper for the first time in 2 weeks (I think) Allah Taala guided me to the very remedy I so desperately needed; a motivation.

PMR a test of courage, too

2010/12/27
By Adie Suri Zulkefli


BUKIT MERTAJAM: Fifty-year-old Samsudin Rejab is no superhero. He is an ordinary man who works as a security guard at the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry's office at the Seberang Perai Tengah district office.

But there is something in Samsudin, or Pak Din as he is fondly known, that might inspire others, particularly the younger generation.

For someone his age, it took a great deal of courage to be in a hall packed with 15-year-old students sitting the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) examination this year.

"It was an awkward situation. The students were watching me, wondering what an old man like me was doing among them at the PMR examination," Samsudin told the New Straits Times at his home in Taman Ara Indah, Permatang Pasir here yesterday.

Samsudin was one of 439,456 candidates who received their PMR results on Thursday. He had taken the examination at SMK Sama Gagah here as an independent candidate.

Although he did not pass with flying colours, obtaining 1C, 3Ds and 4Es, Samsudin's effort to improve his life demands huge admiration.

He took the PMR examination to meet a requirement for career advancement. 

While applying online for a job upgrade -- from the post of security guard with Grade KP11 to security assistant with Grade KP17 -- Samsudin was unable to meet an important requirement as he had lost his Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP) certificate obtained in 1975.

"I had to take PMR to fulfil the academic qualification needed to apply for the post."

Nevertheless, he added, his decision was not merely for career advancement.

"I may not be a high achiever, but I want to inspire youngsters, especially school dropouts, so that they don't give up on their education. 

"If an old man like me can study textbooks and sit examinations, they can do far better."

Five years ago, Samsudin sat the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination before repeating the paper a year later.

While others his age are looking forward to their retirement, Samsudin is still enthusiastic about academic achievement.

He plans to sit for the SPM again next year. Call him a dreamer, but it is Samsudin's ultimate wish to set foot in a university as a student.

http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/14PPHE/Article

After reading this magnificent story, I felt shame looming over me, albeit/although briefly. It's a good sign, I suppose, and I welcome shame looming over, instead of tiredness. 

Like the writer says, Mr Samsudin Rejab is no superhero. 


Can he fly? 
No, that is only the gift that Allah Taala gave naturally to birds and flying insects. 


Does he have super strength? Nope. That is only what the CGI wants us to believe.

Can he turn invisible? Obviously not, because his face was in the newspaper yesterday.

But to me, he is a true hero. A true hero is someone who is brave to face the thing he/she fears most. In this case, it is the stigma in today's society, that seeking knowledge is not for old people. Mr Samsudin stood up to that stigma, even if he didn't pass with flying colours. It was not the result that was the certificate of his bravery, but it is his will and determination to push forward despite the odds. And that to me, is something worth more than bravery medals or awards.

I want to remember his name, as a reminder to myself, to keep pushing forward. 


I want to remember such a spirited person, who, even when his number (age) has already reached five-o (50), is still dreams of setting foot on the steps of university. 


What a shame, it would be such an honour to have him as a classmate. 


Bittaufiq wannajah (May Allah give you guidance and success) Mr Samsudin Rejab, and thanks again, for giving this pharmacist-to-be the motivation pill when she needed it the most. (smiles)

الحمد لله رب العالمين